Coach doug o’neil

Tell us a little bit about you, your background, education, and accolades.

Coach Doug has done CrossFit for over 10 years. He used to teach Olympic Lifting when he lived in North Carolina and began coaching CrossFit at NOVA East in 2023.

Outside of the gym, Coach Doug likes to stay active by playing golf, hockey, and soccer. His kids are involved in sports too and he enjoys watching their games. During the summer they go up to the Adirondacks to fish, swim, hike, and go geocaching. He’s also a Disney fan and knows a lot of park history and trivia.

What brought you to NOVA Fitness?

I previously had worked with Kevin Sawyer as a personal trainer and wanted to continue my fitness journey in a team like, competitive setting.  He introduced me to NOVA Fitness when it was first located off of Park Ave and I was hooked!

What has been your most memorable moment at NOVA Fitness so far?

By far the most memorable moment was when I was able to compete in the Summer Sizzler with my son Sam.

What is one way CrossFit has positively impacted your daily life?

Crossfit has been a daily physical and mental outlet for me. I work in a very  stressful industry and having NOVA Fitness to attend has been a very positive influence in my life.

What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit?

Don't be afraid to try new things. Most athletes and coaches were in your shoes at one point or another experiencing the same hesitations and worries. Let loose! Ask a coach or fellow athlete for help as I know they would be happy to provide it to you. Enjoy the experience, people, and environment that NOVA Fitness offers. Most importantly, smile and enjoy what you are doing.