My journey with CrossFit began in the Spring of 2012. After catching a rerun of the 2011 CrossFit Games, I was mesmerized, I needed to give it a shot. I knew that the older brother of a friend who I grew up playing baseball with had just opened a CrossFit gym. So I reached out and set up an intro session. My first workout was the Baseline WOD (500 meter row, 40 air squats, 30 sit ups, 20 push ups, 10 pull ups) and it left me sprawled on the floor for what felt like an eternity after finishing. It was a feeling that I had not experienced from a workout ever before, and I knew immediately that I was hooked. Going to classes several days a week became the norm, and I found myself constantly looking forward to my next visit to the box. CrossFit quickly became a huge part of my life, and I knew that I wanted that part to continue to grow.

After graduating from college with a degree in history, I acquired a personal training certification to make a little money while in grad school. I always saw this as the first step toward getting my Level 1 — I knew that I wanted to become a coach — but I wanted some experience under my belt first. I worked as a personal trainer for 2 years before finally attending my Level 1 certification.

Coaching became my passion immediately. Getting the chance to connect with people and affect change on a daily basis is an amazing feeling. Some of my closest friends and fondest memories have been made through CrossFit. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to call this my career. I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life.

Online at www.PisgahFitness.com and www.DMutoTraining.com

On InstaGram @MutoDaniel @PisgahFitness @D.Muto.Training