Michael has been the Head Coach since March 2014 and became an owner in 2016. He has been coaching CrossFit since 2009. He is a Certified CrossFit Level 3 (CF-L3) Trainer with specialty certificates in Aerobic Capacity, Gymnastics, Weightlifting, USAW Level 1 Weightlifting Coach, and MovNat Level 1 Certified Trainer.
A multi-sport athlete growing up, Mike was active in swimming, baseball, basketball, soccer, track & field, football; then 4 years of rugby in college. He played rugby for Atlanta’s Old White organization until 2015 and enjoyed national success finishing in the top 16 in the country in Rugby 7s (new Olympic version of rugby) in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 & 2014, as well as, top 16 in Rugby 15s in 2009 and 2013.
High-quality coaching in his own words:
“A great coach strives for virtuosity.” (CrossFit CF-L1 course material). A great coach must not only entertain, inspire, and educate, but they must also genuinely care about improving the health, fitness, and lives of their athletes. They must be knowledgable and commit to continually educate themselves to help their athletes accomplish their goals. Finally, they should promote a fun environment so that athletes are inspired to keep coming back.
"A warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does."
Started CrossFit in
2006
CrossFit Coach since
2009
Favorite CrossFit benchmark
karen
MORE ABOUT Mike
Why did I start CrossFit?
I was introduced to CrossFit in 2008 through rugby as a way to becoming a fitter, more powerful athlete. I quickly became convinced that CrossFit is the best General Physical Preparation program in existence, and have been turning others on to CrossFit ever since.
Why did I become a CrossFit coach?
I wanted to help people become fitter. It all started when I taught a class in college called, “How to be Fit with Mike Aaron,” and evidently, that stuck with me. It became a lifelong endeavor to create the best possible experience and outcome for every individual in our community.
Favorite CrossFit Midtown memory?
- John Dyer’s 40th Birthday – Grey Wolf and Whiskey
- Harry Potter and Superhero-themed fitness challenges
- Superhero workouts
- CFM Movie Night Premieres
- Karaoke nights
What do I do in my spare time?
Game nights with friends, watch a lot of movies and YouTube, entertain people at the gym with my fancy lightsabers, quote Braveheart.
Advice to new CrossFitters?
Be patient with your progress – building strength, developing technique with each movement, and increasing your endurance takes time. Have a positive attitude and give your best every day at the gym. Don’t avoid WODs because you don’t like them. Most of the time that is exactly what you need.
Favorite movement to coach?
Deadlifts
Favorite CrossFit movement?
One-armed dumbbell snatch
