Meet The Staff
Pete Rankin
Owner/Head Trainer
I grew up in Hong Kong until the age of 13 when I returned to the UK to further my education at boarding school and eventually University in Cardiff.
I always knew opening a gym was something that I wanted to do; I just didn’t know when it would happen. Certainly not this soon, however I am looking forward to the fun and challenging times ahead on this journey.
Upon completing my degree in Sports Management in 2009 I embarked on a Diploma in Personal Training which led me into setting up my own business of training regular people in a 1:1 environment.
After playing rugby for many years I moved into competing in Kettlebell Sport competitions before my endeavour and love of CrossFit arrived. I thought I knew training until I tried this. The balance of weightlifting, gymnastics and mono-structural movements really push the body and mind to greater levels of fitness. I am dedicated to helping the people I train in their pursuit of conquering physical challenges and the mental fortitude that comes from the ability to overcome them.
Qualifications
• BsC Hon Sport Management Degree
• Diploma in Personal Training- Level 2 & Level 3
• Extreme Kettlebell Instructor
• Advanced Extreme Kettlebell Instructor
• CrossFit Level 1 Certified
• CrossFit Strongman Certified
• Coaches Prep Course attendee
• CrossFit Powerlifting Certified
• CrossFit Gymnastics Trainer Certified
• CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
Email Pete:- pete@theboatshedfitness.co.uk
Michael Johnson
Owner/Head Trainer
Michael joined the fitness industry in 2008 after competing and taking part in different endurance events. This sparked an interest in coaching and helping people attain their health and fitness goals. Now as Co-Owner of The Boat Shed is able to achieve this goal. Michael regularly takes the fundamentals classes here at The Boat Shed.
An ex smoker of 60 per day Michael has totally turned his health around and over the last 18 years has Cycled from Canberra to Sydney. Taken part in long distance treks all over the world including New Zealand, South America, Tibet, Nepal, Africa and Australia. He has also completed multiple marathons all and including completing the notorious Marathon Des Sables twice.
Recently competed in Iron Man triathlon in the age grouping in Lanzarote, Western Australia and France. Before retiring from Endurance Running he completed the Everest Marathon in 2007.
Qualifications
• Level 2 Gym instructor
• Running Instructor
• Spin cycling instructor
• Circuit training indoor and outdoor
• Kettlebell instructor
• Competion Kettlebell Instructor
• CrossFit Coach Level 1
• Olympic Lifting Coach Level 1
• CrossFit Level 2 Preparation
Email Michael:- michael@theboatshedfitness.co.uk
Paolo Alonzi
Trainer
CrossFit for me has transformed the way I train, eat and live my life. Since attending the level 1 certification in May 2011, I have been able to share and apply a greater knowledge and understanding of this elite strength and conditioning programme to my training, CrossFit members & pupils within my job.
CrossFit being constantly varied training has meant that routine is now my enemy. It has taken me out of my comfort zone, and found weaknesses. However my training is now interesting, enjoyable and delivering measurable results.
CrossFit is for everyone; the most important message that I can share with you is that that all of the workouts are scalable to the ability of the individual, with the success focusing on the intensity and effort produced by each individual.
Qualifications:
• BSc(Hons) Sport and Physical Education
• PGCE Secondary Physical Education
• CrossFit Level 1 Certified Trainer
• CrossFit Kids Certified
• CrossFit Strongman Certified
• Olympic Weightlifting for Professional Coaches
Email Paolo:- paolo@theboatshedfitness.co.uk
Rachel Blumberg
Trainer
My sporting career began many years ago when I competed for Great Britain on numerous occasions in the amateur Showjumping Nations Cup. I had many highs in Showjumping including qualifying for the Horse Of The Year show, however since giving the horses up, I have found it difficult to find something to replace the passion and drive to succeed that I had for the sport.
That is until I found CrossFit!
CrossFit has completely turned my life around. CrossFit pushes me to my limits, fits in with my competitive nature; however it still maintains an incredible community spirit. Most of all I have found an amazingly fun way to stay fit. More than just a fitness program, CrossFit is a complete lifestyle which leads our members to be fitter and more balanced individuals. CrossFit is for everyone and everyone is treated the same from the beginner to the elite CrossFit athlete, all are welcomed and encouraged.
Qualifications:
• BSc(Hons) Sport and Physical Education
• CrossFit Level 1 Certified Trainer
• Extreme Kettlebell Instructor
• Level 3 Personal Trainer
Cheryl Hudgell
Trainer
Cheryl is a passionate, energetic and motivational person that has a vivid interest in fitness, health and general well being. She has competed in many running races over the last ten years from fast, flat 5k’s to multi terrain mountain marathons to 24 hour events. she has ran a total of 10 marathons worldwide. Cheryl embarked on the CrossFit industry a year and a half ago and absolutely loves it. “It’s taught me a lot about myself, my fitness and given me so many opportunity’s to learn different exercises, techniques, methods of training, intensity of training etc. etc”.
Cheryl currently teaches both indoor and outdoor fitness circuits, coaches mixed and female only running based sessions, instructs indoor and outdoor kettle bell sessions and is in her element when doing so!
Qualifications:
• Extreme Kettlebell Instructor
• CYQ level 3 personal trainer
• CYQ level 2 circuit instructor
• YMCA fitness industry running coach