Meet the CrossFit Hammer & Tong Coaches

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Ben Sloane

Owner / Coach

I’ve been involved in Sport my whole life. Really anything with a footy was my go to. I lived and breathed it from 5yrs old – until i was 30. I found Crossfit when i was 27 back in 2012 and saw it as a complimentary to Footy.

I had always viewed CrossFit like i viewed Rugby Union, a chance to push the boundaries and see what your body can withstand. My mindset playing Footy was always to beat my opposite number. Win, Lose or Draw id always reflect and think did i beat him. Now with my training it’s not so much about beating anyone in the gym ( although we have some good banter ) it’s more focused on, am I still pushing the boundaries and am i challenging my body.

CrossFit has allowed me to keep my body in a position to adapt to new things, Triathlons, Trail Riding & a lot more outdoor activities.
Hammer & Tong has allowed me to grow as an athlete but more importantly as a person. Coaching isn’t easy but it’s super rewarding. I’ve met some of my closest friends since opening our doors and have watched many, many other relationships blossom in our 4 walls.
My Wife & 3 kids have literally grown up in these walls ( we lived in the gym for 4 years ) and we cherish the community nights and events we spend with all the other families in here.

So if you’re unsure if this is the spot for you, just know that our coaching team care and our members will cheer for you and support you at whatever level of fitness you are coming here with.
Qualifications
– CrossFit Lvl 1
– CrossFit Lvl 2
– Australian Weightlifting Lvl 1
– Crossfit Masters
– Cert 3 & 4 Fitness

Jacob Marquardt

Coach

Jacobs CrossFit journey started back in 2012 as a 16 year old and was quickly hooked on CrossFit methodology with its variability and community driven culture. Jacob competed in Olympic Lifting for 10 years on a national and international platform.

One of the best things about for Jacob about being a Coach is helping members realise their full potential. After 10 years of coaching, he still gets pumped up seeing someone do a box jump for the first time, beat their old 1 rep max, or even commit to improving their training consistency. 

 

David Richardson

Coach

My love for health & fitness really started in the military, including over 15 years as a combat fitness leader.
I first started CrossFit in Darwin and utilised it on and off until 2017 when I ramped up the consistency at CrossFit Snake in Tamworth. I’ve trained at Boxes all over Australia, Asia and in Europe. I came to Hammer and Tong in Lismore in 2022 after having moved to the area for work.
Having experienced the physically demanding nature of military roles firsthand, I understands the importance of being in peak physical condition. I wholeheartedly believes that CrossFit is the ultimate method for improving general physical preparedness, and I have personally witnessed its effectiveness in enhancing performance and resilience.
My coaching approach is rooted through my experience and deep understanding of the human body. Combining the principles of CrossFit with my military background, this has allowed me to see my body grow stronger and and generally fitter. Through a combination of functional movements, high-intensity workouts, Crossfit Hammer & Tong will help you unlock your true potential and achieve your goals.
What I truly believe sets Hammer and Tong apart is the incredible community that thrives within the gym’s walls. The support, camaraderie, and shared dedication found in the CrossFit community are invaluable to everyone’s individual success. All the coaches will help guide you & you’ll be welcomed into a tight-knit group of like-minded individuals who will motivate and inspire you every step of the way

Lauryn Bromhead

Coach

I have been involved in sport and fitness my entire life, growing up I was a competitive swimmer and always loved to participate in as many sports as I could. In year 11 I selected to complete my cert 3 in fitness, and this is when I feel in love with the fitness industry. Once I completed my cert 3, I enrolled and completed my cert 4 in fitness. I left school at the end of year 11 to pursue a career in the fitness industry. I worked as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and learn to swim teacher for a few years and this is how I found CrossFit. One of my colleges was a member of the local CrossFit gym and told me all about it. I signed up and have been hooked ever since. I love the methodology of CrossFit, no matter who you are or what your fitness level is there is always an option for you. I love that CrossFit has so much variety from weightlifting, to gymnastic to metcons you always have something you can work on or something to get better at.

My favourite part of being a coach is the CrossFit community, the atmosphere in the gym is just incredible, everyone is super supportive and friendly, it’s just like a second family. I love seeing the excitement people get when they get a new pb, get there first pull up or muscle up or achieve something they didn’t think was possible. It gives me goosebumps every time, seeing the smiles on their faces is priceless.

Qualifications
Cert III in Fitness
Cert IV in Fitness
Group Fitness instructor

Frank Petsch

Coach

My CrossFit journey started in 2010 when I was looking into another training method for rock climbing.
CrossFit quickly became my main fitness program and I still strongly believe in its’ core values.
In my journey so far I’ve done competitive sailing ,swimming, rock climbing and Olympic Clay target shooting. I’ve also done a few performances in Acrobatic Yoga.
My passion is helping people in their fitness journey, through: Virtuosity ( to do the common uncommonly well)
Longevity ( to do the sport for the rest of your life)
FUN
Life before CrossFit started as:
Professional fashion and lifestyle photographer (40 years experience)
Firearms instructor. (15 years)
Qualifications Cert 4 in Fitness
Strength and Conditioning coach Lvl.2
CrossFit Lvl 2
CrossFit Gymnastic
CrossFit Masters
CrossFit Kids
CrossFit Fundamentals, Dumbbells, Spot the Flaw
Australian Olympic lifting and power coach Lvl 2
Kettlebell Lvl. 2
Clubbell Lvl.2
Steel mace Lvl.1
Nutrition Lvl.1

Troy Smith

Coach

Troy Smith is a dedicated CrossFit coach with a passion for helping individuals achieve their fitness goals. Holding a Level 1 CrossFit coach certification, Troy combines his expertise in functional movements and strength training with personalized coaching to inspire his clients to reach new heights of physical fitness. With a focus on technique, motivation, and community support, Troy empowers individuals of all levels to unleash their full potential and lead healthier, more active lifestyles through the power of CrossFit

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