Andrew Taylor
Founder
How long have you been involved in CrossFit?
I’ve been involved in the CrossFit community for over 10 years now. After acquiring CrossFit Level 1 in early 2019 I have been coaching CrossFit for well over 6 years now to Adults, Teens and Kids and been an Affiliate/Owner for almost 6 years.
Relevant Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1 and Level 2, CrossFit Kids, CrossFit Strongman, BWL Level 1. I’m also CBT qualified and a certified Mental Health First Aider, which helps me take a holistic approach to supporting our members.
Favourite Movement/Workout?
Squats – OH, Back, Front Cleans, Wall Walks, Burpees. Would be a Chipper Hero Wod or one of the CrossFit Ladies Benchmarks – Grettel, Manion, Nancy maybe??
What do You Like Most About CrossFit?
The Classes/Wods – you will never push yourself as much as you do within a CrossFit class. The Community – being surrounded by others in a class, doing a workout where everyone is trying to push/support themselves and each other to better themselves is something special. Measurable – progress is acknowledged, highlighted and celebrated, you’ll be surprised when reminded of how far you may have come since starting out.
Laura Taylor
Owner & Director,CrossFit Blackpool
As the proud owner and director of CrossFit Blackpool, I am dedicated to fostering a thriving fitness community that empowers individuals to achieve their best – both inside and outside the gym. While I don’t coach directly, I work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the business and provide unwavering support to our incredible coaching team, led by my husband and our experienced staff. In addition to managing CrossFit Blackpool, I bring a wealth of expertise from my role as a director in the hospitality industry. My professional background allows me to focus on delivering a seamless member experience and ensuring that our gym remains a welcoming space for all.
While my focus is on running the business, I’m deeply committed to helping our members cultivate a balanced and healthy lifestyle through the programs and values we uphold at CrossFit Blackpool. When I’m not managing CrossFit Blackpool or my other ventures, you’ll often find me supporting our community, cheering on members, and ensuring that everyone feels like part of the CrossFit Blackpool community.
Relevant Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1 Certified, Life Coach, Mindfulness & Holistic Practitioner, and Level 4 Nutritionist.
Joel Fuentes Tobin
SENIOR Coach, PROGRAMMER
How long have you been involved in CrossFit?
6 years
Relevant Qualifications
CrossFit Level 2
Favourite Movement & Workout?
Fave movement is Snatches, fave WOD is Holleyman
What you like most about CrossFit?
The community!! It’s great fun pushing yourself and testing your limits but it’s even better when you surround yourself with people who are after the same thing themselves and also want to see you succeed!
Sally Thompson Taylor
FCWC Head weightlifting Coach
How long have you been involved in CrossFit?
I’ve been involved with CrossFit and weightlifting for 10 years, competing and coaching in weightlifting 10 years at Regional and National level.
Relevant Qualifications
BWL L1 and 2, Level 3 PT, Mental Health First Aider, BSc Hons Sports Therapy, MSc Psychology of Sport and Exercise
Favourite Movement/Workout?
Snatch and Handstands!! When I do a little bit of CrossFit, Nancy has been one of my favourites, but anything with a barbell and limited cardio really.
What do you like most about CrossFit?
The community. Everyone supporting each other wherever you are in your fitness journey. The opportunities. CrossFit provides individuals with the opportunity to learn new skills, discover things they are mentally and physically capable of that they might never have thought of before and to succeed.
Matty Nicolson-Smith
Coach MNS!
How long have you been involved in CrossFit?
I have been doing CrossFit for about 4 years. I joined CrossFit Blackpool in around late 2020 (Covid baby!) after looking to try something different from the regular gym bro split at your ‘average gym’.
Relevant Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1
Favourite Movement & Workout?
My favourite movements are probably anything gymnastics based; chest to bar, bar muscle ups, etc. This also falls into my favourite type of workout; something that is fast enough to not realise your heart rate is through the roof until it’s over and you’re dying on the floor! Along with a slightly heavier weight! Also been know to enjoy a bit of built in rest!
What you like most about CrossFit?
The thing I like most about CrossFit, well 2 things:
– Number 1 is easy, the community I spent 5+ years training on my own with my headphones in not socialising in the gym at all, and when you walk into a CrossFit gym, everyone is on there own journey, but everyone helps each other on their path to whatever they’re trying to achieve.
– Number 2 will have to be the element of there is always something new that you can learn or get better at. From the day you walk in the door until the day you never step foot into a CrossFit gym again, there will always be something different to shift your focus too. Whether it is getting your first double under or trying to link 10 ring muscle ups, there is always a goal to work towards and it just never gets boring!
James Lyons
Coach
How long have you been involved in CrossFit?
2.5 Years
Relevant Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1 – British Weightlifting Level 1 – Level 3 Personal Trainer – BSc Sport and Exercise Science
Favourite Movement/Workout?
Workout: Favourite Movement: Cleans. Favourite Workout: Mikkos Triangle
What do you like most about CrossFit?
The community / social aspect. You can step foot in the gym for the first time and within a week have a group of friends you enjoy training with, who all want each other to progress and succeed.
Rob Cooper
Coach
How long have you been involved in CrossFit?
I have been doing CrossFit on and off for about 4-ish years now.
Relevant Qualifications
PT Level 2 and 3, CrossFit Level 1
Favourite Movement/Workout?
Fave movement is probably Handstand Walks! Fave workout: Some sort of big Chipper like Murph or Filthy Fifty kind of vibe!
What do you like most about CrossFit?
The thing I like most about CrossFit is 1: Makes you feel like a bit of a badass when you get half decent at it, and 2: Everyone around you is in the same boat and like-minded. There is no other kind of person I’d rather be surrounded by.
Heidi Wilson
Coach
How long have you been involved in CrossFit?
I walked into the doors of CrossFit Blackpool as a complete fitness beginner in September 2020!
Relevant Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1
Favourite Movement/Workout?
Favourite movement: Hand stand push ups and double-unders. Favourite workout: Mikko’s Triangle (I’m also a CrossFitter who loves running, so any cardio!)
What do you like most about CrossFit?
The empowerment and self-confidence it brings. I have been through a big journey of growth myself. It is true that CrossFit changes lives, especially with the support of the community.
High-Quality Gym Equipment
CrossFit Blackpool boasts a spacious 2,500 sq. ft. fully equipped facility featuring high-spec equipment, including Concept 2 rowers, ski ergs, air assault bikes, C2 bikes, Wolverson/Bison bumper plates, hex dumbbells, kettlebells, plyo boxes, and wall balls and more! As the only gym in the area with CrossFit Quarter-Finals standard 15 ft ropes, and a huge rig to accommodate up to 20 people, we are able to deliver comprehensive workouts to suit all levels. Committed to helping you become stronger, faster, and more agile, our gym is designed to push your limits and achieve results.
Exceptional Features and Amenities
CrossFit Blackpool offers a spacious open-layout facility designed to elevate your training experience. With dedicated Olympic lifting platforms and a specialized turf section for sled pushes and pulls, we’ve got everything you need to perform at your best. Two large roller shutter doors can provide an outdoor workout experience, letting you train in the fresh air. Plus, our on-site changing rooms and showers ensure early birds can head to work feeling fresh and energised!
Check out or specialty programs for CrossFit weightlifting, Hyrox and PT programmes also our kids, Teens and Strong Girl Squad programmes.
GET STARTED AT THE BEST GYM IN Blackpool, Lancashire.