about
THE Viking Athletics STORY
Erik Castiglione - OWNER
A native of West Hartford, Erik has had a lifelong passion for fitness. His earliest fitness memories include partaking in the Duffy Elementary School Runners Club and early morning gym, and several youth sports. While attending Conard High School he focused on football, wrestling, and baseball. He graduated in 2005 as a CT scholar athlete and a captain of the CCC West Champion wrestling team. He was first introduced to CrossFit in the spring of 2005, and started incorporating CrossFit workouts into his training.
After obtaining his BS in electrical engineering from Yale University, Erik became one of the first members of Viking Athletics. He moved to Philly in early 2010 to work for the Navy as an electrical engineer and earn his MSEE from Villanova. While in Philly, he began competing in local CrossFit competitions, and became a part time CrossFit coach. After several years with the Navy, Erik was able to turn his love of science from engineering to exercise science and physiology. He became a full time coach and part owner of two gyms down there. In 2015, he became Philly’s first CrossFit Level 3 coach. He moved back home to West Hartford in early 2016, where he became the owner and head coach of Viking Athletics.
OUR coaches
Erik Castiglione
Owner and Head Coach
Certifications:
CrossFit Level 3;
USA Weightlifting Level 2;
Pain Free Performance Specialist;
BioLayne Nutrition Coach;
Box Programming;
CrossFit Aerobic Capacity;
CrossFit Powerlifting;
CrossFit Movement and Mobility;
CrossFit Kids;
CrossFit Strongman;
Pre and Post Natal Training;
NSPA Certified Speed and Agility Coach;
NSPA Certified Sports Nutrition Coach;
NSPA Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach;
NSPA Certified Program Design Specialist;
CrossFit Level 2;
USA Weightlifting Level 1;
CrossFit Level 1
What first brought you to Viking Athletics?
I have been involved in CrossFit since 2005. In 2009, I became one of the first members of what was then CrossFit Relentless. In 2016, I bought it, and established Viking Athletics. We are still the home of CrossFit Relentless but we offer other programs in addition to CrossFit.
What Made You want to Coach?
During my time in Philadelphia, I gave a fellow gym member a cue on how to stabilize his overhead squat. Ironically, based on what we (CrossFit in general) have learned since, this cue was actually incorrect. Still, at the time, the cue helped my friend solve a problem that had plagued him for months. Immediately, I found that helping others learn and grow is more satisfying than focusing on my own growth. I was an electrical engineer at the time, working for the DoD, and service to others was always a goal. Coaching allowed me to have a more direct impact in terms of helping others.
Favorite Quote?
“Weak things break.” – Louie Simmons
Favorite WOD or Movement?
Heavy squats and presses
Alex Graffagnino
Powerlifting Director
Certifications:
USA Powerlifting Club Coach;
Evolve HP Advanced Programming Course
What first brought you to Viking Athletics?
I was brought into Viking Athletics by some friends, and after meeting members and getting a feel for the gym community, it was an easy decision when given the opportunity to coach here.
What Made You Want to Coach?
I was always hesitant about taking a role as a coach due to my love of training. I feared that mixing passion and paycheck would eventually make me resent doing one or the other. Thankfully I was wrong.
Coaching has given me the ability to use my skills to help others learn and grow into well rounded and capable athletes, which has truly been a blessing to witness and be a part of.
Favorite Quote?
“A day without laughter is a day wasted” – Charlie Chaplin
Favorite WOD or Movement?
Deadlift
Nivi Carbonell
“Viking Performance” Director
Certifications:
CrossFit Level 2;
Precision Nutrition;
CrossFit Gymnastics;
CrossFit Endurance;
Adaptive Inclusive Trainer;
NASM Certified Personal Trainer;
CrossFit Level 1
What Brought You to Viking Athletics?
An opportunity to grow as a coach and extend my sphere of influence within a well-fostered culture.
What Made You Want to Coach?
Coaching for me is therapeutic and I enjoy helping people become better, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. After 10 years in the Marine Corps, I wanted to be of service in a different sense.
Favorite Quote?
“Humility does not mean weakness, but it’s opposite. Leaders with mana understand the strength of humility. It allows them to connect with their deepest values and the wider world.”
-James Kerr
Favorite WOD or Movement?
“Filthy Fifty”
Monique Mount
Youth Program Director and Coach
Certifications:
Brand X Professional Youth Coach;
CrossFit Kids Coach;
CrossFit Level 2;
Precision Nutrition;
CrossFit Weightlifting;
CrossFit Level 1
What first made you come to Viking athletics?
I joined Viking Athletics when it first opened, then under the name CrossFit Relentless. I first started working with a trainer at a regular commercial gym. I got bored doing regular machine-based workouts, and my trainer opened CrossFit USA so I followed him. He then opened CrossFit Relentless, so I followed him there as well. Ownership eventually changed, but I remained.
What made you want to coach?
I have always loved teaching and tutoring, so coaching is right along those lines. I was given the opportunity to run the kids program by the previous owner, and it gave me a chance to do what I love, help people. That has continued to grow since.
Favorite quote?
“Of course, it’s hard. It’s supposed to be hard. If it were easy everyone would do it. Hard is what makes it great.”
Favorite WOD or movement?
“Murph,”
For Time:
1 Mile Run
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Squats
1 Mile Run
Partition as needed, wear a vest if you have it.
But don’t ask me to do it now my cardio is terrible.
Sara Martin
Coach
Certifications:
CrossFit Level 1;
CrossFit Level 2
What first made you come to Viking athletics?
I found CrossFit in 2013 when training for a Tough Mudder. After my first WOD, I was hooked and haven’t looked back. I joined Evansville CrossFit in Southern Indiana at the tender age of 43, so don’t believe anyone who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I grew up as a competitive figure skater in California and found that CrossFit is similar in that you spend a lot of time trying to master very technical movements. Nothing is overnight, patience is needed and time to build strength is required. My favorite things are a heavy barbell and some gymnastics. I love that CrossFit can be modified, regardless of where you are in your fitness journey and you can still build strength and endurance. I came to Viking Athletics in December of 2021 after I could no longer stand working out by myself in my garage where no one laughed at my jokes. I am a big fan of Viking Athletics programming, and I am looking forward to witnessing the results of everyone’s goals.
What made you want to coach?
I started coaching in 2019 and it has opened a whole new opportunity for me to learn new things and pass on that knowledge. I love watching people discover strength they didn’t know they had or master a new skill.
Favorite quote?
“Don’t compare your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20.” -Someone on the internet
Favorite WOD or movement?
“Grace”
For Time:
30 Clean and Jerks (135/95)
Raf Martinez
Coach
Certifications:
CrossFit Level 1
What first made you come to Viking athletics?
I was 1st introduced to Viking (Relentless) by a competition they were putting on at the gym. A personal trainer from my old gym thought I would do well at it, so I signed up. Needless to say, I got my ass handed to me and I was hooked!
What made you want to coach?
I enjoy helping other people and personally get a rush when something finally clicks, or someone achieves something they thought was unattainable.
Favorite quote?
“If you think lifting is dangerous, try being weak. Being weak is dangerous.”
-Bret Contreras
Favorite WOD or movement?
LEG DAY!!
Chris Bryant
Viking Barbell Club Director (weightlifting)
Certifications:
USA Weightlifting Level 1;
Safe Sport Certified
What first brought you to Viking Athletics?
I was previously involved in ultra distance endurance racing and needed to add some strength training and reduce some miles on my legs. CrossFit was perfect.
What Made You Want to Coach?
I Love helping people reach their fitness goals!
Favorite Quote?
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” – Mark Twain.
Favorite WOD or Movement?
Squats! Heavy grindy back squats!
Dylan Giguere
Weightlifting and Powerlifting Coach
Certifications:
USA Weightlifting Level 1
What first made you come to Viking athletics?
I came to Viking athletics in search of a team environment that would push me to show up and get the work done. I’m from west Hartford and had known about the gym for years and my only regret is not walking in the door sooner.
What made you want to coach?
I wanted to become a coach to help people achieve their strength goals and share what I’ve learned through practical experience as an athlete.
Favorite quote?
“Keep goin.”
Favorite WOD or movement?
Snatch
Sarah Bryant
Weightlifting Coach
Certifications:
USA Weightlifting Level 1;
Safe Sport Certified;
Active Life RX
What first brought you to Viking Athletics?
I knew another mom who had fully transformed herself doing CrossFit. After looking into it, I thought it might be a lot of fun as I enjoy being competitive and I needed to get active. I would attend class while my daughter did gymnastics nearby. I fell in love with CrossFit, the Viking (then Relentless) people, and it was the first time in my adult life I started to see real results.
What Made You Want to Coach?
I love sharing knowledge with others – teaching is in my blood. And when others achieve their goals, that’s the icing on the cake! I love it when they realize they are capable of so much more than what they first thought.
Favorite Quote?
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Favorite WOD or Movement?
Of course, being an Olympic lifting coach, I love the Olympic lifts – snatch being my favorite. But I love pull ups, dips, and rope climbs. Oh, – and I weirdly love bench.