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
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.
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.