Damian Hirtz, Head CrossFit Trainer
- Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- BA University of St. Thomas – St. Paul, MN
- CrossFit Certified Instructor (2005)
- CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified Instructor
- CrossFit Kids Certified Instructor
- Owner/Head Instructor: Alliance Jiu-Jitsu MN and CrossFitMN – Minneapolis, MN.
Damian Hirtz is a lifelong athlete and competitor. A former college baseball player, Damian continues to compete as a black belt in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on an international level.
With over 15 years of training and teaching experience he believes fitness, health and optimal performance are vital to the human experience and happiness. He encourages individuals to make positive lifestyle changes through exercise and nutrition. CrossFit is the perfect vehicle to facilitate change through its scalability and focus on functional movements.
As a CrossFit Certified Trainer, Damian introduced CrossFit to Minnesota with the opening of the state’s original CrossFit affiliate, CrossFit Minnesota. Since its incorporation, he has worked with indivuals from all walks of life to prepare them for whatever life may throw at them.
Damian and his wife Christine are fixtures at CrossFit Minnesota along with their three boys. They’re goal is to provide the highest level of athletic coaching in the most positive, professional environment possible.
Damian and his team of instructors and trainers truly bring unmatched experience, knowledge and achievement.
Darcy Franklin, CrossFit Certified Trainer
- CrossFit Endurance Certified Trainer
- CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
- CrossFit Kids Certified Trainer
- BS Biology, University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse
- Masters in Curriculum & Instruction, University of Colorado
- Local Minnesota elite tri-athlete – Podium finishes in every local triathlon participated
- ACE Fitness Certified
- Triathlon/Running Coach
- Fitness Boot Camp & Cycling Instructor
- Mother & Wife
Ryan McDowell, CrossFit Certified Trainer
- CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
- BS Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Functional Movement Specialist
- Titleist Performance Institute-Certified Fitness Professional
- Member of Metropolis Rugby Club
With a real zest for life and constant variety of cutting-edge ideas, training with Ryan is always an adventure! Specializing in functional movement training & corrective exercise, Ryan brings a true passion for CrossFit and infuses real excitement to each session. Ryan enjoys teaching to all ages and abilities.
Ryan has conducted over 100 wellness presentations for corporate, civic, and philanthropic organizations.
Aaron Kornegay, CrossFit Certified Trainer
- B.S. Accounting, Central Washington University
- CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
- Interests: the sport of CrossFit, running, biking, golf, avid San Jose Sharks and Seattle sports fan (slowly becoming a bandwagon Twin Cities sports fan)
- Senior Accounting Analyst at Best Buy Corporation
