Coaches
Christa Doran MS, NSCA-CPT
Mom, Wife, Entrepreneur, Coach, Tuff Girl
I’m Christa Doran, and I empower women with fitness.
Not sure exactly what I mean by that? Don’t worry. I’ll explain.
I could have just introduced myself by telling you that I’m a trainer with 12+ years of experience, a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and a personal trainer certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
While all that is true, it doesn’t communicate my passion well enough, and it doesn’t get to the heart of why I love what I do.
Every day, I have the privilege of guiding strong, amazing women as they work towards their personal health and fitness goals. Each woman has her own unique story, but they share a common goal: to be the best versions of themselves that they can be, regardless of where they are on their journeys.
I give these women the tools they need–challenging workouts, motivation to push beyond their perceived limits, instruction on proper form, and nutrition tips and resources to properly fuel their bodies–so they can reach their goals, and keep getting better. I encourage them to step out of their comfort zones, to push harder, to move faster, to lift heavier, to give more.
Every day, I help women conquer fears and challenges they once thought were insurmountable. I help them do things they never thought they could, and I help them see how this sense of empowerment can carry over into every aspect of their lives. I help, and I guide, but they do the work. Women of every size, shape, and fitness level come to my gym to put in the hard work and sweat; they make the choices and the sacrifices; they create the positive changes by doing things they have never done before; they transform their lives through their own efforts.
To inspire that kind of a transformation in a woman’s life is such an honor, and it’s why I love what I do. It’s the reason I started Tuff Girl Fitness in May, 2009 with 5 women in a park. Today we are over 500 strong and train in our very own 4700 square foot facility in Hamden, CT.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to be a fitness coach. I played sports throughout my high school and college years, and was an avid runner in my 20′s, often running 6+ miles almost daily. While I was always “fit,” I just wasn’t getting the results I wanted.
Over the years, through my research, ongoing education, and personal experience, I’ve gradually refined my training, moving away from running and into High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and lifting progressively heavier weights.
After the birth of my second daughter, I got real with myself about my food and eating habits, and committed to clean, portioned eating 90% of the time. I’ve continued to tweak my eating and training habits to best fuel my body, build serious muscle, and get lean.
I put in the work and made the sacrifices necessary to truly earn my best body, a body most women would say was impossible to achieve.
I’m here to tell you that it’s not impossible.
It’s hard, and you will struggle, but I am here to help. I’ll be there with you every step of the way, motivating you to stop making excuses and start making changes, to give more, to push yourself further than you’ve ever gone.
Hard work pays off. If you’re not willing to work, don’t expect the results. The best things in life take time and patience, and I believe that there are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
I know from first hand experience that the journey is not easy, but it is worth it. You are worth it, and I believe in you.
I’m here to help you earn your best body. I want you to live your life in a body you love. A body that is strong enough to do any task you demand of it. A body that allows you to feel confident in the outfit of your choice. A body that feels amazing all day long and has the energy to keep up with your to-do list. A body that carries you through this life with strength, power and confidence. You deserve the best life, and the best body that you are willing to work for. You deserve to feel the power that comes from pushing beyond what you thought was possible. But there are no handouts on this journey. You have to earn it.
Are you ready? There’s a Tuff Girl inside of you. You better bring her.
I hope to train with you soon!
In Strength,
Christa
“All things are difficult before they are easy.” -Thomas Fuller”
Karin Christley, NASM CPT
Karin is a TUFF girl through and through. She has over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry as a fitness coach and group exercise instructor and is certified by the American Council on Exercise. Karin loves doing anything that is physically challenging and makes strength and heavy lifting her top fitness priority.
She has extensive training in Muay Thai Kickboxing, was a member of the UMASS Amherst Women’s Rugby Team and ran a marathon in Alaska to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Karin also choreographs for, and dances with INDY Crew, an all adult female hip hop dance crew. Karin loves sharing her passion for fitness with others and it shows in the way that she encourages and cares for clients. Karin lives in Meriden†and is proud wife to her amazing husband Marvin, and proud mom to her beautiful son Savion.
“The sooner you accept that it’s NOT easy, the easier it gets” ~ Karin Christley
Mike Doran, BA, NSCA-CPT
Mike Doran is a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), holds a bachelors degree in Physical Education/Exercise Science from the University of RI and is certified in adult/child/infant CPR through the American Red Cross.
He is also a certified second degree black belt in Taekwondo through the World Taekwondo Federation and a Certified Head Instructor through the International World Taekwondo Federation. Mike has been working with children and teens for the past decade, helping them achieve their goals, realize their potential, and discover the benefits of fitness. Through fitness and martial arts, Mike has been witness to the literal transformation of many children into mentally strong, confident teens and young adults. This has been awe inspiring and continues to drive Mike’s work. His functional approach to fitness and unique program design create a challenging, fun environment which gets results.
