Meet local dad Anthony Crowder, a personal trainer who lives in town with his wife and 5-year-old son, Roman. While working in finance, Anthony pursued his passion for fitness and received his trainer certification. Now he’s a trainer at F45 in Fairfield, which is “a fitness program focused on cardio, strength and functional movements that will get people stronger in their everyday lives.”
To learn more about Anthony, read the interview and follow him @f45_training_fairfieldusa, @rac_fitness_24.7 and visit the website.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have one son named Roman, and he is 5 years old.
What brought you and your family to town?
I was born and raised in Norwalk and already familiar with the area. My wife is a nurse, so we bought a house closer to her job and central between her family and mine.
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
The people—everyone is so nice.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
Favorite family activity is going to the sportsplex, because there are so many different things to choose from.
You started your career in finance. Can you please tell us a bit about your path to health and fitness?
Yes, my first career was in finance. It paid the bills, but deep down inside I knew it wasn’t something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. I did not want to be one of those people who years later say they hate their job and wish they did or could have done something else. I grew up around fitness, watching my father at my son’s age working out in our garage and my uncle would take me to the YMCA with him. I also played sports and that’s what got me into weightlifting. Long story short, I loved fitness and wanted to share my passion with others and help them not only become better physically, but mentally as well. I went back to school at nights while in finance to get certified as a trainer, and once I got my first fitness job, I left finance behind.
What can someone expect at F45?
They can expect to meet new people and really enjoy working out with our enthusiastic coaches and high energy music. They will learn how to properly move their bodies without getting injured. They can expect that our coaches and staff will never give up on them.
Tell us about F45 and the programming you offer?
F45 is a fitness program focused on cardio, strength and functional movements that will get them stronger in their everyday lives. Each month we have a new phase of workouts which keeps things fresh and keeps members from getting bored in a routine. It’s designed to help anyone no matter where they are in their fitness journey achieve their short- or long-term goals.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a community working together to achieve a common goal. There’s nothing like seeing the end of class high fives and fist bumps, seeing members walk out with smiles on their faces because of some things they did in that room that they did not think they could do. It gives me an opportunity to meet people and share my passion with them, but most importantly seeing the mental and physical changes over time.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another dad?
The best advice I’ve gotten from another dad is that work will always be there. Meaning no matter how much work you have or you think you have, it’ll still be there tomorrow so go home and spend the quality time with friends and family because you won’t get that time back
Do you have any advice for parents who are looking to get started with F45?
My advice to parents who are looking to get started at F45 is: Don’t think about it and just go for it.
How do you unwind when you need some “me time”?
When I need some me time, I go to the gym, throw on my earbuds, lift weights and just zone out. My other me time is home with a book and a glass of wine.
Any words of wisdom?
I love Eric Thomas, and a quote from him that says, “Champions keep going when they’ve got nothing left in their tank.” In other words, don’t ever quit or give up.
Anything to add?
I just appreciate this opportunity to share a little about me to everyone
We love supporting local businesses. Favorite places in town (or near town) to…
Have dinner with/without kids: Aji 10 In Norwalk
Grab a drink with friends: Sinclair Fairfield
Have a date night: Riley’s by the Seawall in Stratford, specifically in the summer
Spend time together as a family indoors/outdoors: In the summer the local beach, and in the winter, Sky Zone trampoline park.
Shop for yourself/shop for your kids: Marshalls in Stratford
Grab coffee: The local Starbucks