EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to our 12 reps feature. In each appearance of 12 Reps, our coaches, writers, and occasional guests will be answering the same twelve questions each time. Go “into the locker-room” with them and get to know our coaches and writers a little bit better!
12 Reps With Fitness Coach Jeff Kuhland
1. Who was your first coach and what did he or she teach you?
Coach Loy in high school. He was my cross country coach. I had many coaches growing up, but he was the most impactful and best coach I’ve ever had. He not only taught you the sport of cross country, but also raised young men and women to be responsible adults. He had the credibility of being an athlete first and living what he preached. Most importantly he truly cared about his kids and the community. Recently his team volunteered for a race I was directing and he said to them, “Remember we are a service team. Do your best to help others today.”
2. Who is the coach you most admire?
Coach Loy.
3. If you could have a superhero power, what would it be?
This is a tough question. I’ve always wanted to be indestructible (like Wolverine), to be able to breathe underwater, and to fly. Ultimately I’d pick Wolverine’s healing abilities. I have this idea that if you regenerate that fast, when you work out you will heal instantly and theoretically be able to get infinitely stronger or faster. Imagine going out for a run, and getting faster and faster.
4. What athlete, dead or alive, would you most like to talk with?
Captain Matthew Webb, he was the first man to swim the English Channel. His feats, physical capacity, and mental toughness are unheard of. There is a book written about him and it is one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever read. His breakfast before swimming was a dozen eggs, 1lb of bacon, and 1lb of sausage. During his swim he drank beer when he was thirsty, drank whiskey when he was cold, and ate roast beef sandwiches when he was hungry.
5. When did you know that coaching was your calling?
After graduating college my first job was working with MovNat and then immediately after that as a personal trainer. I knew at this time I could make a difference in people’s lives and was hooked. Helping coach others is more rewarding than any “normal” job or large sum of money for meaningless work.
6. What is the best and hardest part about being a coach?
The best part is watching people you have come to care about succeed far beyond their original goals. The hardest part is watching people come in who want to change but are not ready yet. Some people are simply not ready for coaching or training.
7. What is your favorite physical activity or exercise?
Do I have to pick only one? If it was only one it would be trail running. But I also love CrossFit, the track, kayaking, rafting, snowboarding, wakeboarding, swimming, rock climbing, hiking, and much more.
8. What is your favorite “cheat” food?
I don’t have cheat foods. I eat healthy most of the time and when I want something else I’ll eat it. I enjoy eating healthy mostly, but pizza or chocolate are top on my list too.
9. What is your biggest accomplishment?
This is another hard question. Most notable would be our team winning the national championship for adventure racing in 2008. My hardest physical accomplishment is running the Mountain Masochist fifty-miler. Kayaking and rafting the 226 miles of the Grand Canyon is also another huge one on the list.
10. What do you bring to your students/clients that is different than other coaches and programs?
Training that is based on human growth patterns, that deliver the fastest gains while mitigating risk of injury. I bring a large educational background in terms of traditional schooling and a variety of certifications and experience. I have the ability to adapt to a large number of client needs, while delivering top quality fitness without gimmicks or fads. I believe in the Functional Movement Screen, getting people to move naturally and efficiently, and with applicable fitness. It’s about the engine not the exterior to me.
11. What is your favorite quote?
“The only things worth it in life are those you have to work for.” – Author unknown
12. What was/is your favorite sport and why?
Trail running is my favorite sport. There is nothing that can beat the ability to run for miles in the woods, and the feeling of freedom it gives you.
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If you missed any editions of 12 Reps, be sure to check out our archives. You never know who we might talk to and what might get said!
