About
What? CrossFit
Are you tired of the same old routine at the same old gym with the same old results? Do you exercise at home but have tired of the routine? Does your job or life require a level of fitness beyond your current abilities?
Why not try something new?
EmerFit is a gym unlike any gym you may have visited before. We lift heavy things, we swing kettlebells, we drag tires, we climb ropes and hang from monkey bars. We produce a measurable level of fitness in a supportive environment that changes our athlete’s lives. We scale our programs to our clients so we can train men, women, young, old and everyone in between.
Whether or not you are familiar with CrossFit and kettlebells, this may be the place for you. We say it “may be the place” because while we believe our program can benefit everyone, we find that not everyone has the motivation to commit. There is only one way to find out…come in and try it out for free.
Who? Our Trainers
Chris Brown, Owner and Head Trainer
EmerFit is owned and operated by head trainer Chris Brown. Chris has been CrossFitting and using kettlebells since 2005.
He began training his family and co-workers with kettlebells in 2005. Shortly after his first Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) Trainer Certification, Chris found CrossFit and he was hooked. Since the fall of 2005, Chris has been learning as much as he can about coaching others in the moves and methods of CrossFit. He has also been training individuals and small groups in his home studio. In December 2007 Chris opened Fort Collins’ first CrossFit gym: Emergent Fitness (aka EmerFit).
Chris grew up in New Mexico and received his bachelors from New Mexico State University. While Chris likes to say that he went to college to learn how to learn and communicate, he also learned a trade while he was there: software engineering. However, after more than half a decade in a cube Chris found that his real passions are fitness, coaching, and helping others to succeed in their lives.
Chris holds the following certifications:
- Russian Kettlebell Challenge Instructor (June 2005, 2007, 2009)
- CrossFit Level II Trainer (April 2008)
- CrossFit Basic Barbell Certification (August 2007)
- CrossFit Olympic Lifting Certification (September 2007)
- CrossFit Nutrition Certification (February 2008)
- CrossFit Gymnastics Certification (May 2009)
- First Aid, AED, and CPR Certified
- Military Athlete Certification (January 2010, pending performance test)
- USA Weightlifting Club Coach (November 2009)
Chris is building the best gym in Fort Collins. He hopes to attend a CrossFit Kids Certification in 2009 and maybe the rowing certification in 2010.

Jeff Guthrie, CrossFit Trainer
Jeff grew up wrestling in Ohio and relocated to Colorado following his graduation from high school. After a semester course with the National Outdoor Leadership School, Jeff found his first passion, the outdoors. His hobbies include rock climbing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and backpacking.
While searching for a way to improve his climbing and fitness level, Jeff found Crossfit. The level of fitness and the often over looked mental toughness that Crossfit provides has taken his climbing to a new level. Jeff’s commitment to Crossfit and enthusiasm for coaching led him to Emergent Fitness and to complete his level one certification in May 2008 in San Diego.
Jeff plans to countinue his Crossfit education by completing his CrossFit Level II Certification in 2009.
Jeff holds the following certifications:
- CrossFit Level I Trainer (May 2008)
- CrossFit Kids Certification (January 2008)
- CrossFit Nutrition Certification (February 2008)
- CrossFit Mobility and Recovery Certification (December 2009)
- First Aid, AED, and CPR Certified

Brad Jackson, CrossFit Trainer
Brad grew up just north of Fort Collins in Laramie, Wyoming. While enrolled in classes at the University of Wyoming, he discovered rock rock climbing at nearby Vedauwoo. His enthusiasm and determination soon had him mentoring under some of the areas most accomplished climbers.
A desire to improve overall performance and reduce risk of injury, landed Brad in the weight room. Tireless hours of disciplined training and world traveling led to several notable first ascents in North America and repeats of many of the worlds most difficult off-width crack climbs.
In early 2007, a friend suggested Brad consider CrossFit. A single workout changed his entire philosophy on training. Brad made his way to Emerfit in November 2008. A passion for helping others realize their goals through strenuous efforts led him to pursue a CrossFit Level 1 certification in January 2009.
Brad plans to continue his education as a coach by working towards his CrossFit Level II certification and attending speciality certifications.
Brad holds the following certifications:
- CrossFit Level I Trainer (January 2009)
- First Aid, AED, and CPR Certified

Marlena Settle, EmerFit Apprentice
Marlena grew up in Arizona and New Mexico. She attended Arizona State University and graduated with a bachelor’s in Communication in 2001. Marlena worked as a Regional Sales Manager before leaving to stay at home with her 2 daughters.
Marlena has always been an active person, playing soccer and softball from a young age through high school. She found EmerFit in searching for a new way to get healthy and active. Marlena joined EmerFit in April of 2009 – one workout and she knew this was going to be her path to wellness. The CrossFit workouts and the nutrition information provided by the coaches began the passion Marlena now has for helping others achieve their health and fitness goals. Marlena attended the CrossFit Level I Certification in November 2009 and is eager to share with others the information learned about health, fitness and nutrition.
Marlena has goals of growing her knowledge and experience as a coach by attending nutrition seminars and other CrossFit specialty certifications.
- CrossFit Level I Trainer (November 2009)
- First Aid, AED, and CPR Certified

John Rockwood, EmerFit Apprentice
John grew up in the Denver area and moved to Fort Collins in 1997 to go to school. He finished school and then discovered a new career path: firefighting. John received his EMT-B certification in 2005 and went to Aims Community College Fire Academy that same year. He then became a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT-B with Wellington Fire Protection District. John also works full-time as a Department Manager at JAX Ranch and Home.
Being a firefighter, John needs to be ready to handle anything at anytime. He found the classic system of treadmills and weight machines boring and never got as fit as he wanted to be. John had heard about but did not try Crossfit until meeting Chris Brown, who invited him to train at Emerfit, in early 2008. Two years later John says: “I have never been so physically and mentally strong. Basically every aspect of my life has changed for the better.”
John has been the Fire Training Lieutenant for Wellington Fire for 2 years and he loves to teach. During his time with Wellington Fire, John recognized a need for a fitness program and felt teaching Crossfit to his colleague was the only way to go. John decided to pursue my Crossfit Level 1 certification in November 2009.
John plans to continue pursuing his dream of becoming a career firefighter. With that goal, he hopes to continue to teach both firefighting and Crossfit.
- CrossFit Level I Trainer (December 2009)
- Emergency Medical Technician Basic
Why? Our Vision and Mission
Our Mission:Empowering everyday people through elite fitness, diverse and dedicated relationships, and expert coaching.
Our Vision:To add value to our athlete’s lives through community-oriented functional fitness.
Our Values:
- Personal Growth – Lifelong incremental physical and mental improvement.
- Empowerment – Helping others recognize and realize their goals.
- Relationships – A community of like-minded but diverse people.
- Commitment – Dedication to our clients and the lifelong pursuit of fitness.
As coaches we have seen the amazing impact a broad and inclusive physical fitness program can have on people, their relationships, and their families. We love to teach people how to move large loads, long distances, quickly and consequently watch them reap the benefits of real exercise. We love our jobs as coaches and look forward to helping you improve your life.





