Get to Know the Brutes - Nick Fowler

Born in Nicaragua, Nick spent time growing up in Argentina as a child then moved to Miami at a pretty young age. His fitness journey started personally as an elite level climber setting numerous world records on the mountain face of “El Cap”.Nick became frustrated with his own fitness as a climber as he was starting to come up against physical limitations. He started studying and doing personal research from the likes of Charles Poliquin and was truly intrigued about the body’s ability to adapt to stress.Nick found CrossFit through a friend that challenged him to do Cindy ( 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups and 15 squats for as many rounds possible (AMRAP) in 20 minutes).  As an avid climber in what he felt was “great shape”, he figured this would be a cake walk.20 minutes and many strict pull ups later, he wound up laying on the floor questioning his life. He realized that although he was good at each of those individual movements, he was not ready for the intensity.Nick started following CrossFit.com workouts 2-3 days/week and incorporating that into his normal training. He began to use what he learned and trained individuals and teams for military specific training, firefighting, skiing, outdoor activities, and other training professions.He used these methodologies together to create comprehensive plans and progressions to make skilled professionals better and knew he could adapt many of these same protocols for CrossFit athletes.Nick understood that high intensity training is good, but began questioning whether it was the most effective approach for truly building skill, strength and capacity.He then started coaching a small group out of his garage gym and began to realize that one general program can not necessarily fit all the needs of the individuals and their goals.  That is what attached Nick to Brute Strength because we are a collaboration of expert coaches all working together to address needs of individual athletes.2 of Nick’s biggest accomplishments is having over 30 athletes compete in the CrossFit Games including the Wasacth Brutes defeating CrossFit Mayhem for the 2017 CrossFit Games Affiliate Cup Championships.Nick doesn’t just limit himself to coaching elite athletes though. At least half of the athletes he coaches have no desire to be a professional athlete. These are athletes with goals and aspirations.Nick enjoys the pathway of training a person who uses fitness as a tool to become a better person and improve their lifestyle just as much as elite athletes because true coaches coach between the ears.  They develop the athlete's mind first, and the body will follow.He feels the most rewarding part of being a coach is being part of people's journeys in life.Nick considers his coaching style of that of an “observer.” He likes to sit back and ask a lot of questions, watch and listen.The athlete/ coach relationship hinges on trust and communication in both directions. The athlete has to take accountability for what he or she is doing and what he or she is not doing and has to take accountability in the process, meaning that the coach is coming to the table with 50% of what it's needed.It’s up to the athlete to come to the table with the other 50%. At the heart of it all, it's about teamwork and communication.Whether you're shooting for the CrossFit Games, sanctionals or just interested in training for health and longevity, Nick’s got the knowledge and experience to create the roadmap for you.Click here to check out our vast library of “Knowledge Bombs” where Nick goes into detail on a variety of training topics including best recovery practices, elite athlete mindset, nutrition, supplementation and so much more.If you’d like your own personal roadmap to reaching your greatest potential in health and fitness, fill out this free assessment.