THE OVERHEAD SQUAT A Part of Fierce Play’s Barbell Powerlifting Series The overhead squat is a variation of a barbell squat and is an exercise used to strengthen the lower half of the body. Just as the name implies, the overhead squat requires that the athlete perform a squat while holding a barbell above his/her head, […]
Obliterating the Overhead Squat Read More »
THE FRONT SQUAT A Part of Fierce Play’s Barbell Powerlifting Series The front squat is one variation of a barbell squat and is exercise used to strengthen the lower half of the body. True to its name, the front squat relies on the athlete’s ability to perform a squat while holding a barbell in front of
A Fearless Front Squat Read More »
THE BACK SQUAT A Part of Fierce Play’s Barbell Powerlifting Series The back squat is one of the most fundamental weight lifting exercises used by athletes to strengthen the lower half of the body. The squat relies on the athlete’s ability to perform an air squat while holding a barbell on the backs of the shoulders
THE HANDSTAND PUSH-UP A Part of Fierce Play’s Grounded Gymnastics Series Also called an inverted push-up, the handstand push-up is an exercise where the athlete kicks up into a handstand position against a wall, and then proceeds to lower and raise him/her self in push-up motion. There are two variations of the handstand push-up, one that
Badass with the Handstand Push-Up Read More »
COACH
I am fully dedicated to helping every single one of you finally reach your goals.
CrossFit Level 1 Certification
COACH
Mark Mancuso started his fitness journey while enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Like most individuals, at first, he only focused on bodybuilding type workouts. Mark learned quickly that focusing just on the aesthetics of the body would get you only so far. In 2013, Mark found out about Crossfit and fell in love with everything that it stood for.
In June of 2015, Mark was Honorably Discharged from the Marine Corps and returned from his duty station in Okinawa, Japan to his home in Maple Grove, MN. Not having any formal coaching in Crossfit he was on a mission to find a Crossfit Box to call home. Fierce Play welcomed him with open arms, and he hasn’t looked back. Mark obtained his Level One Crossfit certification in November 2015 and plans to add additional certifications in the future. He also intends to compete in a variety of Crossfit competitions as opportunities arise.
CrossFit Level 1 Certification
Owner & Head Coach
Jeff Birthler has a contagious passion for fitness. He graduated and obtained a personal training certificate from the National Personal Training Institute in 2010. On his way, he discovered and fell in love with CrossFit. Jeff hasn’t stopped learning, and still seeks a well-rounded education within the health domain, going beyond physical facets. He has trained clients at several corporate gyms, including Fitness 19 and LA Fitness, as he established a plan for his own gym.
Fierce Play was established in 2012 in a 500 sq. ft. garage. After a few moves and upgrades, it now has a permanent, 4800 sq. ft. location in Maple Grove. Jeff calls it “home”.
NPTI (National Personal Training Institute) CPT Diploma January 5, 2012
CrossFit Level 1 Certificate
CrossFit Level 2 Certificate
CrossFit Olympic Lifting Certificate
CrossFit Power Lifting Certificate
CrossFit Mobility Certificate
CrossFit Gymnastics Certificate
USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Certification
