Chriss Smith

Chriss Smith

Owner - Founder - Head Coach

  • Co-founder of Trident Athletics: Chriss, alongside Andrea, has built Trident Athletics into a thriving community where fitness and mental toughness go hand in hand. The gym stands as a testament to their shared vision of creating a space where everyone is welcome to push their boundaries and achieve their personal best.
  • Adventure Racing: Chriss is not just a coach but a participant in the adventure he preaches. As the leader of "Team Shut Up and Row" in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, he and his team set the record as the fastest American crew to row across the Atlantic, completing the 3000-mile journey in 33 days, 17 hours, and 38 minutes. This achievement exemplifies his belief in the power of determination and teamwork.
  • Train for Transformation: Chriss’s training programs are designed to drive profound personal growth. This program focuses on developing mental health adn happiness for our youth in detention, helping individuals break through barriers and environmental challenges and achieve their full potential. His methods inspire not just physical change but life transformation.
  • Mentorship: Chriss is dedicated to mentoring young men who aspire to join special forces, providing them with the physical conditioning and mental resilience necessary for success. His mentorship is grounded in the principles of discipline, resilience, and a commitment to excellence—values that are central to the Trident Athletics community.
  • Leadership and Influence: As a respected leader in the fitness community, Chriss has been instrumental in shaping the culture at Trident Athletics. His influence extends beyond the gym, as he continues to mentor and inspire individuals to pursue greatness in all areas of life. Chriss’s coaching philosophy is rooted in his experiences as a Navy SEAL and an ultra-endurance athlete. His leadership in completing the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge has inspired many, and his entrepreneurial ventures, including Trident Athletics and Trident Mindset, have had a profound impact on the fitness community.

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    Qualifications

  • Certified CrossFit Level 4 Coach (CF-L4)
  • CrossFit HQ Level 1 Seminar Staff Trainer
  • CrossFit Level 1 Olympic Lifting Certification
  • CrossFit Endurance Certification
  • CrossFit Power Lifting Certification
  • SEALFit Level 2 Certified Trainer
  • NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
  • POSE Running Certification
  • CrossFit Mobility and Recovery Certification
  • Athletes Performance Tactical Mentorship Certification
  • Certified Life Coach

    • About Coach

    Chriss is a former Navy SEAL and co owner of Trident Athletics, a premier CrossFit gym. A certified CrossFit Level 4 Coach and ultra-endurance athlete, Chriss  specializes in mental toughness and fitness. He is also the co-founder of Trident Mindset, an online mental toughness training course and Executive Adventures, an elite adventure company.

    Turning Point

    Chriss’s life has been shaped by a series of defining moments, none more powerful than his journey as a Navy SEAL. From a challenging childhood to the intense discipline of military life, Chriss learned early on that true strength comes from embracing adversity and pushing beyond perceived limits. This understanding became the foundation of his philosophy as he transitioned from military service to civilian life. Together with his wife Andrea, Chriss founded Trident Athletics, turning their vision of a community-centered gym into reality. At Trident, discipline, resilience, and personal growth are not just goals—they’re the foundation of everything they do.

    Chriss’s journey as a Navy SEAL and his transition to civilian life were pivotal in shaping his approach to fitness. His ultra-endurance accomplishments, such as leading "Team Shut Up and Row" in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, exemplify his commitment to pushing beyond limits. This journey ultimately led him to co-found Trident Athletics and Trident Mindset, where his experiences drive his mission to help others achieve their full potential.

    Motivation & Passion

    Chriss is driven by a deep belief in the power of transformation through fitness. He sees every challenge as an opportunity for growth, both mentally and physically. His approach combines the rigorous discipline of his military background with genuine care for the individuals he mentors. Whether guiding young men preparing for special forces or leading a CrossFit session, Chriss is committed to helping every member of the Trident community achieve their best. His passion lies in fostering a supportive environment where people can discover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and build a life of purpose.

    Chriss is motivated by the belief that mental toughness and physical resilience are key to overcoming any challenge. His passion extends beyond fitness; as an entrepreneur, he’s focused on building communities that foster personal growth. His influence is felt not only at Trident Athletics but also through his work with Trident Mindset, where he mentors individuals to exceed their limits.