About Matt
Matthew Brown has been involved in athletics for most of his life. He developed a huge passion for running at a very young age and ultimately competed for Chico State University in Track and Field for 4 years. After graduation he felt the continued drive to be involved in athletics in some way, and pursued a Masters degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology. While working on his degree he was actively involved in the Chico State Track and Field program coaching both sprint and middle distance athletes in addition to working with them on their strength programs. His compassion for fitness and people continued to grow even after finishing his degree. He felt there was still room for growth and improvement in his overall knowledge in fitness and found a new home at Norcal Strength and Conditioning. While training at Norcal he found a new way to be competitive in fitness, and that was in the sport of Crossfit. After competing in a few competitions and training at Norcal for a year and a half he decided to pursue an opportunity as a personal trainer. He is excited to be a part of the sense of community and compassion that surrounds NorCal strength and Conditioning. Before Matthew attained his Masters degree in Kinesiology, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an option in Management. He has been a supervisor for over 13 years at a large canning and packaging corporation. Working with a variety of people offers many types of challenging situations and Matthew loves to be a part of these experiences. With his long history of involvement in management and athletics, Matthew has the skills, leadership, and enthusiasm to help motivate any person from any walk of life to achieve their fitness goals.
Posts by Matt
Bragging Rights: Accomplishments from 2011
2011 was a really big year for many clients in the gym. I saw things ranging from PRs in standing press, back squat, and dead lift. To things like making the board for a diagnostic workout, getting their first rope climb, or their first pull up! I also saw dramatic changes in body composition with many of the clients from all their hard work and persistence with their training and diet. This is extremely exciting stuff, and I really really get pumped up everyday I get to come to the gym and see all your progress! But the most...
read moreSpotlight: Lance and Mary Alldrin
I have been coaching Lance and Mary for this past year and have watched their progression and hard work with enthusiasm and enjoyment. They are both great people and are very passionate about their kids, staying in shape, working hard, eating healthy, and having a great time. I would also like to mention that Lance and his family sell Alaskan Salmon at the Saturday Farmer’s Market. If you like salmon, this would be a great opportunity for you to stock up and support our local norcal fishermen family! How were you...
read morePics and Videos from the Last Few Months
A few months ago I happened to pick up a new gadget called the Iphone4. I never thought I would graduate to this new technology thinking I would never need it. Now I can’t seem to stop pulling this thing out of my pocket, especially when I am at the gym. This little device has made it handy to take video and pics of all of you to give myself and you a visual of the work you are performing. I call it on the spot recheck! Check out some random pics and videos I have captured over the last few months! More to come! Click on...
read moreJenny LaBaw…Preping for the 2012 Crossfit Games!
Trainer Jenny LaBaw did well this past year with placing 6th at the 2011 Crossfit Games. ONE HELL OF AN ACHIEVEMENT! I don’t know about you, but I was glued to the live stream online video for the whole competition. With that being said, what’s Jenny’s next step? What is she doing to prepare for the upcoming 2012 games season? These have been questions among many that have been asked of me about her, and well…Simply here is a post of her telling you her answers about what she has been doing to prepare! How...
read moreWho’s Who Jo Ann Bettencourt!
What can I say about Jo Ann that you don’t already know? Hmmm…I figured it would be best for her to tell you herself! One thing I can tell you about her is that she is a joy to have in class. How were you introduced to NorCal Strength and Conditioning? Two people are responsible: Megan Kobz who is my neighbor, but is coming back soon, and Katie Phillips. Favorite movement/skill you have learned at NorCal: Double unders I have always wanted: to travel the world 1 word people use to describe me: grounded Outside of the gym I like...
read morePreventing Shin Splints!
Shin splints, also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), are a common place in many athletes’ lives. This is a typical injury seen in many sports, but has been more commonly associated with running. Many contributing factors can cause you to feel this pain or discomfort. It can be from overuse, worn-out shoes, inefficiencies in biomechanics (overpronation, flat feet, tight lower leg muscles, poor running form and technique), or stress fractures running along the bone. The only way to find out if there are stress fractures...
read moreHaving Fun While Working Out!
Having fun is crucial to our life and it goes hand in hand with being successful. I am a firm believer in having fun while performing “work.” Ever heard of the saying…”Grin and Bare it?” This is exactly what I am talking about! Having fun while working out is super important! And it’s what keeps all of you coming back for more, along with the added bonuses of looking good and being healthy! Here is some great shots of people doing workouts and having fun at the same...
read moreWho’s Who: Mario Barajas
Everyone here at the gym knows that Mario is a little crazy and never seems to run out of energy. But I wanted to let you know there is a softer side to that energizer bunny that you may not know about. How were you introduced to NorCal Strength and Conditioning? Luke Winter Favorite movement/skill you have learned at NorCal: Being in PAIN!!!!!! (Stretching, Mobility) I have always wanted: To meet that one special girl that can KEEP UP with me in all aspects of life. (Might have stumbled upon her) Thanks for the intro Matt 1 word...
read moreBeing in the Zone.
Being in the Zone. What does it mean to be in the Zone, Flow, or In The Moment? Ever heard those words being thrown around at work, home, or even at the gym? They are words that get tossed around on occasion throughout our day-to-day lives. But what does it actually mean for them to happen? In the book Flow in Sports by Susan A. Jackson and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi they define this as “a state of consciousness where one becomes totally absorbed in what one is doing, to the exclusion of all other thoughts and emotions.” Simply put, you are...
read moreRecent Photos
