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
Having 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 moreStaying Relaxed While Running.
When I look around and observe clients running during workouts in the gym I see a lot of compromised form and technique. One of the main contributors to this loss of form and technique is not keeping the body relaxed. This is very important and fundamental to improving your times and energy expenditure during workouts, races, or leisure running. One thing you can do to make sure you are relaxed while running is to perform what I will call a “self-awareness check.” You should be doing this periodically throughout your runs. What...
read moreIgnite the Fight 5k Run
Kim Fleming, a recent On-Ramp Graduate, is putting on a 5k race to help support and benefit the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. The date for this fine event is October 22, 2011 at Bidwell Park One Mile Recreation Area. Fliers are in the gym if you are interested in participating in this event. This is a first annual event, so, let’s help support her and all the firefighters out there who may need our help. For further info check out: www.signmeup.com/76841. Share this...
read moreHeart!
Do you have Heart? To have “Heart” is the phrase we often throw around as we watch sports competitions, news, movies, etc. running uphill both ways. Heart is something we all love to see in people and it’s admirable and motivating when we see individuals move beyond their limitations. This year, I have been closely following the 2011 Reebok Crossfit Games. About a week ago I viewed a video showing a gut-wrenching performance by Heather Scaglione at the Crossfit SoCal Regionals. During the workout “Amanda”,...
read moreSlacklining!
New NorCal Strength and Conditioning member Brian Eremita would like to extend an invitation to everyone to join him at 20th Street Park this Saturday for some slacklining. Beginners and experts alike are welcome! Bring your favorite Paleo snacks, water, and some sunscreen as the sun should be joining us as well! For those of you who don’t know, slacklining is the art of balancing on a band or strap that is elastic and or has slack in the line. Each end is tied to a fixed object, typically strong trees. It is an activity that enhances...
read moreMax Plank Hold PRs
Finish them! This is the line that comes to my head when I think about doing a finisher at the end of a class session! Time and time again clients ask for these butt kickers at the end of a workout to get some last few minutes of work in. Finishers that come to mind are: tabata sit-ups, plank push-ups, hollow rocks, hollow holds, and lastly but not least the infamous max. plank hold! On Wednesday, May 18th, it was yet another time to FINISH THEM! Max. plank holds were served up for everyone that happened to be in attendance for Low...
read moreWhat is Dynamic Stretching? Why is Dynamic Stretching important?
In the gym we like to take you through many variations of warm-ups and movements (D-ROM) to prepare you for your workout. You may be wondering if there is vital importance in doing a warm-up and movements? The answer you will get from all the trainers in the gym is, “ABSOLUTELY!” But that doesn’t always answer the question of why it is important that we spend the time to get you properly warmed up and mobilized. After various warm-ups consisting of: inch worms, rowing, running, and other goodies in order to get your...
read moreRecent Photos
