Introducing the Override North team
Meet the fitness experts that are here to help you achieve your goals
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Our founders
Eric April, Marshal Szyndlar and Nick Chiovitti
Sometime between 2011-2012 we found CrossFit and immediately fell in love with this new fitness program. CrossFit was perfect for us, each day brought out a new skill to master and workouts soon turned into mini competitions between the three of us. As things progressed, this hour a day workout with friends in our garage quickly grew into something much more. It became our passion. At Override Athletics we believe true wealth in this world lies in one’s health both physically and mentally. Oftentimes life’s biggest obstacles lie within our minds, and being strong between the ears is one of our best weapons for success. We believe that all people have the power to “Be the author of their own story.” What we choose to do with our time, the individuals we surround ourselves with, and the voice inside our heads all have a direct impact on our success. We are in ultimate control of our fate. No matter what happens, we have the ability to react in a manner that will positively impact our lives. We must also remember, nothing great in this world ever came easy. To be truly great we must be devoted to the effort, time and work it takes to get there. Modern culture today is often showing or selling us a quick fix and it’s important that we do not get consumed by this. More times than not, the obstacle is the way. Our Mission is to operate a gym that will not only be recognized by the results of our clients, but our purpose in the community. We aim to make a positive impact in the community by bringing the leading education and practices in exercise, nutrition, and optimal well-being. Our Mission is to inspire young athletes to work hard and follow their dreams, while motivating adults to learn new skills, achieve their fitness goals, and improve their overall health and well-being.
Our coaches
Karen Littau
Growing up, I was always active. From riding my bike, to going on hikes, ice skating, roller blading, and all those fun activities you were outside playing until the street lights came on. I played a few sports here and there, but nothing competitively. Fast forward to my college education, where I didn’t focus too much on my health or nutrition. Once I graduated from UConn in 2018, I was looking to find a local gym near me to get my health back on track. I came across CrossFit and said heck, let’s give it a try. It’s been an absolute blessing to walk into CrossFit Override every single week since. The beauty of CrossFit is that it’s so uniquely adaptable to each and every person. The work you put in shows, and you have a whole community of people to share those victories with. Entering CrossFit, I was timid and unsure of my abilities. Three years later, I am fitter than I have ever been. Sometimes showing up is the hardest part, but with CrossFit Override, every class is a community. The best part of my day is walking through those doors.
Amy Hatfield
Amy started dancing and swimming competitively at a very young age, as well as participating in recreational softball and soccer leagues for most of her youth. She was a varsity swimmer and cross country runner in high school, and went on to swim and run for Gordon College, where she studied Elementary Education and English. Amy went on to work in a Special Education Autism Program and as a club swim team coach. She also became very involved in scouting programs while working as an Aquatics Director at Camp Workcoeman and volunteering as a Venture Scout Leader. Maintaining a healthy weight was a constant challenge for Amy, but after college, without a team for support and a coach for guidance, it became increasingly difficult for her to achieve a healthy lifestyle on her own. In 2014, a friend suggested that she try a class at CrossFit Torrington, and she was hooked. She became a CF-L1 trainer in 2016, and has enjoyed coaching and learning from the internship program with CrossFit Override. “CrossFit has given me the tools and motivation to safely and effectively regain control of my life. It has made me stronger and healthier, both mentally and physically, and has pushed me to overcome limitations in ways I never thought possible. CrossFit combines the positive community, nutrition, and exercise that is needed to inspire incredible growth, and it is a blessing to share it with others every day.”
Chris Faustino
Fitness and coaching have always been a huge part of Chris’ life. Playing baseball and football through childhood then shifting gears to track and football in high school, he was always been engaged in some sort of sport and off-season training. After freshman year of college, Chris briefly focused on triathlons and obstacle course races before finding CrossFit through Spartan Races and their sponsorship with Reebok. From there he fell in love. “It combined my passions of fitness, helping others, and building communities. Through a couple of orthopedic reconstructive surgeries my senior year, I focused more of my time on coaching and learning as much as I could about the methodology than actively participating, but got right back at it as soon as I could after my rehabs. Since graduating I’ve been involved in several gyms to varying capacities from head coach/manager to smaller coaching gigs. CrossFit never ceases to amaze me, nor do the owners, coaches, and athletes. I’m very glad to have found a home at Override, getting to work with an amazing staff and push my fitness with fierce athletes.”