Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
3 Pillars Nutrition
CrossFit Nutrition
Precision Nutrition Macro Dietary Coaching Strategies
Aerobic Capacity
CrossFit Gymnastics
CrossFit Movement and Mobility
USAW Sports Performance Coach Level 1
AED/CPR Certified
Coach/Gym Manager
Mark Juco
About
I started CrossFit back in 2010 while living in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. My brother-in-law, Nick, came to visit and wanted to try out this gritty, old-school CrossFit gym with big tires out front and a raw, no-frills vibe. We went—and I was hooked from the first workout. I was drawn in by the challenging workouts, the instant sense of community, and how quickly I saw results both physically and mentally.
Soon after, I began coaching at CrossFit Outer Banks, and when I eventually moved back home to Michigan, I continued coaching at CrossFit 8 Mile. That’s when I realized—this wasn’t just something I enjoyed doing; it was something I felt called to do. Helping people improve their fitness, move with confidence, and look forward to walking through the gym doors every day is what drives me as a coach.
Growing up, I played baseball and basketball, which helped lay the foundation for discipline, teamwork, and a love for competition. As an adult, CrossFit became my new arena. Over the years, I’ve competed in numerous CrossFit competitions and weightlifting meets, always chasing progress and learning more about what the human body—and mind—is capable of.
Turning Point
For most of my life, fitness was about chasing performance—better scores, heavier lifts, and aesthetic progress. I thrived on the intensity of competition and the camaraderie of the CrossFit community. I loved the challenge. But in 2023, everything shifted.
During workouts, I began noticing chest pains—small at first, but persistent enough to raise concern. After a series of tests, I got an answer that stopped me cold: I had a 98% blockage in my LAD artery—often referred to as the “widowmaker.” I needed an emergency stent placed in my heart, and the doctor told me plainly—if I hadn’t had a solid baseline of fitness, I likely wouldn’t have made it.
That was my turning point.
The enemy in my story wasn’t just the blockage. It was the illusion of invincibility, the belief that being active automatically meant being healthy, and the quiet danger of not listening to my body. I wasn’t fighting just a physical threat—I was battling denial, fear, and the mental shift of redefining what health really means.
CrossFit didn’t just give me strength—it gave me a lifeline. The years of conditioning, movement, and awareness built a level of resilience that helped me survive something that could have easily been fatal. Recovery and cardiac rehab were tough, but my goal was clear: get back to the gym, not just to compete, but to reclaim my life.
Now, I train with a whole new mindset. It’s not just about PRs or aesthetics anymore. It’s about staying alive, being there for my family, and living a long, strong, healthy life.
Passion & Motivation
I coach because I genuinely believe that everyone—no matter their background, age, or experience—deserves to feel strong, confident, and capable in their own body. I'm especially passionate about helping everyday people who may have once felt intimidated by the gym or unsure where to start.
My motivation comes from seeing those "aha!" moments when someone realizes they can do hard things—when a lift clicks, when they move better, when they feel proud of themselves. I have a deep respect for good movement and technique, and I meet each person where they’re at—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I'm not here to create elite athletes (though if that’s your goal, I can help get you there). I'm here for the person who wants to move better, feel better, eat well without extremes, and create a healthy, sustainable lifestyle they actually enjoy.