Coaches

While finishing his Master’s degree at the University at Buffalo, Josh Makar found CrossFit and immediately fell in love with the programming. He has been a personal trainer since 2008 and was the affiliate owner of CrossFit BAC Boulevard before founding Harborside CrossFit with Jeff and Lindsey. Josh has been a coach for athletes as young as 12 years old and those well into their 60s. During his time at the University at Buffalo, Josh worked in a nutrition and sports performance lab, and assisted in teaching a class on exercise application.

Josh has programmed for competitive youth sports teams and was formerly a strength and conditioning coach at Sweet Home High School working with multisport athletes as well as students who just wanted to learn about functional fitness and a healthy lifestyle. He meticulously plans and organizes programming meant to challenge and progress his athletes in group classes and those on an individual basis.

As a group, Josh, Jeff and Lindsey regularly work out together and compete in regional CrossFit events as well as races of all lengths. Josh also loves to be physical outdoors including hiking, cycling, rock climbing, snowboarding, and skateboarding.

Jeff started in the fitness industry in 2009 where he began as a personal trainer at the Buffalo Athletic Club. Jeff has worked with a wide range of clients in all fitness levels over the years. He also served as the Strength and Conditioning Coach at Sweet Home High School from 2014-2017 where he worked with student athletes individually as well as sports teams.

Jeff was introduced to CrossFit in 2012 when he fell in love with the intensity, Olympic weightlifting and the constantly varied programming that CrossFit entails. He is always striving to make himself better as an athlete and to continue his education to help his members and clients reach their full potential, which is the most rewarding aspect of coaching at Harborside.

Jeff has a strong competitive nature, which is why he is so drawn to CrossFit. He has been involved in numerous CrossFit competitions as an individual as well as with teams. Jeff also enjoys running and is constantly involved in local races. Aside from running 5k races competitively, Jeff has also completed half marathons and triathalons. Being active is a big part of Jeff’s life as he enjoys pushing himself to be a better athlete, and pushing members and clients towards their goals.

Phil started doing CrossFit in his garage as a form of exercise to become a better athlete and improve his overall level of fitness. Not long after, limitations on equipment and proper technique led him to join Harborside where he instantly fell in love with the structure, coaching and community. Since then, he has embraced the program, constantly pursuing a new level of fitness and living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Prior to CrossFit, Phil’s athletic background includes four years with the St. Bonaventure University Swim Team at the division 1 level. He is also an assistant coach on the Williamsville North High School baseball staff.

He finds the diversity in movements and constantly varied workouts as the most exciting and challenging elements to CrossFit. Every day is an opportunity to learn or practice new skills while increasing overall strength and work capacity, which is a concept he encourages all athletes to appreciate.

Phil enjoys competing locally with other Harborside members and strives to be a good role model for his son and daughter, Pete and Lucy.