Nov 18th 2023

Derek Saltou: Ambassador Spotlight

When Derek isn’t spending time with his wife and three kids, Derek is managing his gym, CrossFit Chiron, in Mason City, Iowa which celebrated 9 years on June 10, 2022.

"I hold a very high standard to how we coach at Chiron and you need to make sure that you treat people really well. I think when you start to treat people really well, it's a trickle down effect. They know that you care about them, that they're not just another number or a dollar sign. You love 'em where they're at and you love 'em through their hard times and through their growth. It's kind of like a marriage."

Q: Why CrossFit?

A: I love the fact that CrossFit is everything. It isn't just conditioning, it's not just strength — it's balance, it's accuracy, it's coordination. It’s all of these things in one. CrossFit makes you good at everything and not just one thing. I think that's the greatest test. Like, okay, sweet, I'm strong and I can squat a lot and I can do pushups and that's cool, but can I go run for miles or row for an extended period? Or can I bike on this brutal trail that blows wind at my face the entire time? Or kick up on my hands and walk on my hands for extended periods of time? There's always something to challenge yourself.

Q: How did you discover STAMINAPRO and why is it a staple in your routine?

A: I heard about STAMINAPRO through Rich Froning — and I love Rich Froning! I’ve followed Rich since back in 2012 and he was like Michael Jordan to me. He was the anomaly in fitness. When I got into CrossFit, I saw Rich and I was like, ‘Man, I wanna move like that.’ I saw the companies he was working with and decided to check out STAMINAPRO. And it worked! I've had issues and tightness with my calf and wearing my patches makes a huge difference. Inflammation comes and goes but I’m all about being proactive. STAMINAPRO patches allow me to be on point through an entire workout without hesitation.

Q: What are 3 career lessons that you've learned thus far?

A: I would say the first thing, the most important thing, is love the people that come into your facility — not just out of a need to, but out of a want. I hold a very high standard to how we coach at Chiron and you need to make sure that you treat people really well. I think when you start to treat people really well, it's a trickle down effect. They know that you care about them, that they're not just another number or a dollar sign. You love 'em where they're at and you love 'em through their hard times and through their growth. It's kind of like a marriage.

Next thing is communicate. Communicate what your desire is for your people and give them the space to communicate. I want to know how I can help you. I want to literally change everything about you in the best way. So take care of people, communicate well and manage your time wisely. I think a lot of times people spend their time doing things that aren't going to impact their day. Know your value and don't waste your time on things that aren't feeding your soul.”

Q: What's something on your bucket list that you haven't completed yet?

A: Qualify for the CrossFit games! I’m hoping it’s this year. The CrossFit Open is an annual test of fitness. It's basically you against all other CrossFit athletes in the world. I know that's what I’ve wanted to do since I got into CrossFit and I just always kind of put myself on the back burner.

Last year was kind of a big hiccup. I had an annular tear and a disc in my back. So something I've been really working on is making sure that I'm using STAMINAPRO Patches to reduce some of that inflammation, but I'm also making sure that I'm working on my mobility. I know that I'm capable of these things. It's just a matter of staying healthy and working on those weaknesses and continuing to grow. I would say, if you really have something that's on your heart, don't be afraid to go for it. Everything will figure itself out.