Owner, Head Coach

Alabama native, Coach Tanner grew up here on the Gulf Coast. After graduating from Gulf Shores High School, John played soccer for Spring Hill College from 2008-2012 while earning his B.S. in Marine and Organismal Biology, and began CrossFit while training for the soccer program. After college, John worked for the Alabama Coastal Foundation until he moved to Breckenridge, Co to pursue a snow boarding career. In 2015 John returned to his roots and began coaching for CFOB. Currently, Coach Tanner is involved in youth athletics as the Athletics Coordinator for the City of Orange Beach Expect Excellence Program, and the Varsity OBHS Soccer Coach. John is committed to the fundamentals of CrossFit and to teaching all ages the importance of health and fitness.

BS Marine Biology

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Coach

Elizabeth grew up in Athens, Alabama where she developed the sweetest, southern charm but has resided on the Alabama Gulf Coast since 2016. She received both her bachelor's degree and master's degree at The University of Mississippi and currently works in marketing in higher education.

She spent most of her younger years as a gymnast, so naturally CrossFit sparked her interest. When she’s not working out or coaching at CFOB, Elizabeth spends her afternoons at Gulf Coast Tumbling sharing her gymnastic expertise with the young, aspiring gymnasts and cheerleaders of our community.

BA in Journalism; MS in Integrated Marketing Communications

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Coach

Meet our newest Coach, Chris Whitley! Chris began CrossFit in 2018 and quickly became addicted to the sport. At CrossFit Orange Beach, he has found a supportive community and is excited to share what he has learned with our athletes.

Favorite Movement: Bar Muscle-Up - “It used to be so challenging, but its now nice to string a few together. Definitely a work in progress!”

Favorite Workout: MURPH - “Because of its tough mental challenge.”

Chris’s dedication to his own fitness is inspiring and his coaching reflects this passion. Chris has never met a stranger, and is known for always making our visitors feel right at home.

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Coach

Orange Beach Native, Coach Blake started working as an Orange Beach Surf Rescue life guard in 2007 while a junior in High School. It was here that Blake fell in love with fitness and developed a desire to help others with their own fitness pursuits. After graduating, Blake attended the University of South Alabama earning his BS in Emergency Medical Services and went on to work with the Orange Beach Fire Rescue as a firefighter/paramedic. In 2014, Coach Blake was introduced to CrossFit at CrossFit Orange Beach while searching for ways to maintain his fitness for the fire department. By 2018, Blake’s interest in health services led him to go back to the University of South Alabama where he recently graduated with his BSN. Coach Blake currently works full time with the fire department and part time as an emergency room nurse. Coach Blake has truly developed a passion to help others improve their health, fitness and overall quality of life. Blake is dedicated to the foundation of CrossFit and its ability to be instrumental in improving peoples lives.

BSEMS

BSN

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer