Meet BJ McKay

Welcome to a transformative experience with BJ McKay, the Owner and CrossFit Coach at The Arsenal. BJ is here to help you break through your limitations and reach unparalleled heights in your fitness journey and beyond.

Certifications & Experience

With top-tier certifications as a CrossFit Level 1 and Level 2 Coach, a USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach, and a USATF Biomechanics Specialist, BJ brings a dynamic approach to your fitness goals. His journey from NCAA Division 1 Track and Field Coach to a decade of CrossFit coaching, combined with 15 years of shaping leaders at ADVISA, equips him with the tools to drive profound change.

Expertise

BJ’s specialties are your gateway to excellence: CrossFit group training, Olympic weightlifting, and transformative mindset coaching. Whether you’re just starting out or striving for peak performance, he is dedicated to pushing you beyond the ordinary.

Coaching Philosophy

BJ meets you where you are but never leaves you there. Fitness is not just about hard training—it’s about overcoming life’s challenges and emerging stronger. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Strength is never a weakness,” as Mark Bell famously says, and BJ stands by this truth. Together, you’ll craft a personalized path to not just conquer the gym but to thrive in every facet of your life.

Achievements

• As an Athlete: BJ claimed the 2002 Gold Medal in the NCAA Mid-American Conference for Pole Vault, showcasing a commitment to excellence.

• As a Coach: He has guided phenomenal athletes like Paul Panning, an NCAA All-American pole vaulter, and Kolton Nanko, who captured 5th place in the 2023 IHSAA State Championships and set a school record in pole vaulting.

Fun Fact

When BJ isn’t leading the charge in fitness, he’s all about dancing, high fives, and embracing life with a light heart. After all, it’s about having fun and enjoying the journey.