CrossFit Coalville has added a new coach to its team in Matt Deacon - who uses fitness to control his own medical condition.

A former American Football and Baseball player, Matt also has a strong background in CrossFit.

But, suffering from Ulcerative Colitis since he was a teenager, Matt says his fitness regime has helped combat it.

CrossFit Coalville owner Craig Smith said: "Many that attend a CrossFit 'box' do so for health reasons.

"Matt is open about his health history.

"We encourage this in our members to get the best out of their time in class."

And Matt added: "Having been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the age of 17, CrossFit and fitness has been a means by which to keep my condition at bay.

"This led me to establish Lift The Weight, a mental health support group, formed on the idea of fitness.

"We often have a good old chat and a brew."

Craig added: "Here at CrossFit Coalville, we are always striving to not only give you the best workout we can possibly provide, but the best coaching in your immediate area.

"As a box, we are always looking for new faces to come on board and help us to continue to develop the great community we have developed over the past year.

"We pride ourselves on our coaches' knowledge, experience and ability to deliver the best possible classes we can.

"This November, we were fortunate enough to be able to add another coach to our roster with Matt who has been involved in CrossFit since 2014."

Matt said: "I remember seeing CrossFit on the TV when working in the USA in 2013 and watching Rich Froning.

"I was like: 'That guy looks like a superhero"."

Matt's love for CrossFit was kindled in that moment, observing the athletes, their strength, and fitness.

Starting in a regular gym to begin with, Matt started training CrossFit. He went on to join his first box in 2015.

Enjoying the benefits that that came with training CrossFit, Matt made the decision in 2016 to become a Level 1 CrossFit Trainer.

After accumulating five years' worth of experience training people in CrossFit, he made the wise decision to complete his Level 2 CrossFit Trainer course where he met CrossFit Coalville Head Coach Jake Garner. The two coaches hit it off.

After spending a weekend over at CrossFit Mercia in Burton Upon Trent training together, Jake knew that Matt would make a great addition to CrossFit Coalville coaching staff.

He lived locally, knew the area, had an interest in helping the community get fitter, and most importantly, had a clear enthusiasm and passion for CrossFit.

Matt has been coaching Saturday morning sessions and our members have taken an immediate liking to his classes, being pushed to give their absolute best performance.

His understanding of CrossFit is thorough and well informed.

Matt added: "I wrote my Masters' thesis on adaptive athletes in CrossFit and met the head of adaptive CrossFit at the CrossFit Games in Madison in 2017.

"We became friends and regularly Skyped.

"In turn, this led me to be one of the first qualified Adaptive CrossFit Coaches in Europe."

Matt set out his training preferences and said: "One of my favourite things to train is lifting, but also lifting under fatigue.

"The way you can move the barbell whilst your heart rate is elevated and maintain food form is so crucial!"

Coach Jake remembers witnessing quite an impressive performance of Matt's power clean during the CrossFit Level 2 course.

Matt has a wide range of hobbies and interests he likes to take part in.

He said: "Hobbies of mine include Golf and American sports.

"I played American football for five years and have been playing baseball for Leicester Blue Sox for the last four.

"I'm also turning into a little coffee nerd."

""I'm just a big kid really. I love making Star Wars Lego, playing PS5 and watching Formula 1 on the weekend. I also play the guitar and have a soft spot for musicals and theatre."

You can find Matt on Instagram, @mattjamesdeacon15.