BlackLion Sports

00 sq. foot Weight Room with the one of the most knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists, CrossFit Level-I Coaches, and Movement experts in the country. About coach Joel Thomas
Joel Thomas started Out of Bounds Fitness (now BlackLion Sports) in 2007 and is a Fellow of Applied Functional Science™ and Chain Reaction™ Biomechanics at the world renowned Gray Institute. In addition, he supports hundreds of local CrossFit athletes as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Movement Expert for NW CrossFit locations around the region. Joel was voted the Best Strength Coach in 2009, and is a former NCAA Division I Varsity Strength & Conditioning Coach at:

University of Idaho
Washington State University
Seattle Universities National Championship Men’s Soccer Team
He has spent over 15 years serving the health and fitness industry as a national lecturer, athletic engineer, master trainer, assistant director of the 20/20 Lifestyles Clinic, collegiate faculty, and movement specialist. Joel has delivered more than 500 lectures, has written educational materials and consulted/lectured for organizations such as: The National Academy of Sports Medicine and The American College of Sports Medicine, The PRO Sports Club, Olympic Physical Therapy, Athletic Engineering, Virginia Mason Medical Center, and Lake Washington Institute of Technology as well as other fitness, educational and medical facilities around the country. Education
Joel earned his Master of Science Degree in Movement Science at University of Idaho, his Master of Education Degree in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership at the University of Washington, is a Fellow of Applied Functional Science, holds an international certification to practice Functional Manual Reaction (FMR), a National Strength & Conditioning Association Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist®, a certified American College of Sports Medicine Health Fitness Specialist®, and Level 1 CrossFit Certificate Holder. As a full-time coach and functional movement specialist he integrates an eclectic approach of corrective exercise, strength and conditioning, sports specific training, and general nutritional consulting at BlackLion Sports in Seattle, Washington, (206) 427-2899. TESTIMONIALS

His understanding of human function—his understanding of empowering others—but mostly his heart and spirit and caring attitude—I’m proud to be associated with Joel. —Gary Gray PT, Gray Institute

Joel has shown himself to be top notch when it comes to professionalism, consistency of excellence and his drive to acquire knowledge to further assist his clients in reaching their goals. —Christopher Noss FAFS, Strength & Conditioning Coach PGA Tour

Joel is trained in applied functional science which takes the three planes of motion into consideration during exercise planning; truly how the body functions safely and efficiently. —James Sieveke, PT OCS CSCS FAFS

I have been working out with Joel 4 times a week for over two months and have so much respect for him as a strength and conditioning coach. Joel has enabled me to continue to work out in spite of my injury (frozen shoulder) and with his wealth of knowledge is constantly coming up with ways to accommodate my shoulder. He has allowed me to strengthen my upper body, while protecting the shoulder. As my shoulder improves, the workouts are altered accordingly. I feel lucky to be working with someone as knowledgeable as him. My body feels great doing Joel’s workouts—he incorporates balance, strength, cardio, stretching—so that on any given workout I am getting two or more of those areas covered. In addition his workouts are varied, so I am not worried about getting bored. He has a great blend of Crossfit and his own philosophy which really works great for me at this point in my life. I can feel confident in referring him to people! —Christina

I started working with Joel in April after some serious back pain. I was told by doctors that I would never be able to run or lift weights again. I emailed Joel about this devastating news and he told me to come see him. When I showed up for my first appointment I could barely stand up straight let alone walk. After a few weeks of corrective exercise and coaching I was able to walk and participate in group exercise classes. I really appreciate the modifications Joel does to the workouts to help me stay pain free. With his wealth of knowledge and background in corrective exercise he tailors each workout to meet the needs of his clients. I am now running, lifting weights, practicing yoga and feel stronger than ever. I value Joel’s knowledge, skills, and expertise and highly recommend Out Of Bounds Fitness. —Annie

“Ruptured Disc, L4″ that’s a back injury no CrossFit enthusiast wants to know about. I lingered for two weeks thinking I was unable to work out at all. Then Joel Thomas was recommended to me. His method of workouts are designed to keep you fit and at the same time preventing you from aggravating your injury. Joel is passionate about his work and his goals are to help make his clients better. I continue to follow the WOD’s prescribed by Joel and I also partake of his corrective exercise program. I should be back at CrossFit in no time. I recommend Joel Thomas/Out of Bounds fitness to anyone, injured or not. —Laura Searing

Joel’s workouts are fun, creative and motivating. I return time after time to work out with Joel because I always leave feeling happier, more energized and healthier than when I walked in the door. His laid-back attitude is balanced by a strong discipline and deep expertise—a great combo for anyone just getting started or trying to stay with a program! —Elizabeth

I have been working with Joel since the beginning of March. When I started, I was weak from shoulder and elbow surgery. Joel worked with where I was at and I am very happy to say that, after working out 2 or three times a week, more often two, I am now able to use 10 to 12 pound weights for arm exercises and for the first time can do guy pushups (5-7 at a time) with concentrated effort!!! I look forward to each workout and have never used so many muscles I never knew I had. It is definitely a total body workout each and every day. The whole body is doing each and every exercise. I am now committed to a hard but fun hour with Joel and feel healthier, fitter and happier! —Janet

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your training techniques and especially how you customize the workout to individual needs. I’ve grown up in the mind set of lifting weights is the only way to build strength. Well, I now believe the system of core training to incorporate all muscle groups is the way to go. It’s the kind of work out I love to hate. I would recommend your training to everyone. Keep up the good work. —Tim

I have been training with Joel for a few months. He helped me to learning to move and exercise correctly. I have 2 kids and work full time so getting the maximum benefit of working out is crucial. Whenever, I finish working out with him, I feel like I am on the top of my game. I feel so ‘energized and positive’ about my body and my life!! I love working out with Joel. He is thoughtful on the limit and capability on every each client and never makes them feel bad when they make mistakes. Thank you Joel for helping me to shape up and be healthier than ever. I joined one of Joel’s CrossFit groups approximately 3 months ago and I can’t say enough about the experience. In addition to increases in strength, agility and energy, I’ve also been able to drop about 10 lbs. The workout sessions are fast-paced, varied and fun, and the camaraderie with the other participants is great. Joel is very knowledgeable and knows how to push me without pushing too far. Just what I need. Highly recommended. —Greg

Joel’s passion and ability to coach people to structural balance, strength, endurance and excellent fitness is the “real deal.” Are you truly looking to get results? If not, go see anyone else. If so, go see Joel. His expertise in human form and function is based solidly his ACSM-HFS, CSCS, FAFS certifications and lifelong interest in personal fitness education, training and coaching. Joel’s workout sessions and programs, heavily influenced by his leading edge Fellow of Applied Functional Science certification, will challenge and amaze you. You’ll gain balance, agility and strength and endurance in all 3 planes of motion—and you will gain it quickly! I especially like that each workout is different so they are never boring and always just challenging enough. Joel’s rates are reasonable too, especially for the results he’s been helping me (and all of his fitness clients) achieve. If you’re really on a journey to better health (that you want to be fun and sustainable), I recommend you make Joel one your trusted advisors and coaches. —Roderick Overman

Just wanted to let you know that thanks to you, I completed my first 2-pitch climb last Thursday! David said that he noticed a huge difference in my balance and strength and to continue with those bear crawls (something he is all too familiar with)! He said thanks! Nice work! —Cathy B.