It’s Not A Phase, It’s A Lifestyle

Jen Chmiel, MS, CSCS

The Coach

I started lifting back in my junior/senior year of high school, and didn’t fully understand the positive effects it was having on me until my time as a college lacrosse athlete. It was there that I had the awakening to it, following our college strength and conditioning coach’s program, all while taking biology and understanding what was happening at the physiology level. Engulfed in strength training, I went on to get me masters in exercise and sport science with a concentration in exercise physiology working towards becoming a college strength and conditioning coach. While there I interned and fell in love with working with over 17 of the college teams there. Afterwards I went on to become a division II college strength and conditioning coach and assistant lacrosse coach. On the side I worked at the climbing gym as a routesetter, coach, and desk staff, which I joined in hopes to make friends in a new state, and well fell in love with climbing. I left college coaching and went full time in the climbing industry, where I am still today as Director of Routesetting at Ascent Climbing Gym in New Haven, CT, where I also coach and guide. I love climbing, coaching climbing, guiding, and routesetting, but something that has never waned since that junior/senior year of high school is my love of lifting and being a strength coach.

I work with climbers, former athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and the person looking to dive into lifting, all experience levels. Lifting changed my life for the better and I hope it changes yours for the better too and you fall in love.

My hope is to inspire success in all areas of your life through the means of lifting. Lifting is life changing in a positive way and this can bleed in the rest of your life. Proving to you that nothing is out of your limit, out of your capabilities, you were capable all along and lifting can help you see that. It not only builds up strength and gives life long benefits, it provides self-belief, confidence, self-trust, discipline, commitment, and kills your comfort zone. Life, I have found and believe, happens when you step outside your comfort zone and start living. Lifting helped me see that and my hope is it does the same for you.

Credentials and Certifications:

  • B.S. in Biology & Minor in Fitness (2014)

  • M.S. in Exercise Sport Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology (2016)

  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (C.S.C.S)-NSCA (2016)

  • AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (2020)

  • Wilderness First Aid (2021)

  • USA Climbing Certified Routesetter, Level 1 (2019)

  • CWI certified (2019)

Organizations:
There is an importance in being involved in the climbing community beyond one’s self, with building community and access to the places we love.

Ragged Mountain Foundation

The Ragged Mountain Foundation is a nonprofit who’s mission is to preserve access to Connecticut’s high and wild places for climbing and hiking.

Board of Director: 2019-Current