Our Team
What You Can Expect
Starting somewhere new can feel intimidating. You might not know the movements, you might not know anyone, or you might wonder if you’re fit enough to belong. That’s where we come in.
Our coaches are here to make sure you feel comfortable, supported, and confident from your very first workout. Whether you’re brand new to fitness or an experienced athlete, we’ll meet you where you are and help you take the next step.
Personalized Coaching
You won’t be expected to keep up with someone else.
Our coaches will help you choose the right weights, movements, and intensity for your current fitness level. As you get stronger and more confident, we’ll help you progress.
We’ll Teach You the Movements
You don’t need to know how to do a snatch, squat, pull-up, or burpee before you walk through the door.
We’ll explain the movements, demonstrate proper technique, and give you coaching throughout the workout. Questions are always encouraged.
Every Workout Can Be Scaled
Having a bad day? Recovering from an injury? New to exercise? Already in great shape?
We can adjust the workout to fit you.
Our goal isn’t to see who can do the most. It’s to help you get the most out of where you are today.
We Pay Attention
Good coaching is more than standing at the front of a class and counting reps.
We watch how you move, give you feedback, help you make adjustments, and learn your goals. Over time, your coach gets to know you—not just your name, but what you’re working toward.
We Celebrate Progress
Your first workout is a win.
So is your first heavier lift, your first pull-up, your first consistent month, or simply showing up on a day you didn’t feel like it.
We’ll celebrate the big milestones and the small ones because they all add up.
You’re Joining a Community
You’ll see our coaches working out alongside members, cheering people on, celebrating PRs, and helping each other through the tough workouts.
We want you to feel like you belong here—not like you’re visiting someone else’s gym.
Meet the Team
Caileen Seguin
Coach/Trainer
Specializations
Gymnastics
Sports Conditioning
Strength & Resistance Training
Caileen Seguin is a Chicago native and Loras College graduate with a background in strength and conditioning and collegiate track and field, where she competed in the pole vault. She began CrossFit in 2015 and earned her Level 1 certification, going on to coach classes, help manage programming, and organize events. Caileen is excited to continue growing as a coach and athlete as part of the CrossFit Merle Hay team.
Isaac
Coach/Trainer
Specializations
Sports Conditioning
Strength & Resistance Training
Tyler
Coach/Trainer
Specializations
Sports Conditioning
Strength & Resistance Training
Vincent Ramirez
Coach/Trainer
After competing for one year at Oskaloosa High School, Ramirez began homeschooling to better accommodate his CrossFit training. He discovered a passion for competition after placing fifth at a local throwdown in 2014, followed by a second-place finish in the 2015 Open.
His dedication and increased training led to a bronze-medal finish at his first CrossFit Games appearance, solidifying his passion for the sport and commitment to pursuing it at the highest level.
Jessica Pilling
Coach
Austin
Trainer
Specializations
Sports Conditioning
Strength & Resistance Training
Kendall
Trainer
Specializations
Sports Conditioning
Strength & Resistance Training
Nate Yoho
Trainer
Specializations
Sports Conditioning
Weight Management
Strength Training
Background
University of Iowa • Baseball • Milwaukee Brewers • CrossFit Games
Coaching Focus
Sports conditioning • Weight management • Strength training
After transitioning to personal training in 2007, Nate discovered CrossFit and developed a passion for helping others achieve lasting health and fitness. He competed at the 2013 CrossFit Games as part of the North Central Regional championship team and founded CrossFit Merle Hay that same year. Today, Nate is dedicated to providing knowledgeable, individualized coaching in a supportive environment.
Sarah
Trainer
Specializations
Sports Conditioning
Strength & Resistance Training
Not sure if CrossFit is right for you? Come meet us, see the gym, and ask anything you want. No experience required.
- We scale workouts
- We teach proper movement
- We learn your goals
- We celebrate your progress
- We work out alongside you
- We help you feel like you belong
Proud to Be Part of Des Moines
A great gym starts with great people.
CrossFit Merle Hay is more than a place to work out. We’re part of the Johnston community, helping people across the metro get stronger, move better, and build healthier lives. From Des Moines and Johnston to Urbandale, Clive, West Des Moines, and the surrounding communities, our members come from all kinds of backgrounds and all different fitness levels.
Some walk through our doors looking to lose weight. Others want to get stronger, improve their health, train for a sport, or have more energy for everyday life.
Whatever brings you in, you’ll find the same thing here: coaching, community, and a place where you belong.
