DIRECTOR OF TRAINING | PRODUCT DEVELOPER | COACH
christopher bonilla
he/him
Coaching Experience: 5 years
There’s a lot of nutrition noise out there, and most of it isn’t backed by research. Whether you’re training for your first triathlon, chasing a lifting PR, prepping for a military or first responder fitness test, or trying to eat well with a packed schedule, I’ll help you build a plan that fits your life.
Hi, I’m chris
I was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area and played soccer my entire childhood. Enlisting in the Army National Guard as an infantryman at 17 sparked a passion for all things health and fitness, and sharing that passion with the people around me is what pulled me into coaching. I’ve coached weightlifting, CrossFit, and nutrition in some capacity ever since. Along the way I earned a Master’s and a PhD in Exercise Science, and I still love digging into the research behind what actually works.
I competed in Olympic weightlifting for six years, then switched gears to train for and finish an Ironman in 2021. These days I train for health and enjoyment, and most of my free time goes to my family.
In 2017 I was commissioned as an officer in the National Guard, and I continue to serve today in a full-time role as a finance officer with the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, VA. I live in Maryland with my wife, our son Naim (yes, named after the weightlifter), and two small dogs.
who I LOVE WORKING WITh
I coach from the evidence, and I keep things simple enough to actually live with. My favorite clients are people who want to understand the “why” behind their plan and are willing to be consistent rather than perfect.
✔️ Busy professionals and parents who need nutrition that fits a full life, not the other way around
✔️ Endurance athletes, especially anyone training for a triathlon or their first long race
✔️ Lifters and CrossFitters who want to fuel performance without guessing
✔️ Military and first responders balancing fitness standards with real-world schedules
CREDENTIALS & certs
NUTRITION CERTIFICATIONS
Level 7 Diploma in Sports Nutrition
UESCA Endurance Sports Nutrition Certified
NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist
Precision Nutrition Level 1
OTHER CERTIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
PhD in Exercise Science
Master’s in Exercise Science
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
USAW Advanced Sports Performance Coach
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
CrossFit Level 1
Six Years Competing in Olympic Weightlifting
Ironman Finisher (2021)
OTHER RANDOM stuff about me
FUN FACT
Our son is named after Naim Süleymanoğlu, the “Pocket Hercules” of Olympic weightlifting.
NON-FITNESS HOBBY
Playing Super Smash Bros with my son!
FAVORITE THINGS
Coffee, going to the movies, and learning new things.
WHAT MY CLIENTS ARE SAYING
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“A nutrition program sounded scary. I worried about restrictive diets and feeling hungry. My experience was actually the opposite. Coach Chris made the process easy and sustainable, and he is knowledgeable and empathetic with the perfect balance between being professional and approachable. After a year, I significantly reduced my body fat and became a lot faster and stronger.”
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“Not only is his knowledge level out of this world, he is approachable and down to earth. I felt comfortable sharing any issues I was having, and not only did he have creative solutions to anything and everything, he gently asked questions until we figured out the root of the issue.”
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“I started working with Chris on eating for maintenance and performance, followed by a small cut for a powerlifting meet, and then fueling for triathlon training. To say he offered guidance and expertise along a wide spectrum of goals is an understatement. He was sometimes talking me off the ledge when I felt my progress had stalled.”
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“Chris is knowledgeable, responsive, and engaging. He centers the science in a way that more coaches in the fitness world should. Using the macro method has transformed how I approach nutrition for the better.”
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MY FAVORITE EPISODES OF BLACK IRON RADIO
