Get to Know the Coaches Behind the Community
Danny Lehr
Co-Owner, Excel Health & Fitness
Born and raised in Manteca, Danny is driven by a clear purpose: to help people in the community get fit and live healthier, happier lives. He’s been coaching for over 20 years and holds degrees in Physical Education and Cross-Cultural Education.
Danny stays active in and out of the gym—he’s a Masters World Cup weightlifting champion, rode a bike 73 miles around Lake Tahoe to support leukemia research, and is the bestselling author of Win Your Next Hour, a book on discipline and personal growth.
Certifications:
USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach
CrossFit Level 3 Trainer (CF-L3 / CCFT)
CrossFit Endurance Trainer
CrossFit Bodyguard
CrossFit Football
Outside the gym, he’s all about family time with his wife Jessica and their two kids.
Buddy Hitchcock
Co-Owner, Excel Health & Fitness
Born and raised in Manteca, Buddy discovered CrossFit in 2006 while training for track and field—and quickly fell in love with both the methodology and the sport. Nearly 20 years later, he’s still coaching with the same passion that first pulled him in.
Over the past 15+ years, Buddy has competed in CrossFit-sanctioned events, national-level weightlifting meets, and televised fitness competitions alongside some of the world’s top athletes. At Excel, he’s all about helping members move well, stay strong, and build lasting habits.
Certifications:
CrossFit Level 2
CrossFit Gymnastics
CrossFit Football / Power Athlete
RKC (Russian Kettlebell Certification)
CrossFit Kids
CrossFit Running
Outside the gym, Buddy enjoys life with his wife Jessica and their kids—often found fixing something, lifting something, or coaching someone through their next breakthrough.