Jason Leydon

Founder & Head Coach

Jason Leydon is the founder and Head Coach of CrossFit Milford in Milford, Connecticut, and the creator of Conquer Athlete, a globally respected education and remote coaching platform for functional fitness athletes and coaches. Since launching CrossFit Milford in 2008—during the early days of the sport—Jason has coached over 50 CrossFit Games athletes, including 12+ podium finishers and multiple affiliate teams, highlighted by a 2nd-place team finish in 2015.

With over two decades of experience, Jason has worked with elite performers across multiple disciplines—including Special Forces operators, HYROX world-class competitors, All-American wrestlers, record-holding powerlifters, USA Weightlifting national team members, and everyday individuals looking to live healthier, stronger lives.

As the lead educator for the Conquer Athlete 12-Week Coaching Mentorship, Jason teaches athlete development, strength and conditioning principles, and mixed-modal programming to coaches around the world. His expertise in program design, energy system training, and coaching theory is sought after by top fitness brands including Peloton, SoulCycle, Technogym, and Power Monkey Fitness.

Jason is a former collegiate basketball player at Springfield College and Eastern Connecticut State University, and played professionally overseas before opening his own training studio. He also served as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Albertus Magnus College men’s basketball. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education & Health from ECSU and is currently completing a master’s degree in Exercise Science at the University of Connecticut.

Grounded in principle-based strength work, precise energy system development, and impeccable movement quality, Jason’s mission is to build resilient athletes, empower progressive coaches, and elevate performance standards across the global fitness community.

Certifications & Credentials

Jason’s extensive list of credentials includes:

Foundational Certifications

  • CSCS – Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
  • CrossFit Level 1 & 2 Certified
  • CrossFit Coaches Prep Course
  • CrossFit HQ Seminar Staff
  • CrossFit Olympic Lifting, Powerlifting, Mobility, Gymnastics, Endurance, Football
  • USAW Level 1 Sport Performance Coach
  • ISSA Certified
  • CPR Certified

Specialty Training & Advanced Education

  • Postural Restoration Institute – Postural Respiration
  • Functional Range Conditioning (FRCms)
  • BioForce Certified Conditioning Coach
  • Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach
  • Enlifted Level 1 & 2 Coach
  • Mental Performance Mastery Coach (Brian Cain)
  • EXOS Sports Performance Specialist
  • Certified Speed & Agility Coach
  • Functional Movement Screen Level 1
  • SFMA Seminar Completed
  • Art of Breath Certified
  • Wim Hof Essentials & Foundations
  • Blood Flow Restriction Certified – BFR Pros
  • Tactical Athlete Kettlebell Course
  • XPT Performance Breathing Certified
  • Flex Diet – Metabolic Flexibility (Dr. Mike T. Nelson)
  • M2 Hormone Health
  • Gym Jones Level 1
  • Juggernaut Training Systems
  • Power Monkey Programming Coach
  • Hybrid Strongman Seminar

OPT CCP (OPEX) Education

  • Level 1 & 2: Business Systems, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Assessment, and Program Design

Consulting Experience

  • Peloton (Program Design & Coaching Systems)
  • SoulCycle (“Activate” class development)
  • Technogym
  • Power Monkey Fitness