From the very first moment I set foot on a football field as a young athlete, an undeniable passion for fitness and the structured discipline of workouts took hold of me. Football was my initiation into a world of dedication and relentless drive. Little did I know, this budding enthusiasm would be tested and forced through trials that would redefine my very being.
It Takes Two
Fitness had become my new my anchor, my constant in a life disrupted by injury. But it was after my second ACL tear that I truly understood the depths of my commitment. Simply competing on the same level as my peers now required Herculean effort; I had to outwork everyone just to stand shoulder to shoulder. This injury was a catalyst for my journey, lighting a fire within me. I pushed my boundaries, aiming to transcend these new limits that had been placed on me involuntarily.
Having torn my ACL at almost the exact same time 3 years in a row, track season lined up almost perfect with when I was finally able to start running again. Most people run track to compete and win races, but I ran track just to get in shape. The initial weeks were merciless. Every practice left me hunched over, vomiting, my body feeling tormented. Yet, despite the agony, quitting was never an option. Every drop of sweat, every wave of nausea, reaffirmed my spirit. It was all worth it.
My Hidden Purpose
While facing these grueling trials, I discovered a truth previously unknown to myself: people respected and admired my journey, my tenacity, and my wisdom. This realization was eye opening. It was with this realization that fitness transcended personal achievement; it evolved into a mission to empower others. I wanted to others to experience the same resilience and strength that fitness had blessed me with.
The Rewards of Training
As a personal trainer, helping clients achieve their goals is what it’s all about. Especially those who began their journey with doubt clouding their minds. One client, on the brink of self-destruction due to constant setbacks, stands out to me personally. Our path together was full of hurdles, but persistence saw us through. Their ultimate success is a testament to the perseverance I believe we all possess within us.
It’s Not About How You Fall
The cruel battle with ACL injuries and numerous knee surgeries came with invaluable lessons. I learned that pushing yourself too hard could be as detrimental as not pushing hard enough. Striking the right balance was crucial, a principle I instill in every training session.
Reaching the professional football level after five knee surgeries was monumental. Surrounded by elite athletes, I realized that my long journey had culminated in success. The sweat, the pain, the dedication—it had all paid off. Sustaining injuries year after year took its toll on my mental, physical, and spiritual health. Through it all, I look back at that kid gleaming with pride. He was knocked down many times, but he always got back up!
Training Philosophy
My training philosophy is built on determination and resilience. I believe that if you truly want something in life, you have to put blinders on and go get it. Setting goals and letting nothing deter you is paramount. This was epitomized after my third ACL tear, when my mom questioned if I thought I should continue trying to play football. My response: “They have to cut my leg off for me to stop.” This relentless drive is what I instill in my clients. If you desire to reach your goals, let nothing stand in your way. If you hit an obstacle, find a way. I never allow my clients to quit or give up just because things are difficult. There’s ALWAYS a way.
Influence of Physical Therapy
A caveat to facing consecutive injuries the way that I did was having to go to physical therapy for nearly a decade. This heavily influenced my approach to fitness. It taught me to see the big picture, to understand the root causes of pain and imbalance, and to prioritize smart, balanced workouts over sheer intensity. This led me to getting a degree in Exercise Science as well as obtaining my NASM Certification as a personal trainer with a Corrective Exercise Specialist certification. I wanted to ensure that I had the knowledge and experience to take a holistic approach to helping clients achieve their goals while maintaining long-term health and strength.
Allow Me to Join Your Journey
Fitness has been my anchor, my passion, my purpose. It has guided me through the darkest times and elevated me to incredible heights. Now, I’m here to help you harness that power in your life. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, aiming for peak performance, or seeking a healthier lifestyle, I’m dedicated to guiding you every step of the way.
Your goals are within reach, and I’m here to help you realize them.
Get in Touch
Ready to start? Contact me today for a free consultation and let’s discuss how we can reach your fitness goals together.