Self-improvement is one of the greatest investments that can be made. Improving mental, physical, and spiritual states is a lifelong practice to improve the quality of life in all individuals. All of these can be accomplished by increasing one’s level of fitness. Training enhances cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic function as well as regulating hormones and increasing the immune system, thus becoming one of the greatest natural “medicines.”   Many people have no idea about the power exercise and proper diet can have over their health and mental wellness, nor do they know how great they could truly feel to by increasing these functions and living a healthy life. I feel that it is the duty of fitness experts and trainers alike to make this known and guide these individuals to improving themselves. Not only for competition with others, but mainly for competition of themselves. We should all strive to better ourselves for the simple act of becoming the best we can be.


            This can be easily achieved by maintaining a steady training routine and a healthy diet. While these seem like simple ideas, the complexity lies in the dosage. “Cookie cutter” routines and diets found in magazines are generically made for the masses. This means that an 18 year old solider will be designing his muscle gaining routine with the same exercises, sets, reps, and rest breaks as the 55 year old man trying to lose the beer gut. Will these routines show some results for both? Maybe. Will they provide each individual with the personalized routine to help maximize results? Definitely not. As complex as training routines are, diets are on a completely different level. A trainer can have two individuals with similar builds; as far as height, weight, age; and similar goals; such as weight loss, muscle gain, or sports-specific; but their dietary needs could vary. While both diet and exercise are important, diet is the main factor. One of my favorite sayings is “Power is made in the gym; muscle is made in the kitchen.”

            

          

           Health and Fitness has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. It was my lifestyle long before I decided to  turn it into my career. I was very active as a child and I plan to be very active as a senior. I have been in the gym, in one capacity or another, for over 18 years. In this time I was devoted to learning as much as possible and try as many training modalities as possible. Martial Arts have also had a large impact on my life. I have studied many different disciplines and have trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Currently 4 stripe Purple Belt Under Jason Bebber at Fenix Jiu-Jitsu), Krav Maga (Currently Tan Shirt under Caroline Kone at Warriors Krav Maga), and Muay Thai.
 

 

 

            I have an Associates Degree from Gaston College in the Health and Fitness Science Program. There I was awarded the Leadership Award, Excellence Award, and Outstanding Graduate Award. I also completed a two-semester dual internship with Hickory Cardiology and the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department at Frye Regional Medical Center. I was hired as a Rehab Tech II at Frye shortly after my internship ended. I am a Certified Fitness Professional through ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) and ACE (American Council on Exercise). While I have moved away from the medical facility, I still work closely with local Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Massage therapist, and Rehabilitation Therapists through their referrals for patients in need of building functional strength and mobility.

                      

           I have trained many different athletes over the years from power lifters to ultra marathoners; and from 6 year olds with tons of energy to 78 year old men who want to regain their energy to keep up with their grandkids. I have personally competed in Martial Arts tournaments, 5k Obstacle Courses, Natural Men's Physique, and endurance mountain races. As you can tell, I love a good challenge and I like to mix it up. I am also a huge practitioner of functional fitness and mobility. These modalities go hand in hand to prolong an active lifestyle. They also play a major part in injury prevention and rehabilitation programs. I also have experience in different forms of Yoga and other relaxation techniques.