Hometown: Taylor, TX
When and why did you come to Austin?
I grew up in a small town north east of Austin and have called it home for the vast majority of my life. I chose to pursue a career in Austin because of the enormous opportunity for growth, success and longevity in a field of work I am truly passionate about.
What is your background? How did you get into personal training?
I come from an athletic family with a deep-rooted sports-oriented background. I played baseball collegiately (Univ. of Houston, McLennan CC) and professionally (Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks). I chose to pursue a career in personal training because I enjoy helping people from all walks of life achieve improved health, fitness and longevity, as well as bringing out their fullest potential.
Tell us about your current fitness goals and training.
I’m currently pursuing IFBB Pro Status in the Men’s Physique category of Bodybuilding. When in prep for a show, I train utilizing a traditional PPL split, and during the offseason I prefer to train like a powerlifter because of the discipline, dedication, competitiveness and programming required. It’s essentially a ‘powerbuilding’ approach to training.
What is the most common fitness myth you work through with your clients?
That women need different exercise programming than men, which typically stems from the misconception that women will get bulky if training similarly to men. This is simply not the case, as women don’t have the testosterone to support serious muscle mass growth.
What do you want your clients to take away from each training session with you?
A sense of accomplishment, both mentally and physically, with progression toward their goal(s) and a positive attitude that screams “I GOT BETTER TODAY!”
What sets you apart from other fitness professionals?
A relentless drive to succeed, unwavering discipline to get the job done, and the ability to control what I can while learning from hardships, trials and tribulations.
What is your favorite thing about Austin Simply Fit?
The cohesive group of individuals that make ASF what it is by coming together to create a friendly and inviting atmosphere coupled with an environment in which everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Who is your hero & why?
My grandfather, who passed away in 2016, will always be my hero and that will never change. He was my father figure in my younger years and dedicated 25 years of his life to making sure I had every opportunity to be successful in all aspects of life. I will never forget the smile on his face when he heard my name called in the 2012 MLB Draft, and to this day it remains a vivid image that I could draw if I had an artistic talent.
Click here to read Eric’s blog about how you can cultivate discipline and use it to meet your goals.