Hometown: Los Gatos, California
When and why did you come to Austin?
I moved to Austin in April 2023. After working remotely and doing some solo travel, I wanted to explore Austin, a new city that a lot of my close friends had been raving about. The music scene, the physical activity, and the warm, welcoming people have kept me here.
What is your background? How did you get into personal training?
As a lifelong athlete, I have spent my entire career in the fitness industry. For over 15 years, I’ve been on a mission to help people unlock their full potential through fitness. It started with a simple desire – to empower others to feel strong, confident, and healthy. I believe that fitness is more than just exercise; it’s about cultivating a lifestyle that supports your overall well-being.
Through continued education, I’ve gained in-depth knowledge of human movement, exercise science, and performance optimization. I’ve also had the privilege of learning from and working alongside some of the best strength coaches in the world, continuously expanding my knowledge and refining my training methodologies.
Beyond my clinical experience, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to the development of some of the biggest health and fitness technology apps in the world. This unique perspective allows me to understand how technology can be leveraged to enhance your fitness journey, providing you with valuable insights and tools to support your goals.
Tell us about your current fitness goals and training:
After suffering two consecutive knee injuries through sport, my goals have changed over the past few years. Always looking for ways to challenge my strength, conditioning, and mobility, my current fitness goal is to build back enough strength and confidence to get back on the basketball court.
What is the most common fitness myth you work through with your clients?
The most common fitness myth I encounter with clients is the notion of “no pain, no gain.” This phrase suggests that intense pain during exercise is necessary for progress. While some discomfort is normal during exercise, consistent, sharp pain is a red flag. It can indicate injury and can lead to setbacks.
To address this myth, I emphasize correct technique to minimize the risk of injury. I encourage clients to pay attention to their bodies and stop if they feel any sharp or unusual pain. I guide them on gradually increasing the intensity and volume of their workouts to avoid overtraining. I help them understand that muscle soreness is normal, but sharp pain is not.
What do you want your clients to take away from each training session with you?
I believe there is ALWAYS time for your health. My goal is to guide you towards sustainable and realistic fitness goals, focusing on building functional strength, improving conditioning, enhancing mobility, and prioritizing injury prevention. I believe that fitness should be an enjoyable and an integrated part of your life. I am committed to helping those I work with find a sustainable approach that fits seamlessly into their unique (and busy) lifestyle.
What sets you apart from other fitness professionals?
I understand the challenges of juggling a busy life while prioritizing your health. Whether I’m squeezing in a quick workout between meetings, playing a competitive game of basketball or pickleball with friends on the weekend, or simply enjoying a relaxing walk in nature, I find ways to incorporate movement into my daily routine. This commitment to a balanced and active lifestyle fuels my passion for helping others to find joy in movement too.
Favorite quote and who said it?
“Comparison is the thief of joy” – Most often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt
If you had a super power what would it be?
I am very passionate about traveling and learning about new cultures. If I could have a superpower, I think it would be the ability to instantly understand and translate any language. I could help people from different cultures connect and understand each other, fostering greater empathy and understanding and I could easily access and process information from sources all over the world, expanding my knowledge base exponentially.