Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
When and why did you come to Austin?
I came to Austin in 2016 for the warm weather as well as the live music, food and outdoor activity scene.
What is your background? How did you get into personal training?
I was always a really active kid. I played softball, tennis, basketball and swam. In college, I started strength training and doing Muay Thai kickboxing. However, in the beginning of my career I was a chef and the environment and lifestyle became so stressful after many years and my body and nervous system really took a hit. I developed an unhealthy relationship with food and became really out of shape. I was in pain everyday. I finally decided that I needed to get out of that career path and joined the gym.
I started off with slowly changing my eating habits and moving a lot more. Then I progressed to strength training. I had such a wild transformation in 6 months that I knew I could help others achieve similar change and progress. I wanted a career in a healthy environment to hold myself accountable as well. I decided to become certified and started coaching in 2017.
Tell us about your current fitness goals and training.
I recently had shoulder surgery, so I have been rehabbing and slowly working my way back to strength training upper body. I also like to focus on mobility and stability work to address some structural imbalances I have. My goal with training is to move to the best of my ability and be pain-free for as long as possible.
What is the most common fitness myth you work through with your clients?
That it’s too late or that individuals are too far “gone” to get into shape. It’s never too late to start a health and fitness routine. Sometimes clients have come seeking help because their doctor told them they needed to and they feel like it’s a daunting process and are often hesitant to start. But I emphasize small, easily attainable lifestyle changes until they become routine. Focusing on the small wins makes the long-term goal seem more achievable. It’s amazing what even 6 months of consistency can do for a person, let alone a year or more.
What do you want your clients to take away from each training session with you?
I want my clients to understand why they are doing the programming I choose specifically for them because it creates a stronger connection to their workouts and overall goal. I want them to feel capable of doing anything in each session and temporarily forget about any stressors they may have going on outside the gym. And of course, leaving feeling much better than when they came in.
What sets you apart from other fitness professionals?
I feel as though my ability to listen, connect and empathize with my clients sets me apart. Everyone wants to be seen and heard and when they feel like they are, they’re more likely to want to do what is asked of them and commit with their trainer. I do my best to not be judgmental, to actively listen to their needs and emotions, validate their concerns and show understanding. Clients then feel understood and that they can be vulnerable with me which further opens the channels of communication, trust and success.
How do you, personally, define success?
I see success as the cumulative efforts – day in and day out – of working towards goals and achieving them while overcoming failures that inevitably occur. I feel successful not only when I am working and attaining goals but when my clients are as well. I also see success as the relationships we form with those around us, helping each other become the best version of ourselves.
Favorite quote and who said it?
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” – Lao Tzu