Why did you become a group fitness instructor / personal trainer?
This isn’t necessarily a career path I chose. It almost chose me in a way. I grew up participating in group sports (thank you Spring Lake Park football and wrestling) and a decade and a half later when I was going through a personal life transition there was a new gym opening up in Blaine by a couple friends-of-friends. I decided to give it a go and it was just what I needed at that point in my life. This is when I realized just how great group fitness is. Outside of the fact that I was getting in shape and getting healthy, I was meeting new people and making friends who had similar goals and priorities. Fast forward to me getting to know the owners better, and before I knew it I was on the mic. Turns out I had a knack for being loud and snarky and the people in the classes I taught really enjoyed it. Plus, in all honesty, my ADHD was mostly a problem for me working my whole life and all of a sudden I found something where it wasn’t a hurdle–it was a help. That was 13 years ago, and the rest is history!
What drew you to Fitaholic?
From the start, and when I say start, I mean before the doors even opened to our first clients, it was clear to me that Fitaholic was going to be a different type of group fitness–the strength variety in particular.
Describe your coaching style… What should people expect in a 45-minute class with you?
Energy. Fun. And a DJ-gig-worthy playlist. Plus some snark. I won’t sugarcoat things. I won’t hesitate to critique your form. And although you’ll never hear me say it, you’ll know I care about giving you the best possible group fitness experience around.
Do you have a favorite quote you lean on?
Check your pride at the door.
Person next to you is lifting heavier?Who cares. Work as hard as you can with the right amount of weight and keeping proper form.
Gotten out of shape and feeling uncomfortable showing back up at the gym? Show up anyway, work hard, and get back on track.
Can’t do 100 push-ups? Do 10. And do them great.
Favorite way to work out?
Chasing birds through tall grass and swampy fields with my best bud, Griddy (1 year old German Shorthaired Pointer).
For the other 320 days a year? Group fitness at Fitaholic. Honestly, if I didn’t own this gym I’d be working out here 4-5 days per week. The class variety keeps me from getting bored and the community of people make it fun and a place I want to show up.
My music style is…
80s, 90s, 2000s, Rap, Rock, Country and everything in between. Even showtunes. (Hello Greatest Showman!)
Share a boring fact about yourself.
I’m an old, old man at heart. I love hard candies, butter brickle ice cream, baths, watching programs on the TV, and never driving the fastest route to a destination. (Just ask my oft-irritated wife…)
