I’ve always been very active and drawn to the sense of accomplishment that hard work and discipline produce when implemented in a healthy manner. The gratification from pushing myself to constantly improve in whatever I drive my mind and body toward has always had a huge appeal for me. Growing up in Foristell, keeping active was always a mantra of mine, from farm work and fishing to mountain biking and running long-distance trails. I kept myself moving as a youth and then once I was 18, I joined the Marine Corps to put my tireless energy to good use.

I hit the ground running and was pushed through the most challenging training schools and certifications of my life. Early in my career I was certified as a Black Belt Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor and as a Corporal’s School Instructor. I learned how hard I could push myself and how to motivate my Marines to push themselves beyond their own limitations. Then shortly after, I learned the consequences of pushing myself too hard without proper nutrition, form, mobility, and recovery. My knees and back were blown at the ripe age of 24, unable to run hard or take full breaths without pain. My indestructible youth had faded and the reality of being human was setting in too late. My determination to keep moving and stay active led me to many doctors and much good advice.

Ultimately, I was able to find an amazing Physical Therapist who helped me learn about rehabilitation and body mechanics. As I found steady success with my efforts, I became more and more fascinated with the body and ultimately trained to earn a certification as a Force Fitness Instructor. Through mobility, flexibility, and strengthening my mind and body I was able to reduce the frequency of my pain and lower its intensity. Changing my diet and portions also helped my body to feel more energetic and allowed me to sleep better and feel better. I was able to get back to my prior mobility, speed, and experience less pain doing so, and then able to share it with others and help them to experience the freedom of a healthier and happier body.

During my 20 years of active service, I experienced the following three major phases. Physical failure, mental overload, and emotional devastation. My physical body gave out under the strain, my mind was pushed to its limitations of capability, and my emotions were ambushed by tragedies. Yet, in the scorched soil of adversity a seed of hope was planted and took root. Through each difficulty there was always the opportunity to take my frustrations and turn them into growth. I learned from some incredible professionals that my injuries could be treated with hard work, dedication, and patience. It wasn’t easy to rehabilitate my mind and body, and it wasn’t immediate, but I’ve gradually improved over time and increased my health and happiness beyond what I thought possible.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, I found Integrity Fitness and immediately felt like family here. I’ve been in gyms all over the world and never felt welcomed, peaceful, and still pushed hard to achieve success as I have in this environment. When I was offered a job as a personal trainer with the opportunity to help others to experience a healthier and happier life, I was more than excited to get started. Each day is a success and an opportunity to help someone else to fight their own personal war and win one battle at a time.