CERTIFIED FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH COACH

I recieved my CFSC certification. Functional strength is extremely valuable for teaching correct form and bracing techniques, while avoiding almost every type of exercise-related injury.

PERSONAL TRAINING CERTIFIED

I received my PT certification through NASM. This program was tailored towards working with individual clients and tailoring my programs to meet individual needs.

SPORTS NUTRITION CERTIFIED

I recieved my Sports Nutrition Certification through NESTA. This program taught me about the importance of specific macronutrients and how to use them to supplement athletic performance and achieve results with weight loss and weight gain.

BODYBUILDING / MEN’S PHYSIQUE

I hired Jeff Later and Shanna White with L8R Lifestyle to guide me through my preparation for my first show. I spent 7 months “clean bulking” putting on some serious muscle mass without ever completely losing my abs. Then I spent 4 months “prepping” for my show, where I dropped below 7% bodyfat so I could get up on stage. This long process involved a thorough understanding of calories and macronutrients and how they affect my body. I learned how to have regular cheat meals without throwing off my results. I learned how to make flexible meal plans that fit my required macros, and how specific timing of meals can affect my workouts and muscle growth. I learned how to lift weights for building size instead of strength, and how to avoid injury. I also learned about creating a structured, consistent schedule for working out and meal plans. I experimented with fat burning by HIIT cardio, as well as the more traditional approach of spending 2 hours of cardio a day at the gym. I also learned about techniques such as carb cycling, intermittent fasting, and fasted cardio.

PERSONAL TRAINER

I worked as a personal trainer at a corporate gym. This was an incredible learning opportunity for me, because I was able to work with dozens and dozens of talented clients, adapting my knowledge to fit actual individual needs and motivate people from every background. I learned how to motivate even the least motivated people, and how to follow the process of trial and error to find an effective workout routine and meal plan for an individual’s lifestyle.

SPORTS MEDICINE

2 years in the Boise State University Concurrent Sports Medicine program. I learned to identify common and uncommon sports injuries. I applied first aid and helped carry injured athletes off the field or court. I learned to bandage, wrap, and protect athletes from further injury. This program involved a very detailed knowledge of human anatomy, muscular structure and bone structure.

POWERLIFTING

Powerlifting is a huge slice of the fitness pie. For years I’ve studied trainings and content from some of the greatest World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competitors of all time. Brian Shaw is a 4 time world champion and is my personal favorite. Following his tips and online coaching advice, I significantly increased my 1 rep max in just 3 months. My bench press raised from 165 to 225; my squat from 185 to 275; my Deadlift from 225 to 405. I learned about proper form and how to maximize power, while avoiding injury.

OLYMPIC LIFTING / CROSSFIT

I spent 6 months in Prescott AZ, at the Redtail CrossFit studio, training every day with the man Tony himself. I competed in the CrossFit games and learned the ins and outs of CrossFit. Crossfit incorporates both of the Olympic lifts, so I studied proper form and how to avoid injury. I also learned some of the potential dangers of CrossFit and the joint wear and tear that comes from this style of training.

BODYWEIGHT TRAINING / CALISTHENICS

I’ve studied the training of Mark Lauren, who was a US special forces trainer. He revolutionized the way the military trains their operatives, by introducing a mostly bodyweight workout regimen. I followed his highest level training program for 6 months and saw great results. I was able to explore the pros and cons of strictly bodyweight exercises. This is where I gained my love for pushups. I studied how to build muscle without weights through time under tension and finding muscle failure. I’ve incorporated much of his methodology into my training ever since.

YOGA

Yoga has a lot of benefits for both your body and your mind. I was a little skeptical at first, but I’ve trained with multiple coaches, learning the "hatha", "vinyasa", and "yin" styles of yoga. I learned how to improve balance and how to use posing to increase core strength. I learned how to lose weight and build muscle, simply by holding my own bodyweight in a position for the right period of time.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

I studied MMA under Coach Michael Pease. He trained me with an emphasis in Jiu-Jitsu, which i believe to be one of the most useful and effective fighting styles. I’ve also studied with Alaric Keen, an undefeated amateur fighter. He trained me with an emphasis in kickboxing. I learned coordination and how to use my center of gravity to my advantage. I learned about striking, endurance, bracing, and avoiding injury while in combat.

ATHLETIC TRAINING

Jeff Cavaliere is one of the bigger names on the fitness web. I’ve completed a few of his programs, including AX-2, designed for increasing coordination and athletic performance. I learned how to strengthen specific muscle groups as a whole, how to train to my body’s natural strengths and ranges of motion, and how to effectively use resistance bands in my workouts.

MEDITATION

I’ve talked to many people who claim meditation is their favorite method of improving their mental and physical fitness. For years I’ve studied books and articles on the topic and incorporated it into my morning routine and my workout routine. Meditation is extremely effective in dealing with negative emotions like stress and anxiety and depression. It can also greatly benefit your sports performance or workout routine through positive affirmations and visualization.

KETO DIET

For 6 months, I explored different approaches to the keto diet. In ketosis, I was able to really understand how my body responds to a lack of carbs and a surplus of fats. During this time I read countless books and studies about the topic. I learned how to maximize fat loss, and how ketosis affects the body’s ability to both weight train and perform cardio for a long period of time.

ANABOLIC DIET / KETO CYCLING

During my 6 months of keto, I experimented with Dr. Mauro DiPasquale’s Anabolic Diet. He combines the fat burning abilities of ketosis with the muscle building effect of carb loading in a unique ketosis / carb loading cycle in an attempt to build large amounts of muscle mass without ever gaining extra body fat. This diet taught me a lot about the specifics of ketosis, as well as exactly how to keep your body in ketosis, even while eating large amounts of carbs on occasion. I really enjoyed this diet, and it taught me a lot.

ENDURANCE SPORTS / TRACK AND FIELD / CROSS COUNTRY

For 6 years I competed in cross country distance running and track/field long distance events. I’ve trained for and competed in 1 Mile, 2 Mile, 5K, 10K, and half marathon events. I’ve trained people to run full marathons. Endurance running is a very unique approach to fitness, but a very popular one. I’ve learned proper form and how to detect and correct improper form. I’ve learned how to train to increase endurance and speed, while avoiding injury. I learned how to regulate breathing, arm movement, and even thought process to increase running ability.