A little about me
Growing up in a rural community in Iowa my options of hobbies were somewhat limited. I found being involved in sports to be a great way to focus my energy and make friends. I realized at a young age that being physically active builds self confidence. In my younger years I participated in basketball, football, soccer, baseball and wrestling. After playing baseball my freshmen year I decided to put all my energy into football. I was never a natural athlete. I quickly found the weight room and began to realize that the hard work I put in during the off season would help make up for any lack of athletic ability. By junior year it had paid dividends. I was one of the strongest guys on the team and I even entered my first powerlifting competition. I felt like I was getting stronger but not faster. I joined the track team, running the 100m, 200m, 4x1, and 4x2. As a defensive end getting off the line was very much like getting out of the blocks. Because of the work I put in during the off season I was able to help lead my team to and undefeated regular season, along with being named to the all district team.
The passion I had for athletic competition and self improvement led me to the United States Marine Corps. Graduating boot camp was the single toughest thing I had ever done up until that point in my life. It not only required incredible physical endurance but, even more importantly, it required a level of mental toughness that you will be hard pressed to find outside of the Marine Corps or SpecOps. Over my first 2 deployments I split my time between patrolling and working out in a make shift gym. We often lost electricity as our generators would over heat in 120 degree weather but, I wouldn't let that stop me from training. I would hang chemlights up and wear a headlamp so I could see just enough to know what weights I was grabbing. I began using working out as a way to clear my mind. You could say the gym was my zen garden. I entered and won the Camp Fallujah power lifting competition in 2005, weighing only 196 and deadlifting 535 raw, I had impressed my fellow competitors. My time in the Corps eventually took me to MCRD San Diego where I worked with recruits on a daily basis and had the opportunity to see them transform from scared, unconfident intimidated civilians to confident and disciplined United States Marines. This inspired me to begin using fitness as a way to build self confidence in others, just as It has done for me. Around this same time I decided I wanted to be a bodybuilder and not just a gym rat. I started reading more and more about nutrition and proper training techniques. I soon became completely immersed in the fitness lifestyle. I began training and competing in bodybuilding shows. I earned my certifications in training and nutrition and used my knowledge to teach my Marines the importance of a healthy lifestyle. After over 8 years in the Corps I decided to leave and pursue my dream full time. I am now a Nationally Qualified bodybuilder, personal trainer, American Body Building sponsored athlete and University of North Carolina Wilmington alum. I currently train NPC and IFBB Pro athletes as well as non competitors looking to lose weight, bulk up or just learn about fitness and nutrition. I would love to help you gain the body you have always wanted! Send me an email at the contact tab above and let get started!
The passion I had for athletic competition and self improvement led me to the United States Marine Corps. Graduating boot camp was the single toughest thing I had ever done up until that point in my life. It not only required incredible physical endurance but, even more importantly, it required a level of mental toughness that you will be hard pressed to find outside of the Marine Corps or SpecOps. Over my first 2 deployments I split my time between patrolling and working out in a make shift gym. We often lost electricity as our generators would over heat in 120 degree weather but, I wouldn't let that stop me from training. I would hang chemlights up and wear a headlamp so I could see just enough to know what weights I was grabbing. I began using working out as a way to clear my mind. You could say the gym was my zen garden. I entered and won the Camp Fallujah power lifting competition in 2005, weighing only 196 and deadlifting 535 raw, I had impressed my fellow competitors. My time in the Corps eventually took me to MCRD San Diego where I worked with recruits on a daily basis and had the opportunity to see them transform from scared, unconfident intimidated civilians to confident and disciplined United States Marines. This inspired me to begin using fitness as a way to build self confidence in others, just as It has done for me. Around this same time I decided I wanted to be a bodybuilder and not just a gym rat. I started reading more and more about nutrition and proper training techniques. I soon became completely immersed in the fitness lifestyle. I began training and competing in bodybuilding shows. I earned my certifications in training and nutrition and used my knowledge to teach my Marines the importance of a healthy lifestyle. After over 8 years in the Corps I decided to leave and pursue my dream full time. I am now a Nationally Qualified bodybuilder, personal trainer, American Body Building sponsored athlete and University of North Carolina Wilmington alum. I currently train NPC and IFBB Pro athletes as well as non competitors looking to lose weight, bulk up or just learn about fitness and nutrition. I would love to help you gain the body you have always wanted! Send me an email at the contact tab above and let get started!