Nimble Trainer

6 years

He/Him

Tell us about your journey to fitness and personal training:

I was a professional ballet dancer, which was beautiful but resulted in a LOT of injuries and an early retirement. Afterwards I was looking for something to replace not just my career, but the 6 to 7 days a week of 6 to 9 hours of physical activity and discipline. Training became my daily ritual instead of dance class and rehearsal.

How do you plan on celebrating Pride this month? 

I usually go to the parade with my friends. My party days are behind me, so it’s usually a fun Drag brunch and some parade shenanigans.

Are there any adversities you’ve had to overcome during your fitness journey?  

Mostly my own mindset. My background left me with a lot of body image issues to work through. My self-image was very tied up in dance and looking a certain way, and it was difficult to break out of that.

Where have you found support in the fitness industry?

I get a lot of support from surprising places. Strangers at the gym coming to tell me how much they appreciate my dedication. The fitness community is kinder and gentler than people realize.

Did the pandemic change anything for you or your fitness habits?  

Yes, mostly my work schedule. I do a lot more work online. I also got in the habit of splitting my workouts into several smaller chunks throughout the day, which works well for me. Daily walks are also a habit I started and love, it’s very meditative.

What do you love about your Nimble clients?   

I love that the Nimble clientele is looking for something past the basic gym experience; there’s working out, and then there’s TRAINING, and people come for that difference. And I love any client who shows up consistently, willing to work! I can teach someone how to squat and deadlift, I can’t teach them how to want to do it. That has to come from inside themselves.

What’s your favorite type of training or exercise to do?

Clean and press. Barbells, kettlebells, sandbags… doesn’t matter. It’s so satisfying.

What’s your cheat meal? 

Pizza and a Coca Cola. (Once in a blue moon)

What’s your biggest challenge with your fitness? 

Honestly, the most challenging thing for me is not overdoing it. I tend to get excited about all the things I want to cram into a session and can over program for myself. Sometimes I have to take a step back and ask what the main goal of a workout is and edit. There’s only so much a human can do in a day, even for trainers!

What fitness goal do you have for yourself this year? 

My goal is always to be a slightly better version of myself than I was yesterday. A little stronger, a little faster, a little leaner… longevity is important, so I always have my eyes on small incremental steps.