what to expect when training with me

Committment to Your Goals
I treat every client as an individual human being with a unique history, a unique body, unique goals, and unique path to success. Every single exercise program I make is tailored to your personal needs in terms of intensity, length, and skill level. You won't find me peddling one-size-fits-all templates to whoever asks for one. I'm here for YOU!

Clients can trust me to be trauma-informed, anti-racist, anti-diet, compassionate, and committed to meeting you where you're at, no matter your ability level.

Work Hard, Be Challenged, and Learn Stuff
It's common for my clients to say things like "Wow, I've never felt that muscle engage before," or "You really know how to target my weaknesses," or even "Do you hate me???" (jk, unless??). While soreness isn't an indicator of a good workout, you should expect to feel challenged when you do a training session with me. After all, you didn't hire me to help you do things you're already good at! 

There are many different factors that influence a person's fatigue response to strength training. One thing is true, though: compound barbell movements (squat, bench, deadlift, clean, snatch, etc.) tax the central nervous system significantly more than bodyweight, dumbbell, kettlebell, machine, and resistance band movements. Therefore, I tend to hammer accessory movements to compound lifts so you can build a lot of strength without feeling tired and sore all the time. Clients should be prepared to do significant accessory training in addition to their main barbell movements, and they will noticeably reap the rewards.

Additionally, I want to empower my clients to learn as much as possible about their bodies and about strength training in general. I love when clients ask me "Why?"- Why did you program me this? Why are we doing x variation? Why are you directing me to correct my technique in this way versus how I was doing it before or how I saw someone do it online? The answers to your "whys" will equip you with the knowledge to be an autonomous and self-aware athlete who is poised for success. Be curious!

Emphasis on Proper Technique
My clients know one thing for sure: I am a stickler for correct technique. Proper mechanical execution of a lift cannot only prevent injury, but it can help to rehabilitate an injury as well. Lifting heavy weights is really fucking fun and I want to support you to lift as heavy as possible while being as safe as possible, so you can continue lifting for a long time. No amount of strength training experience disqualifies you from continually refining your technique, myself included.

Humility, Hype, and Humor
I've been strength training for a long time but I sure as hell don't know everything! A lot of strength coaches think they do and it drives me nuts. I genuinely learn something new from every athlete I work with and am dedicated to continuing my education through courses, webinars, articles, podcasts, and the like. Sometimes I make a mistake in explaining a technique cue or programming an exercise- but I am cognizant not to make the same mistake twice. It is also important to mention that although I have experiental advice for injury rehab & lifestyle changes, I am not formally trained in physical therapy or nutrition- if you are seeking these services in parallel with our training, I can refer you to an expert.

I'm committed to being your #1 hype man! I want to celebrate your wins, pump you up on doozy days, and show immense gratitude for the fact that you chose to be here with me! I'll be your paparazzi and your snack provider, your accountability partner and your confidant. You can count on me to show up for you every day, every time.

Bonus: I'm a sucker for a good dad joke and have a knack for detecting puns (even better if they are gym related).

IMPORTANT: I will not engage in transphobia, homophobia, racism, fatphobia, ableism, non-consensual touch, bigotry, or elitism of any kind.
There will be zero tolerance for clients who condone or engage in this behavior.

My programming combines a variety of methodologies that stem from my own experiential learning as well as the following sources of information:

Certifications:
MST Periodization for Powerlifting and Strongman Athletes
USA Weightlifting (USAW) Level 1 Coaching
DNS Level 1 (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) for Strength Training
Strength Systems International Level 1
Westside Barbell Athletic Coaching 

Relevant Webinars/Trainings/Books/Courses/Continuing Ed.:
Anatomy Trains : Myofascial Meridians for Manual Therapists and Movement Professionals by Thomas Myers
Decolonizing Fitness Patreon Subscriber
Foundations in Trauma-Informed Weightlifting
Big & Bold: Strength Training for the Plus-Size Woman by Morit Summers
Kabuki Strength: Advanced Methods for Strength Training
Deconstructing the Fitness-Industrial Complex: How to Resist, Disrupt, and Reclaim What It Means to Be Fit in American Culture by Justice Roe Williams, Roc Rochon, and Lawrence Koval
The Gift of Injury: The Strength Athlete's Guide to Recovering from Back Injury and Winning Again by Stuart McGill, Ph.D. and Brian Carroll
Westside Barbell's Book of Methods by Louie Simmons
Motivational Interviewing training
Active Listener of Restoring Human Movement podcast

Coaching Influences:
Erin Lee, DPT
Joe Stella
MST Systems
Catalyst Athletics
Calgary Barbell
Rali Malcheva
Katie St. Clair
S Gold
Meghan Callaway
Powerup Movement Co
...and more!