What brought you to enduraLAB? My best friend Graham McMillan signed me up with him for Holiday Hustle back in November. I had come to enduraLAB a couple times before for Saturday workouts but Holiday Hustle is what got me hooked.
What did your workout routine look like before joining the LAB? I did weights with minimal cardio 3-5 times a week at 24-Hour Fitness. It mainly looked like a push day, pull day, leg day, and cardio/abs day. When COVID hit and home workouts were all the only option, I turned to dumbbell only workouts, more running, double-unders, thrusters, burpees, devils press. I’d try to do a Murph (no vest) and Fran once a month. When gyms reopened I began doing more AMRAP and METCONS at the end of my weight workouts.
What healthy changes have you made since joining the LAB? MOBIILITY!!!!!! I did basically no mobility before joining the LAB. I stretched some before working out and that was it. Since joining, I’ve purchased a foam roller and use it all the time and stretch or follow along with mobility videos about 3 times a week. It’s been a game changer in terms of helping me recover quicker and be more fluid in my movements.
Tell us what you do outside of the LAB? I’m a high school pastor at a church here in Fort Worth! Love what I get to do. I’ve been on staff at a church called Christ Chapel Bible Church for about three years now. I’m also slowly chipping away at seminary as well. Other than that, I love traveling, camping, and hiking with my wife, following Aggie Football, and drinking good whiskey.
How have you grown as an athlete since joining the LAB? Brag a little. Since joining the LAB I’ve gotten much more comfortable with deadlifts, power cleans, and overhead barbell presses – all of which I rarely ever incorporated into my routine (mainly because I didn’t feel confident in my form). I love all these lifts now, feel great about my form, and have seen myself get stronger in each of them. I’ve also seen my squat and bench go up which had been at a long plateau for about two years. Mobility and form have been crucial to lifting more.
What is a goal you have set for yourself in the next 6 months? I’d love to get a sub 40 minute Murph with a 20 pound vest, squat 425, and master double-unders with minimal shin splints.
What is your favorite enduraLAB event or program? I love the Strength & Endurance program! One of my favorite workouts so far has been the 400m Manslaughter. It might be the mentally toughest workouts I’ve tried.
What advice would you have for a new person starting at enduraLAB? Take the time to learn great form at light weight before really pushing it, stay on top of mobility, be patient with your progress, and don’t compare your numbers to others! Be consistent and you’ll be PR’ing left and right before you know it.
Favorite cheat meal/restaurant in D/FW? Oh man, too many to pick from. Wing Wednesday at Buffalo Bros, Velvet Taco red curry queso, Joe T Garcia’s chicken fajitas, Rodeo Goat Whiskey Burger. Just to name a few.
Current read / podcast? I’ve been hooked on Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. One of the most well written and interesting stories I’ve read in a long time. I’m also reading The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. This was one of the most influential books to pastors / preachers in The Second Great Awakening as people were stirred by David’s zeal and devotion to God. It’s been incredible so far.
Pump up song? Never Scared by Bone Crusher has been an old pump up song from middle school that I re-stumbled upon that has been getting me hype. I also lately have been getting pumped to Can’t Tell Me Nothing by Kanye, Trophies by Drake, and Tokyo Drifting by Glass Animals.
Any final words or thoughts? The LAB has quickly taught me the importance of quality recovery through good sleep, mobility, small walks, and proper form. My workouts have become more diverse, fun, and challenging than ever before and the community at the LAB has been phenomenal. I’ve already become the guy that probably talks about his gym too much to other people but it’s hard not to when I don’t see any other gym providing the best overall experience for wherever you’re at in your fitness journey. Glad to be a part of it!!
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