What brought you to enduraLAB? I was looking for a gym in the area and saw that enduralab had an on boarding program for people who didn't have much experience in the gym. I thought it would be good to get some formal training on how to lift, and also enjoyed the variety of classes offered and how close it was to my apartment. After coming for a month I was hooked!
What did your workout routine look like before joining the LAB? The most exercise I would get was playing pickup basketball, walking 18 holes of golf, or the occasional short run. I never really worked out in a similar capacity as the LAB.
What healthy changes have you made since joining the LAB? I definitely sleep more and eat healthier. I noticed how poor eating habits and lack of sleep were affecting my energy levels both in the workouts and during the day. Now I try not to eat fast food very often and cook at home a lot more. I was always one to go to bed early, but now i find myself crawling into bed before 9 and reading instead of staying up and watching TV. I've also noticed I rarely get stressed out now, unless I'm watching the Seahawks.
Tell us what you do outside of the LAB? My two all time favorite activities are Golfing and Skiing. You'll find me at the driving range during most of my lunch breaks, and skiing on my vacations. Outside of those activities I love playing piano, cooking and reading.
How have you grown as an athlete since joining the LAB? I have gotten much stronger. When I started I couldn't squat or deadlift 135 pounds, and could barely do 5 pull ups. I've seen these lifts, along with everything else, increase a lot since I've started here. I am also closing in on my high school track mile time and am planning on going to the run club 2-3 times a week in 2021 to get better in that area.
What is a goal you have set for yourself in the next 6 months? I want to get my back squat to 315, my power clean to 225 and my mile time under 5:30. Both the squat and mile time have been my goal since I started exercising here, but now they feel like they are reachable in the next 6 months.
What is your favorite enduraLAB event or program? I enjoy the strength and conditioning classes. I love the supportive yet competitive environment that pushes everyone to do their best. The coaches are also wonderful and it's nice to know they want you to do your best, but do so without getting injured. There have been many times where I've been told to back off of the weight and focus on form, and it's great to have someone point that out to you since a lot of the time you can let your ego get in the way.
What advice would you have for a new person starting at enduraLAB? Come as consistently as possible and it gets better very quickly. It gets easier every day, but showing up is the hard part. I remember the first workout I did here, it was 'Jackie' and I just about threw up after the thrusters, but by the third or fourth week I really started to enjoy the workouts and now it's my favorite part of the day.
Favorite cheat meal/restaurant in DFW? Heim BBQ's three meat plate with brisket, sausage, pulled pork, mac n cheese and potato salad with a nice beer on the side. It's very nap inducing.
Current Read / Podcast? I am currently listening to "The Bible in a Year" podcast, which is exactly what it sounds like. As far as books go I am currently reading Bruce Dickinson's autobiography and that is super interesting, he used to fly the plane for Iron Maiden's tours.
Pump Up Song? Elephant by Tame Impala
Any final words or thoughts? I am more than grateful for the enduraLAB team, I am in the best shape of my life and now enjoy working out and eating right. It's made a huge difference in my life.
