Some people find their way to enduraLAB looking for a new challenge. Others, like Lindsey Schmidt, arrive ready to turn the page on a tough chapter. After losing his beloved dog and feeling both physically and mentally drained, Lindsey knew he needed a change. He had already lost a significant amount of weight on his own, but the next step? Building strength and muscle to keep up with the demands of his physically intense job.
From Machine Mayhem to Methodical Movement
Before joining enduraLAB, Lindsey’s workouts were more of a choose-your-own-adventure at a big-box gym—randomly hopping from one machine to the next without much structure or guidance. Unfortunately, that often led to injuries. Despite staying active through work and diet, he knew he needed a smarter approach to fitness. Fast forward to today, and he’s not only feeling stronger but also far more in control of his body’s recovery and performance.
From Fix-Me Mode to Proactive Recovery
Gone are the days of simply icing aches and outsourcing solutions. Lindsey now takes recovery into his own hands, learning different techniques to keep his body feeling good. Nutrition has also become a game-changer, with a newfound focus on increasing his protein intake to fuel his strength and stamina.
Master of the Garden and the Gym
Outside of the LAB, Lindsey cultivates more than just his strength—he’s a horticulturist in a private garden. When he’s not training or working, you can find him getting his hands dirty in his own garden, devouring sci-fi and fantasy books, or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen. (Pro tip: If you need gardening advice, he’s your go-to!)
Bragging Rights: Strength, Stamina & Steep Hills
Once upon a time, Lindsey wasn’t exactly thrilled about working out. Now? He actually enjoys it. He’s built up the energy and stamina to make his physically demanding job feel easier, tackling tasks like mowing a steep hill at a sprint rather than taking the easy way out. And remember when classes seemed intimidating? He started with personal training, but now he thrives in the challenge of group workouts and the sense of community they bring.
Goals on the Horizon: Running & Sticker Collecting
Next on Lindsey’s to-do list? Embracing running. While he’s historically opted for other forms of cardio, he’s ready to tackle this new challenge head-on. And let’s not forget the ultimate goal—collecting ALL of this year’s enduraLAB stickers by making it to at least 16 workouts per month. Priorities, people.
Favorite enduraLAB Event? Anything Festive!
Lindsey loves the holiday-themed events at enduraLAB. Why? Because they keep him moving during the most indulgent (and sedentary) times of the year. Plus, who doesn’t love a little fitness mixed with festive fun?
Advice for Newbies? Just. Keep. Coming.
Lindsey’s wisdom for anyone starting at enduraLAB is simple: Keep showing up. The workouts don’t necessarily get easier, but you will get stronger. The progress sneaks up on you, and suddenly, the things that once seemed impossible become just another Tuesday workout.
A Workout in Lindsey’s Honor: “The Gardener”
If Lindsey had a namesake workout, it would be called “The Gardener”—a nod to his daily grind. Think:
- Farmer’s carries (hauling heavy bags and tools)
- Deadlifts (lifting soil bags and large pots)
- Sled pushes (because wheelbarrows don’t push themselves)
- Step-ups (garden beds and stairs aren’t getting any shorter)
- Bent-over rows (pulling weeds, pruning, and general plant maintenance)
- Rucking (because leaf-blowing is an endurance sport)
Treat Meal of Choice? Mexican Food & Chocolate Silk Pie
Ask Lindsey where he wants to eat, and nine times out of ten, he’s choosing Maria’s for some good ol’ Mexican food. And if dessert is on the table, make it Hudson House’s Chocolate Silk Pie. (Drool.)
Current Read & Pump-Up Jams
A self-proclaimed sci-fi and fantasy fan, Lindsey is deep into The Suneater series while also making his way through The Stormlight Archive—a casual 63-hour audiobook journey. As for music, he’s all about house and electronic beats, cycling through hyperfixations on new songs before moving on to the next banger.
Final Thoughts? A Thank You & An Offer
Lindsey wants to shout out the enduraLAB community for being so welcoming and making the gym a space where he finally feels comfortable. And if anyone needs gardening tips? He’s got you.
