Like a lot of American men, my interest in exercise started in jr. high school when I started playing football.  Part of preparing for football means lifting weights.  So from there through high school and college I worked out.  I always enjoyed it.  Through degree changes, school changes, breakups, good times, bad times and all the rest of the time, exercise was present in my life–to the point that it was as important as any class in school.  My interest spread to bicycling, running, Olympic weightlifting and injury rehabilitation.

There is an adage that goes “The more you learn, the less you know.”  That bit of wisdom definitely describes my experience in the fitness business.  Once I got certified as a personal trainer, I thought “Okay, now I must know everything.”  At the same time though, I knew that there were plenty of gaps in my knowledge.  So I got another certification and another and kept going to more and more conferences and seminars and searching out new information often thinking that NOW I’ve got it down.  NOW I’ve got the silver bullet of fitness.  Most trainers and coaches who stay in this field have very similar experiences.

As I’ve progressed and learned more, my knowledge always leads to more questions.  What I’ve learned is that there is disagreement among the most experienced experts in the field.  How to get stronger.  How to get faster.  How to get leaner….  There are a multitude of paths to these goals, and rarely is there a “best” path but rather many productive and different paths to these goals.  My purpose here is to chronicle my exploration of fitness and I hope you the reader will benefit from reading my posts.  My hope too is that you will help me learn by offering your own experiences and insights.

My Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
• Master’s Degree in Health Promotion Management, American University, Washington, DC
• Z-Health R- and I-Phase Certified Movement Reeducation Specialist
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Certified Personal Trainer
• Cooper Institute of Aerobics Research, Certified Personal Trainer
• Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), Certified Running Coach
• Kettlebell Concepts, Level I Kettlebell Instructor