Hometown: Napoleon, Ohio
When and why did you come to Austin?
I moved to Austin April of 2022 to explore new opportunities with training, and to escape the brutal Ohio winters.
What is your background? How did you get into personal training?
Growing up I was always involved in sports. I played soccer and track through high school and I have always loved being active. I began lifting in high school and quickly fell in love with seeing my body change. Of course back then most of my training consisted of benching and arm workouts. As I learned more about fitness I decided I wanted to pursue my education in exercise science. Upon graduating with my degree in exercise science, I got certified to become a strength and conditioning coach. I spent four years training at a gym in Toledo, Ohio before moving to Austin to continue my career.
Tell us about your current fitness goals and training.
My current training incorporates a mixture of bodybuilding and functional training.
I have been dealing with a hip injury for a majority of my life so my training is focused on keeping all the muscles and fascia around the hips strong so I can live pain free. My biggest goal would be to continue to build strength and muscle, while staying healthy and pain free.
What is the most common fitness myth you work through with your clients?
You don’t need to do the crazy workouts you see from Instagram trainers to reach your goals. One of my biggest pet peeves with the fitness industry is that many Instagram trainers will post insane workout videos that a majority of people can’t do and they claim it’s the best way to get results. The best way to reach your goals include slowly progressing through movements, and increasing weight when necessary.
What do you want your clients to take away from each training session with you?
I want my clients to feel better physically and mentally than they did when they walked in. I also enjoy educating clients about how the body works so they understand what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.
What sets you apart from other fitness professionals?
I have worked with a wide variety of populations since I became a trainer. Coming from a strength and conditioning background, I’ve worked with athletes from 8 years old to the collegiate level. I also have experience working with the general population for achieving their specific goals.
What is your favorite thing about Austin Simply Fit?
My favorite thing about ASF is the community we have here. Everyone here pushes each other to be better, we hold each other accountable, and we have a very fun and energetic environment.
Favorite quote and who said it?
Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard – Tim Notke.
This is especially true for my athletes. I’ve seen too many talented athletes slack in practices and in the weight room and wonder why they don’t make it to the next level. A good work ethic plus talent can set you up for success in your sport as well as in life.
If you had a super power what would it be?
I would want to fly because I could travel wherever I wanted to and I wouldn’t have to worry about traffic.
Click here to read Dan’s blog on simple nutrition strategies that can yield big results!