I am a native of the Atlanta area. My hometown is Cliftondale, GA which is about 15 minutes south of the city. I played a lot of sports growing up, but football and baseball were my favorites. I played both (along with other sports) through high school and continued with football into college. After graduating from college, I continued to play sports for fun but didn't understand how to adjust my lifestyle to the decreased demands on my body. This led to me weighing an unhealthy 220 lbs. before accepting that change was needed. It took years of trying different ways to remain active and eat less before I saw results. Nothing had positive effects on my life like CrossFit, though. The fitness methodology, the community, and the understanding of nutrition are all reasons I will continue to do this until life forces me to stop. I encourage you to give it a chance. Random Facts: I have two young children who are more mature than I am . I never missed a day of school from K-12 . I haven't drank a coke/soda/pop since 2009 . I am an only child...not spoiled, just over-loved! ;) . The CrossFit methodology wasn't in practice until 10+ years after I graduated from college . I joined the CrossFit Dwala family in 2017 . I am a Masters athlete . I have challenging shoulders...just like many of you
My biggest challenge early was my ego. I was a former collegiate athlete who was very fit but didn't grasp how time and lifestyle changes would affect me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Those were tough lessons to learn and begin to enact changes that would get me back on a healthier path. Being overweight and unhealthy take their toll in many ways. I was unwilling to acknowledge them since my ego kept me living in the past. Once I was willing to move past my obstinance, it allowed me to accept the situation and find solutions. Ultimately, CrossFit has been that solution. The community, knowledge, and opportunities shared at CrossFit Dwala are unparalleled in my experience. I drop-in gyms all over the U.S. when traveling and haven't found another box with a comparable culture to what we have.
I enjoy coaching all levels of athletes. The chance to experience the journey alongside members and be part of their achievements is very rewarding. Learning about the member's story is fascinating and helps give insight into how I can help them reach their goals. Sharing insight that helps someone progress is the most rewarding part of coaching. I enjoy working with both the individual who hasn't done a workout in the past 10 years and the one who's already accomplished. I'll help prepare you for success...but you have to work for it!
