AARON

What sparked your desire to become a trainer? 
While sports had always been a part of my life growing up, my desire to be a personal trainer began during Covid. During that time, I went through a lot of self-discovery and had to get creative with my own fitness when I no longer had access to a weight room. Through my own journey, I learned that when I addressed my physical health, many of the mental challenges I was struggling with took care of themselves. That experience sparked my desire to become a personal trainer. I wanted to help as many people experience that same revelation - discovering how much of a positive impact taking care of their physical health can have on their mental well-being, especially for those who may have never experienced that connection before.  

What is your fitness background?
Throughout grade school I was a three sport athlete (football, basketball, baseball), gaining access to the weight room for the first time at age 12. While I didn’t play any of these sports at the collegiate level, I did play two years of Division 3 rugby. After my rugby career ended I began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the instruction of former UFC fighter Spencer Paige. After two years of training at his academy, I was promoted to blue belt. I have a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science through SUNY Potsdam and have furthered my fitness education by receiving a personal training and CPR/AED certification through ISSA, and am currently working to complete more certifications through ISSA to further my fitness career. 

What is the best or most valuable exercise in the gym?
The ones you will consistently do. However, if I had to pick only one exercise to do the rest of my life … it would be deadlifts. I prefer the hex bar variation over the barbell variation. 

What is your favorite movie?
Dr. Strange (2016). I wouldn’t consider myself a huge Marvel fan but I have seen this movie probably a dozen times now and never get sick of it. 

What is the most important book you’ve ever read?
The Holy Bible. Christ is King.

What is your top hobby or passion outside of the gym?
I am passionate about my faith in Jesus Christ, through him we can do all things. Outside the gym, some of my hobbies include reading scripture and literature in the field of exercise science, learning guitar, and playing Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.