MATT
What sparked your desire to become a trainer?
I grew up playing sports. When my sports career ended after high school, I needed to find another outlet to stay active and compete. I started going to the gym every day and quickly fell in love with the health and fitness lifestyle. It became such a passion in my life that I knew I wanted to have a career where I could help other people experience the same positive effects of health and fitness, and use my knowledge and experience to guide them on their journey as they work to transform their health, body, and physical well-being.
What is your fitness background?
I started training part-time in college while earning my bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. I became certified through NSCA as a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach. After college I moved to Denver where I worked as a strength coach at a local high school and as a personal trainer in several large, local gyms. After a couple of years, I moved to a private personal training studio in the Denver area where I spent the next 18 years working as a full-time personal trainer. There I earned my CrossFit Level 1/Level 2 and Crossfit Mobility certifications. In 2022, my family and I moved to Casper to be closer to family, and I am now very happy to be able to continue my training career here at Lifetime Health and Fitness.
What is the best or most valuable exercise in the gym?
For me, it would be the deadlift. The deadlift is a full-body compound exercise that engages the largest muscles in the body to help build strength and muscle. It is a very functional movement that teaches the safe and effective way of lifting objects from the floor, a vital skill for daily life.
What is your favorite movie?
I don’t have 1 particular favorite movie but a few of my favorites are The Way Way Back, Armageddon, and Christmas Vacation.
What is the most important book you’ve read?
I know there are a lot of great books out there, I am just not a book person. I read lots of articles both educational and for fun, but I just don’t have the patience or time to get through a book.
What is your top hobby or passion outside of the gym?
I am a big sports fan so I’ve always enjoyed both playing and watching sports. My daughter started playing organized sports this past year and so now I’ve gotten into coaching her teams. It’s been great to pass on my knowledge and love for sports to a new generation of kids.