How I Got Into Personal Training

Ever since my teenage years, I’ve wanted to be physically fit. But while I stayed active, I struggled to maintain a healthy diet. I lacked both discipline and knowledge when it came to nutrition.

In high school, I discovered surfing—and it quickly became the center of my life. After graduation, I started working in a welding factory, where I quickly moved up into a management role. I was putting in 10–12 hour days, eating whatever was convenient, and living a lifestyle that was far from healthy. I’d always been athletic and lean growing up, but once I joined the workforce, the long hours and poor eating habits caught up with me. I gained weight and noticed my surf stamina suffered.

Eventually, I left the factory to work for my family’s welding business. That gave me a more balanced schedule and time to focus on my health—but despite my efforts, I didn’t make much progress. Looking back, I realize I simply didn’t know what it really took to see results inside and outside of the gym.

A turning point came after my first surf trip abroad. When I got home and saw photos of myself without a shirt, I felt self-conscious about how I looked. That moment lit a fire under me to make a real lifestyle change.

With a more flexible schedule, I was able to surf more often, which jumpstarted my weight loss. I got into a rhythm—I was feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally. I realized that staying active wasn’t just about looking fit—it was essential for my overall wellbeing.

It took years of trial and error to understand what truly worked for me. Spending time in the gym, talking to more experienced lifters, and learning from mistakes gradually helped me build a foundation of knowledge. Over time, I became obsessed with training—sometimes spending too much time at the gym. Back then, I could recover quickly and push my limits. Now that I’m older, I’ve learned balance: I don’t need to live in the gym to get great results.

Welding has always been physically demanding, and I knew I couldn’t do it forever. I wanted to help people, but I didn’t have the confidence to believe anyone would want to learn from me.

Then, a few years later, my family’s welding shop relocated. I joined a new gym, and the owner asked if I’d ever considered training clients. At first, I doubted myself—but I decided to take the leap and got certified.

At first, I wasn’t confident as a trainer. With experience, I found my rhythm and developed a coaching style that meets people where they are, challenges them safely, and helps them realize their full potential.

What started as a desire to improve my own fitness turned into a passion for helping others transform their lives through movement, discipline, and consistency. And that’s how I found my path into personal training.