Welcome to True North Fitness Lab, LLC
Finding My True North
As a kid, I was fairly active — playing tennis, basketball, riding bikes, swimming, and more. Despite all that movement, I was also quite chubby. Looking back, I now realize I was consuming far more food (energy) than I was using each day.
Most afternoons after school, I’d come home hungry and devour a bag of chips or some other salty, carb-loaded snack until I was stuffed. Then I’d crash on the couch, nap the afternoon away, and wake up just in time for dinner. I remember having to wear pants larger than most kids my age, and I was constantly battling colds, sore throats, and sinus infections. My self-confidence was low, and I was often jealous of classmates who didn’t struggle with their weight. And so the cycle continued — until I left for college.
In the fall of 1990, everything started to change. I enrolled in an “Intro to Weight Lifting” class, not knowing what to expect. On the very first day, as we walked into the gym, I noticed an upperclassman (not part of our class) stretching off to the side. His sculpted, muscular physique was eye-catching, but what impressed me even more was his focus and dedication to his routine — especially his commitment to stretching and proper form. He was there nearly every class, and his consistency inspired me.
As I began learning the basics of weight lifting, I quickly got hooked. Within weeks, I started noticing physical changes. Yes, I was sore — but I was also getting stronger. My belly began to shrink, and my muscles started to grow. Most importantly, my self-confidence was rising for the first time in years. Walking long distances across campus helped burn even more calories, and for the first time, I was in an environment where I had control and was accountable for my outcomes.
Now, 35 years later, I still train consistently and remain mindful of how I fuel my body. Sure, there are some aches and pains that come with aging joints, but overall, I feel strong, mobile, and healthy. I work out most weekdays and often squeeze in a weekend session too.
Today, my mission is to help others feel better, move better, gain strength, and build confidence. That’s why I founded True North Fitness Lab, LLC — to help YOU find YOUR True North. I’m so thankful to have found mine.
