A Devastating Injury That Changed Everything
Some trainers learn their craft from textbooks. Others learn it the hard way - through personal transformation. Alex's journey from sidelined athlete to sought-after trainer and middle school coach is a masterclass in turning obstacles into opportunities.
And he's not just any coach, his basketball team just qualified for the state championship in Bend, sparking so much community excitement that their GoFundMe hit $1,000 on day one. (Nothing brings a neighborhood together quite like kids chasing their dreams.)
Texas Roots, Portland Growth
Like any good story about finding your place, this one starts with a leap of faith. In 2014, Alex traded the Lone Star State for the Rose City, following his heart and finding an unexpected home in our tight-knit community. While he might occasionally dream of Texas temps, the coziness of St. Johns has a way of making even a born-and-raised Texan feel right at home.
The Accidental Guru
Sometimes life's biggest setbacks lead to the best comebacks. After tearing his ACL not once, but twice (he really wanted to be sure), Alex found himself becoming his own physical therapist. This unexpected detour sparked a passion for understanding the human body that would shape his entire future.
Looking around his hometown, he watched as former high school athletes faded into sedentary lifestyles, losing their edge and mobility. It lit a fire under him to write a different ending - one where peak condition isn't just a distant memory from senior year, but a flame you keep alive throughout your life.
From Corporate to Community
After six years in the corporate fitness world at LA Fitness, Alex craved something more personal. Now, he's got a knack for helping people in their 30s and 40s who either never learned proper weight training exercises and form, or might have gotten off track after an injury. He knows the story all too well, stepping away from "ego-lifting" and really dialing in the mechanics of form.
The Golden Touch
Some trainers might see gray hair and trade out dumbbells for stretches, but not Alex. After training together, he had a client in her 70s crushing 100-pound Russian deadlifts. Next time someone says you're too old to start training, remember there's a grandmother out there putting up triple digits while probably planning her next bingo date.
Looking Forward
When he's not transforming lives one rep at a time, Alex is dreaming big about the future. Picture it. The True North Football League – a 7-on-7 program that's about more than just touchdowns. He wants to take eager young minds and transform them into community leaders, teaching accountability, and maybe sneaking in some nutrition advice when the kids aren't looking.
The Alex Philosophy
"The only thing stopping you is yourself" hits different coming from someone who's rebuilt himself from the ground up. Twice. Maybe you're battling the ergonomic warfare of office life or perhaps you're out here chasing your dream body, Alex's approach remains steady: show up, stay consistent, watch the transformation unfold.
Ready to rewrite your own fitness story? Stop by the front desk to connect with Alex. Just don't ask him to compare Portland and Texas barbecue joints unless you've got an hour to spare.
Keep grinding,
Your West Coast Fitness Family
PS: If you want more info about his team of champs, peep the write-up at the front desk next time you're checking in. Good luck at state!
