Starting Out with Simple Goals

At the time I started, I didn’t have lofty goals — I just wanted to work out and make some friends.

Facing Unexpected Challenges

But life happens: I slipped on ice and injured my back. I suffered a “minor” but relentless concussion that disrupted my hormones, my grip, my gait, my vision, and my energy. I was tired and I was in pain, and all I wanted to do was get back to lifting — to get back to life.

The Role of a Dedicated Trainer

Patient Support During Recovery

Mark was endlessly patient and stood by my side throughout my recovery, which took two years. He devised and adapted custom programs and concocted bizarre exercises to help me keep moving around the pain and through the pain, until I was out of it.

Achieving New Milestones

He led me to PR my squat, deadlift, bench press, and half-marathon; helped me train in Strongman, Powerlifting, and flying trapeze; supported me in achieving my RKC kettlebell certification; guided me in training for big hikes, including Peru’s challenging Salkantay Trail in the Andes and the 27-mile “Grand Traverse” on Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail.

Navigating the Medical Maze

Meanwhile, because of his background in integrative clinical work, he was able to support me as I sought medical help for my concussion, which was a mystery for some time. Mark served as my advocate as I went from doctor to doctor, and ultimately he found the functional neurologist who diagnosed and treated me.