We are thrilled to introduce Coach Jordan to the TrvFit family! Coach Jordan is a strength training coach who believes in holistic fitness and building sustainable health habits. Get to know him a little better by reading his answers to some fun and insightful questions. Whether you’re looking for motivation, coaching advice, or just want to connect with him, we hope you enjoy reading his story!
1. What inspired you to become a Strength Training coach and what do you love most about helping people with their fitness?
“I was inspired by the quality of life changes I saw in my own life. Not necessarily the progress I was making in the gym (when I didn’t know what I was doing in the beginning, that didn’t last long). What kept me coming back to the gym and ultimately led me to pursuing coaching were the mood changes, clearer thinking, more positive attitude, and improved self-confidence I experienced and wanted to share that with others. I most love seeing people’s excitement when they notice these changes. I love celebrating wins with people and walking with them to continue their health and wellness journey.”
2. What’s your favorite movement to coach and why?
“This one is tough, but I probably have 3 tied for my most favorite. Deadlifts, barbell rows, and pull-ups. All things back related I really enjoy. I love the combination of challenge and technicality that comes with the deadlift. I love the fact that there are many different variations of a deadlift that make it transferrable to day-to-day activities. My favorite version to teach is probably trap bar deadlift. I have found people progress very quickly in this exercise and again, enjoy seeing that excitement when they do. Barbell rows are just fun to do and I have gotten a lot of feedback that people are able to feel this exercise well. A lot of people have a goal of hitting their first pull-up. It is something that, if you are very new to fitness, can take some time and certainly consistency working on those muscle groups. Finding the right strength-to-weight ratio for yourself can make pull-ups easier, so there is even a nutrition component. Pull-ups are what I like to call a “hallmark of fitness exercise.” It is very telling of someone’s bodyweight strength. There are many ways to progress to it and you just feel accomplished when you hit it.”
3. What’s one fun or unexpected fact people might not know about you?
“I have hiked mountains in Colorado that span several thousand feet. I wouldn’t say I love the outdoors, but I do love to challenge myself and get outside my comfort zone. This certainly did that for me.”
4. Outside of the gym, what are some of your favorite hobbies or ways to recharge?
“Honestly, I struggle with this one. I don’t feel like I get a lot of down time when I am at home because of our newborn. So, a way I have been recharging recently is just sitting and doing my best to mentally brain dump. Anything I may be stressed about or worried over, I just try to let it go. Journaling accomplishes the same thing for me when my wife and child are sleeping but also requires more effort and time. As a result, my wife will often find me just sitting on the couch clearing my mind and doing nothing.”
5. What are you most excited about as you join the TrvFit Strength Training team?
“The community! Everyone has been so welcoming and kind with me starting out. And not just in greetings, but other coaches and members taking their time out to get to know me more before and after classes. I have appreciated the community bringing me in with open arms, and I look forward to serving here.”
6. If you could give one piece of advice to someone just getting started on their fitness journey, what would it be?
“A little something is better than a lot of nothing. If you can only get to the gym once or twice a week, do that. If on some days you only have time for a few couch squats in the living room or a plank, do that. Start where you are and don’t compare yourself to others. I have found fitness is about building momentum and finding your stride in what you like to do and can be consistent with. This may change from season to season as does life, but finding something in each season you can commit to and enjoy is what will keep you going.”
7. Do you hold any certifications or relevant education in fitness, nutrition, or wellness?
“I have my American College of Sports Medicine personal training certification, YogaBody flexibility coach certification, and my Cathy Madeo Yin Yoga certification. Outside of specialized fitness certs, I have a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in public health with a concentration in social and behavioral sciences.”
8. What do you love most about coaching?
“I love the relationship building and developing trust with one another. I enjoy getting to know people on a deeper level and learning about how fitness can improve their overall quality of life. For me, coaching is not just about what happens in the gym but helping to guide people to making long-term sustainable healthy lifestyle behavior changes in their day to day. I love approaching fitness holistically and walking with people wherever they are in their journey to reaching their health and wellness goals.”
9. What’s your coaching style or philosophy?
“My coaching style is creating a comfortable environment for the client, easing tension and stress. I like to educate and motivate when needed, but most importantly, being a calming presence to the client so he/she can feel confident in what they are doing.”
10. What are you passionate about helping people with?
“I am passionate about arming people with the tools to be autonomous and independent in their health and wellness journey. In this world where you can find an answer to almost anything and millions of people are giving out fitness advice, I want to help others look within themselves and have the knowledge and confidence to implement what is best for them. Not always looking to someone else for guidance. I believe that my time with a client isn’t meant to be forever. I want to share what I know and empower people to be the best versions of themselves mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually (if that is a component of your life). These things are what make us well, not necessarily how much weight we can lift or how much our abs pop.”
11. What’s one common Strength Training fitness/nutrition myth you love to debunk?
“Training is more important than sleep. If you feel like you are doing all the things right, but still not making progress, evaluate your sleep. I don’t do tips and tricks, but if I had to offer one, place a high priority on your sleep when you can. Now, I recognize this is much easier said than done, coming from someone with a newborn. In this season of life for me, I am not going out and trying to hit personal records because I am not at my peak only getting 5 hours of sleep a night. Often, if the quality and quantity of your sleep is in line, other things in life will improve.”
12. What time will you be coaching group and your personal training availabilities?
“I will be coaching group classes right now MWF at 4:30 pm. My personal training availability is mostly in the afternoon/evening M-F, with some morning availability between 8 am – 10 am. I am available Saturdays as well morning/afternoon. I am expecting my availability to open even more come September.”