Fuego Physique

You think *only* doing fitness classes with weights (

Who needs a sauna when you can sweat your face off running a 4 mile race, up Central Park’s rolling hills, in the humid humid New York City weather during a record heatwave? Not this guy. This race was tough!! Most of the conversations I had with people afterwards were “I do all my training runs in Central Park, sometimes 5+ miles and today was so hard!” It was a hard one. Personally, I started way too fast. I was hurting by mile 3 and a puddle at the end.
Aside from the heat, this is one of my favorite races and my second year running it. The Achilles (Hope and Possibility) Race benefits the Achilles Foundation whose mission it is to help athletes who are differently abled. I am always so incredibly inspired by the athletes I see on the course. They are the epitome of “zero excuses.” I am always humbled by the display of athleticism, grit, and determination.
I also draw huge inspiration from the Achilles guides, who assist the athletes on the course. Whether it be being someone’s eyes and literally tethered to an athlete, to running alongside an athlete with a hand cycle, these guides show incredible amounts of strength, endurance, and spirit.
As an aside, my good friend Billy , who’s done work with the Achilles Foundation, has suggested that I should be a guide. One day Billy, I promise I will, but as of now I don’t think I can hold a candle to some of these people. I guess I’ll just have to train more and train harder.. truly.. my hats off to them.
In all, it was a great race with a great turnout. I look forward to the next one! (Also, to borrow a page from Billy, if you’re an athlete who would like to be a guide, check out Achilles.)

This is what the peak male athletic form looks like. (…at least in Sumo wrestling at the professional level). Kinda redefines what your paradigm of athleticism may be doesn’t it? In a recent conversation with .patdavidson the topic of mobility and genetic predisposition as well as other variables (tissue size) was discussed. The resounding conclusion was, mobility really is a use it or loose it phenomenon. So my question to you is, are you moving enough? Are you moving through full ranges of motion when you train? Are you ready to train smarter? You know what to do. DM me. (Side note: I mentioned this to Pat, but if you want to see some awesome athleticism and a spectacle of sport, definitely check out some live sumo wrestling. It was awesome when I went in Osaka, Japan!) 🇯🇵

Keaton said it best, "I'm Batman."
Batman is strong, but he's also agile, powerful, and graceful. The Dark Knight can move! My issue with the movies is the only thing you see is Batman's strength training. We don't get to see the other side of it—the athleticism component. Batman should be able to rotate his thorax and hips. Batman should have versatility in his stance when striking (like any good martial artist). Throwing patterns, along with changes in direction should make up a fair amount of his training.
My goal is to always be strong, but I also love hearing,
"for a bigger guy, you're fast. You can move!" I love being able to know how to use my body to get out of dangerous situations. There's a fluidity to it. To be strong, fast, and mobile creates a feeling of euphoria.
You can't be beat. You step up to new challenges and test yourself; use your tenacity and will to overcome them. You become your own hero.
This is why I train. This is why I do what I do. My goal is to have my clients find this for themselves. Be your own inspiration. Be your own hero.
🦇

I was brand new to training. This wasn’t my first certification, but it was my first intense one. In order to pass and teach, I had to demonstrate mastery of the technique. I mean, if you can’t do it, what gives you the right to teach it? My nerves were erratic. I trained for this. My friend and senior trainer, took me under his wing to help me prepare. (I continue to be incredibly grateful.) The bells were heavy. I mean, they were fu***ng HEAVY. I’m a pretty strong guy, but here I was with the elite. 100 snatches in 5 minutes, after demonstrating skills and technique in all other capacities? This was a joke right? Suffice to say, I did it. It was grueling. I was hurting, but I did it. I wore my badge of honor. I passed my Strongfirst certification. I was part of the elite. From there I became known as the kettlebell guy. In the years following I grew stronger and better as a trainer. My clientele grew and referred me to their friends. It has been an amazing journey and I am forever grateful.

One of my joys as a trainer is the interactions I have with people. I can be a very silly/goofy person. I love it when people are comfortable enough with me to let their personalities shine through. Life is too short to be serious all the time. Have fun. Play. Enjoy the silly moments!

Partner sessions are a great way to stay motivated and keep one accountable. I believe a strong support system is paramount for keeping one on track to one’s goals. What keeps you motivated? Are you and a friend interested in partner sessions? Send me a DM to find out more.