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The hardest part of this comeback isn't the exercise. It's accepting that I can't do what I used to do.

I've spent years coaching people through strength training, movement, injury prevention, and progression. I know how to modify an exercise. I know how to regress a movement. I know how to build strength. I know that progress takes time. But knowing all of that doesn't make it easy when you're the one who has to start over.

There are movements I used to perform without thinking twice that now require more focus, more patience, and sometimes a completely different approach. And I'll be honest. There are moments when that's frustrating. But I'm learning that there's a difference between starting over and starting from where you are.

I'm not starting over. I'm starting from here. And that's enough. One rep, one movement, one day at a time.

This is the comeback.

The comeback starts here!

Since the end of June, I’ve been away from training because of a double disc replacement in my cervical spine. For months leading up to surgery, I was dealing with nerve pain running down my right arm. Eventually, I started losing strength, especially with pushing movements. I dealt with significant weakness from my right pec all the way down to my fingers.

The surgery thankfully resolved the nerve pain. But it didn’t immediately bring my strength back. So this is me doing something that used to be incredibly simple for me:
A push-up. Modified. And by the fourth rep, I’m struggling to the point of failure.

I could hide this part of the process. Instead, I want to document it. Because as a coach, I’ve spent years helping people build strength, recover from setbacks, and move with purpose. Now it’s my turn to practice what I preach.

I don't know exactly how long this journey will take. But I know I'm going to document every step of it.

The goal isn't to get back to where I was.
The goal is to see what I'm capable of building from here.

Hopefully, this will serve as motivation for anyone who may be going through the same. I'm excited to have you on this journey with me.

We’re heading back to Griffith Park!

This month’s Community Workout takes us along the Brush Canyon Trail, a scenic climb with breathtaking views of Los Angeles (and yes… there may be a few notable sights).

Fresh air, good energy, and even better people. This hike is your chance to move your body, find your rhythm, and reset, mentally and physically. Whether you come for the views, the movement, or the community, you’ll leave feeling better than you arrived.

What to expect:
• A steady climb that gets the heart going
• Beautiful surroundings at every turn
• Meaningful connections with great people
• Space to challenge yourself at your own pace

We can't wait to share this experience with you.

Reserve your spot at the link in bio.

One of the simplest ways I explain the push-up to my clients is this:

A push-up is just a moving plank. If you think about it:
• A forearm plank is a plank
• A tall plank is a plank
• A push-up is simply that plank moving

The same fundamentals apply:
• Ribcage stacked over the hips
• Core engaged
• Glutes active
• Shoulders stable
• The “bucket” stays intact

If the plank breaks, the push-up breaks.

So before worrying about reps, speed, or depth, we focus on owning the position. Once the body understands how to maintain tension and control, the push-up becomes far more efficient, and much safer on the shoulders and lower back.

Of course, there’s more to it than that. But this is where we start.

Master the plank.
Then let it move.

Save this if you’re working on your push-ups, and comment “PLANK” if this perspective changes how you think about the movement.

This month we’re taking our Community Workout to Griffith Park for a scenic hike from Ferndell to the Griffith Observatory.

We’ll begin along the lush, shaded Ferndell trail and gradually make our way up toward the Observatory, building endurance while taking in some of the best views Los Angeles has to offer.

This hike isn’t about rushing to the top. It’s about moving, enjoying the surroundings, and sharing the experience together.

Once we reach the top, we’ll pause for a Gratitude Grounding Moment, a chance to slow down, catch our breath, take in the view, and reflect on something we’re grateful for.

We’ll wrap up the morning with a gentle yoga stretch to help release tension in the hips, legs, and back after the climb.

A little challenge.
Beautiful views.
Great people.

Join us and experience movement in community.

RSVP at the link in bio.

Strength doesn’t start when the weight moves.
It starts before you move.

In this video, I’m coaching a client on how to maintain engagement in the standing position, especially when holding external load (like a goblet hold).

I tell her to think back to the plank. Same principles:
• Lower abs engaged
• Glutes active
• Legs strong and stable
• Ribcage stacked over hips

Then we layer in:
• Shoulders gently back and down
• Lats engaged
• Lock the ribcage so “the bucket” doesn’t break

Because when load is introduced, this is the position you return to every single time. Yes, it’s tiring. That’s the point.

If you’re not tight, if you’re not engaged, the bucket breaks. And when structure breaks down under load, that’s when injuries happen. We don’t just lift weight. We learn how to own the position first.

Save this if you’re working with goblet holds or loaded movements, and comment “STACK” if you’re starting to feel how everything connects.

You braved the climb. You leaned into the challenge. And you showed exactly what community looks like in motion.

The stairs were no joke. They tested our endurance and mindset. But once we transitioned into Align & Strong, something powerful happened, yoga and strength didn’t feel like two separate practices. They felt connected. Overlapping. Supporting one another.

Alignment. Stability. Breath. Control. Power.

Different approaches. Same foundation.

The best part wasn’t just the workout, it was the energy. The conversations before we started. The laughter between sets. The shared effort. The way everyone stayed present and engaged.

Sunny skies. Warm air. A group willing to show up and try something new.

You are the community. And we’re just getting started.

Stay tuned for more 🤍⛰️