hy do you train? 
My dad started taking my brothers and I to a gym in 7th grade and I just never stopped training since then. It feels good to have well-rounded physical capabilities (strength, cardio/endurance, balance) because it gives me a confidence inside that I can take part in any type of physical activity without ever doubting myself. It’s also a good way to train and test yourself mentally, and mental strength is something I like to focus on a lot as well.

I once read that the Latin root of “confidence” means “with trust”.  So, confidence = trusting yourself. And the only way to trust yourself in something is knowing you’ve already done that thing, or something similar before, so you KNOW you can do it again and there is less fear. Training physically is an avenue I can take to challenge myself, build trust in myself in a way that helps in other areas of life.

In what ways does training help you in your daily life?
It makes me feel more free and able to participate in anything I’d ever want to try out. Examples — Looker has mountain biking trips every Thursday, my family surfs a lot, going to a Crossfit gym every now and then, Scuba diving, kiteboarding in the future.  Just a general attitude of “Yeah I could do that” for anything (within reason).

Can you describe your Level Up experience?
Level Up was a good time.  I specifically know that Tanner was rooting for me to get master.  He’d been the one trying to get me to Level Up for a while.  After I got the 15th rep in body weight, I felt very relieved and was happy to not have disappointed Tanner, and then just kinda went along with the rest of Level Up.

I knew I’d be fine in everything except for the bench press. I don’t really like benching because it feels really static and not useful. So, I think a month or two before that date I started benching way more than usual with the goal being that I could get the master level in it, and then never have to bench again. The other two exercises I had some thoughts on were the farmers carry and the rowing, but those are things you just have to go all out one time for and not really think about otherwise.

What is your training/athletic background?
I’ve worked out from middle school, high school (lacrosse, football) and through college athletics at UCLA (rugby), where I found Crossfit, and and that was when I really started changing my mindset from working out to look good to working out to be functionally able and more of a mental challenge. I also started skydiving with the goal of eventually wingsuit skydiving, which I started doing and still do today. Now I surf a bit out at 38th, do a little bit of scuba diving, and I’m hoping to start kiteboarding in the Spring when the season is right.

Why do you choose Paradigm Sport?
100% because of the coaches and the energy they create in the classes and around the gym. It’s a fun and welcoming environment for everyone regardless of your level, which is very special.  All of the coaches I’ve taken classes with are great, they care about us, and know us all by name. They also correct people’s form, ensure exercises are being done safely (which doesn’t happen at other gyms I’ve tried recently), and offer alternatives for people with injuries.