“How you move is more important than what you move”–ancient proverb written by Joel circa January 2018.
Joel graduated from Miami of Ohio with a B.S. in Exercise Science and a Minor in Coaching. He began his professional career at an elite Chicago health club after college and opened his first training facility in 2001. Over the years, Joel has added to his professional credentials by adding numerous certifications including: NASM CPT, NASM CES, NASM MMA, NSCA CSCS, Certified Speed and Agility Coach, Fascial Stretch Therapy Level 1, F.I.G.H.T. Certified Instructor, Haganah 3rd Degree Black Belt (Israeli Tactical Knife, Ground Survival, Trench Fighting, WOLF Level 1 and 2, IPTT Pistol and Rifle), Taekwondo 1st Degree Black Belt, multiple GORUCK Events, SOF/a Graduate (7-day leadership program run by former Navy SEALs and Army Rangers simulating BUDs), ARC CPR and AED, and numerous other certifications.
Since 1998, Joel has raced on every continent, including 11 Ironman races and 7 Racing the Planet Desert Ultra Races (Chile, China, Egypt, Antarctica, Namibia, Australia, Nepal); 2 x 100-mile ultra marathons; multiple 50-mile races; 3x World’s Toughest Mudder Participant; and more road races, triathlons, and obstacle course races than he can count. Joel has been a top finisher in triathlons (Sprint, Olympic, Ironman) and has had podium finishes in Obstacle Course Races including Spartan and Tough Mudder. In 2016, Joel appeared on the first season of the NBC reality TV show Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge.
With over 20 years of experience, Joel has worked with clients with a full range of goals and prides himself on bringing a unique blend of fitness and training to them.
Phone: 312.933.5295
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing…” –quote borrowed from an Adidas ad campaign
Todd graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a B.S. in Human Health Development. Todd began his career at an elite Chicago health club learning personal training, group fitness, and boxing from the City’s top trainers. With nearly two decades of experience in training, Todd continues to educate himself by earning certifications in: NASM CPT, NASM MMA, Conditioning Coach, USSF Soccer Coach, Certified Speed and Agility Coach, F.I.G.H.T. Certified Instructor, Haganah 3rd Degree Black Belt (Israeli Tactical Knife, Ground Survival, Trench Fighting, IPTT Pistol, Self-Defense Instructor), Boxing Instructor, multiple Goruck and Tough Mudder events, a 3-day high intensity camp run by former Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, ARC CPR and AED, and numerous other certifications.
Todd’s knowledge and passion for all sports helps him train his clients to reach maximum potential. He takes his clients outside their normal comfort zones both mentally and physically. He recognizes teachable moments to help motivate the client and inspire the client to keep training. Todd works with elite athletes, weekend warriors, and everyone in between.
Email: todd@firststepfitness.net
Phone: 312.636.8633
1013 North Hooker Unit 103
Chicago, Illinois 60642
USA
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