When Aaron reflects on his 15-year career as a chiropractor, one thing stands out: his commitment to helping people live healthier, more active lives. But over the past few years, that mission has evolved—taking him beyond the clinic and into the gym.
Aaron’s journey into fitness wasn’t linear. While he had some early exposure to CrossFit, he stepped away from training for several years before rediscovering it later in life. This time, though, his approach looked different.
“I found myself a little older,” he says, “and I didn’t really enjoy the high-intensity workouts anymore. Powerlifting just fit my style better—structured sets, rest, and a more controlled pace.”
That shift toward powerlifting reignited his passion for training and opened the door to a deeper connection between his professional and personal interests—especially as his wife launched her own gym.
With one foot in healthcare and the other in fitness, Aaron recognized an opportunity to grow.
“I’ve always tried to take an active approach with my patients,” he explains. “So I’m constantly looking for ways to add more tools to my toolbox.”
That mindset led him to pursue a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) program through Lionel University. His goal wasn’t to switch careers, but to better integrate movement, exercise, and rehabilitation into his work—and to contribute more meaningfully to the gym environment his wife had built.
For Aaron, the CPT program delivered more than just technical knowledge. It reinforced and expanded what he already understood from years in chiropractic care—while introducing new perspectives.
Aaron appreciated the program’s scientific foundation, especially as someone already familiar with anatomy and physiology.
“It was a great refresher—and honestly, some things have changed over the last 15 years.”
One of the most impactful elements was the emphasis on behavioral psychology.
“A huge component of both fitness and pain is psychological,” he notes. “Understanding why people fail—and how to help them stay consistent—is incredibly valuable.”
This insight applies not just in the gym, but also in clinical settings where patients struggle with recurring injuries or lack of adherence to treatment plans.
Like many working professionals, Aaron needed a program that fit into a busy schedule.
“I was able to do it nights and weekends. Sometimes I’d go a week without opening it, but I could always pick up right where I left off.”
He completed the program in about eight weeks—at his own pace.
Unlike many certifications that require frequent renewals, Aaron valued the permanence of a university-level credential.
“Once you earn it, you have it. You can continue your education on your own terms instead of jumping through hoops every couple of years.”
Through both chiropractic care and fitness, Aaron has seen firsthand that success isn’t just about knowledge or technique—it’s about consistency.
And that’s where most people struggle.
“More often than not, it’s not the gym that causes people to quit—it’s life,” he explains. “Family, work, responsibilities… it all adds up.”
This is where a skilled trainer—or healthcare provider—can make a difference.
“It’s about meeting people where they are. If they can’t do everything, help them do something. Don’t let them lose all the progress they’ve made.”
For anyone considering a career—or even a side path—in personal training, Aaron offers a simple perspective:
Aaron is continuing to evolve his own training journey—now working with a coach and even considering stepping onto the competition platform.
“I’ve been doing my own thing for a long time,” he says. “It’s time to have someone push me a little.”
Whether in the clinic, the gym, or potentially on the competition stage, one thing is clear: his commitment to growth—and helping others grow—remains constant.