OUR HISTORY

THE SHORT VERSION

I’m a Former Military Police / SWAT Commander turned Personal Trainer/ Fitness Guy. I’m the Founder and Owner of SWAT Fitness (Strength Wellness Athletic Training,) a personal training company started in Arizona, devoted to helping and inspiring the world to be more fit, and live longer, happier, healthier lives. With 3 studio locations, multiple boot camp locations, and more to come in the near future, we are excited about the opportunity to bring what we know to more and more people.

As fitness consultant/correspondent for KOLD Channel 13 news, I’ve appeared in numerous television news segments on topics including boys and body image, strength training, kettlebells, form and technique, and implementing comprehensive fitness regimens.

I have been fortunate to earn a bunch of Certifications and have had some great successes in the industry, but I am most proud of having built a strong company based on professional ethics, sound training principles, outstanding trainers and FUN fitness programs!

THE LONG VERSION

I started off in the Air Force as a SWAT Commander in the Military Security Police, (See “history” if you’re at all interested in the long and boring background of that SWAT Guy.)

Which brings us to the 90s… When I made the decision to quit my job as a Police Officer to become a Personal Trainer, in 1996, I had one goal in mind:  helping others achieve the positive mental and physical changes that adopting a lifestyle of physical fitness and proper nutrition had brought me over the years.

My personal experience is what has given me the confidence and knowledge about the kinds of improvements that I know can improve the lives of so many other people: mental discipline, physical strength, goal-setting, self-confidence, and a comprehensive lifestyle change for the better.

Over the past twelve years, I have worked with thousands of fitness clients, in a variety of capacities, and have taken advantage of every opportunity to help others become more fit, more healthy, more confident, and more happy.

I emphasize functional movement, CORE strength training, variety, multifunctional movements, and a sound nutrition plan. I believe that small workout “teams” or “groups” can provide a lot of motivation, support, fun, and camaraderie.

In 1997, Jana and I came up with an idea to offer a crazy new training program we called “SWAT BOOT CAMP .” When we started, we didn’t know if anyone would be interested in working out anywhere other than in a gym, in a group setting, and do obstacle courses and games.But they did! We called it “boot camp” with hesitation; not sure how it would be received. But our clients loved it! There was nothing like it being offered anywhere else, and we were one of a handful of companies that even had the courage to try it. Since then – our program has been modeled all over the world, and there are now “boot camps” EVERYWHERE, and being offered by nearly every trainer with a Cert.

In 2007, we developed and conceptualized the Kombat Kettlebells and Kettlebellas Programs, bringing the fun and effective workouts to Tucson and introducing thousands to the benefits. We have invested a lot of time and money into the training of our trainers, making them BY FAR the most experienced and qualified instructors in this part of the U.S.

Still, we knew there was more we could do to meet the needs of our clients. In 2007, we also developed the Kitchen Intervention program for healthy cooking classes and instruction, and then in 2009, the Curvy Woman Workout – to help women with curves actually LOVE them! And we have tons of other projects in the works.

And of all that – the thing we’re most proud of? Having a team of the absolute best personal trainers – hands down – who are all experienced experts in a variety of modalities of training and getting results, including: boot camp, group training, kettlebells, Crossfit training, and so, so much more! And even better? They are GREAT people.

Our trainers are extremely smart, nice, responsible and conscientious people who train BECAUSE THEY LOVE HELPING CLIENTS just like you.

THE VERY LONG VERSION

The HISTORY of the SWAT Guy

I knew from the time I was a kid in Kansas City that I would join the military and be a “cop.” After enlisting, before I even graduated high school, I joined the Security Police and was a military police SWAT Officer for the next 20+ years.

As a U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, I experienced and learned a lot of things which contributed to my success, first as a Soldier, and then after leaving the Air Force. While in the military, I served in Vietnam, and was well-respected and well known among my Air Force colleagues. I received numerous commendations and notable recognition, and I was experienced and trusted among the hundreds of men for whose safety I was responsible for.

I have a lot of stories and memories from my military days, including some highlights which I’ll never forget: being responsible for organizing Security when Ferdinand Marcos was evacuated from the Phillippines, and being named as one of the Top Ten Airmen of the Year. Other highlights include: meeting Presidents and World Leaders (Nixon, Reagan, Pak Chong Yee of South Korea, and Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos of the Phillippines) and achieving the rank of Master Sergeant, through the USAF S.T.E.P. (Stripes for Exceptional Personnel) program.

In addition to all those experiences, it was during my military career that I started running– for fun. I discovered physical fitness and exercise, and wanted to share that knowledge, passion, and motivation with many of my fellow soldiers.

I ran 14 marathons during that time, and was able to encourage several others to train with me.

At one point, I was put in charge of a fitness program for overweight soldiers who were facing discharge if they did not meet military fitness expectations. I didn’t lose a single man. I coordinated and organized a 50-mile relay team for the Special Olympics. I designed a program and trained a team for the Combat Olympic Finals and the Security Police Olympics. I got HOOKED on fitness training!

Following my retirement, at age 41, I easily transitioned into the life of a civilian police officer, and was satisfied as a “cop” for a number of years. As a Sergeant (and head of the U of A Police Department’s physical fitness program,) I took the physical fitness of my officers seriously. I implemented the  Bicycle Officer Patrol, which completely changed the image of the Department, and the perception of the community. It was one of the first Campus Bicycle Police units in the U.S.

My involvement in fitness and its role in my life was becoming clear, and although I myself enjoyed what physical fitness had done for me, it was seeing the changes in others–physically, mentally, and spiritually–which was truly rewarding and inspiring to me.

When I made the decision to give up being a police sergeant (and the night shift!) to work in a gym, people thought I was crazy, and I might have been. I had never been a big risk-taker. Having followed and given orders most of my life, and having held positions of prestige and respect in a long military and law enforcement career, I realized the importance of rule following. So the decision to give all that up to follow a crazy dream with an unpredictable future was not easy. But I had a vision, and I believed in myself enough to take a risk. I referred to that vision every time I became discouraged, or just plain tired.

Now after eighteen successful years in the personal training business, I have learned that in order to fully thrive and overcome obstacles in life, we must be willing to take risks. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zone, and we must visualize the rewards that we will reap as a result. The bottom line is this: We must challenge our potential before we can fully realize it. Passing this notion on to clients can be a very empowering and motivating force, and is one on which I rely heavily.

I encourage clients to visualize what they want, and to try new things–different techniques, pieces of equipment, strategies, nutritional plans–taking risks from which they will reap great reward!

My commitment to helping others improve their bodies, minds, and lives, has in turn improved the quality of my life, my relationships, my health, and my general well being. There is no greater honor or blessing.

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