Why I Started Warrior Fitness
Growing up, I was encouraged to stay active because of cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to clog the airways of the lungs and other parts of the body. Over time, it leads to chronic infections, bacterial growth, declining lung function, and eventually lung failure. To help slow the progression of the disease, I’ve spent my life doing daily breathing treatments, taking countless medications, and staying physically active.
Like many people, I’ve experienced my share of ups and downs. There were periods when I didn’t take care of myself the way I should have, and my lung function suffered because of it. From my late teens through my mid-twenties, I spent countless weeks in the hospital, often being admitted for two weeks at a time. It wasn’t until after my father passed away from cirrhosis of the liver and I found myself hospitalized again shortly afterward, that everything changed.
I was 23 years old at the time, and the hospital had become like a second home. During that hospitalization, a switch flipped in my mind.
My father had custody of my 7-year-old nephew when he passed away. Without hesitation, I took over custody. Alongside my loving and supportive girlfriend—now my wife—we began raising Elijah together. Sitting in that hospital bed, I had a realization: if I continued down the path I was on, I would likely be on a lung transplant list within five years or worse.
The truth is, the thought of death has always scared me.
For the first time in my life, I had people depending on me. I wanted to be there for my nephew. I wanted to build a future with the woman I loved. I wanted a chance at a life that CF had always threatened to take away.
So I made a promise to myself. When I left the hospital, I was going to take control of my health and commit to exercise no matter what.
And that's exactly what I did.
I fell in love with fitness and with what it felt like to be healthy for a change. I returned to school, earned multiple degrees, became certified as a personal trainer through ISSA, and later earned my Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification through the NSCA (CSCS).
During that journey, I realized fitness was more than just something that helped me survive—it had saved my life. I knew I wanted to help others experience that same transformation.
After graduation, I worked in several different gyms, leading classes and coaching clients. I gained valuable experience and knew that one day I wanted to create something of my own.
In January 2021, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, I took the leap and opened Warrior Fitness.
The name wasn't chosen by accident.
It came from everything I had endured throughout my life: living with cystic fibrosis, battling mental health challenges, losing my father at a young age, struggling with years of binge drinking, and stepping into the role of raising my nephew. Each challenge forced me to grow stronger. Over time, I developed what I call a warrior mindset—the belief that I could overcome hard things, take ownership of my life, and become stronger because of adversity.
Looking back, I honestly don't think I would be the person I am today without those struggles. They shaped me, strengthened me, and gave me purpose.
That purpose became Warrior Fitness.
Today, Warrior Fitness is changing lives every day. We challenge people to step outside their comfort zones, trust the process, and put in the work. We believe that strength is built through adversity, confidence is earned through consistency, and growth happens when you refuse to quit.
We're not just building healthier people.
We're creating warriors—one day at a time.