Build discipline that lasts beyond motivation

In September 2025 I saw a post from a guy I follow on MSU Twitter. The post generally asked if you’ve ever felt stuck - not broken, not lost - just spinning your wheels. The post spoke to me - I consider myself a good Dad, Husband, Friend, and I’ve always been a high performer at work and school. But for basically my entire adult life, I’ve struggled with my own physical health.

Not for lack of trying, I feel like I’ve tried every gym, fitness device, fitness app, and fad diet on the market. I’ve had plenty of bouts of short term success, but nothing that lasted, and eventually I’d find myself in the same place again - stuck. So despite that post speaking to me I probably stared at the DM I had drafted for 15 minutes before sending it. Putting myself out there and messaging strangers on twitter is not in my wheelhouse. But I can confidently say sending that message was the best thing I did in 2025.

From the first time I spoke to Aaron it felt different than things I’ve tried before. This was a real person that I could tell has helped people like me before (even if just friends and family), and even though I didn’t know him I felt that he was genuinely invested in helping me get on a better path. We talked about my background, my goals, my why’s, and I was given strategies to use when things get hard, in times where I may have given up in the past.

My improvement over our time working together was not a straight line, some days were better than others, as is life. But I was told that even though it wouldn’t be easy, if I kept showing up and putting in the work everyday, the results would follow, and that promise was delivered.

So far I’ve lost 35 pounds, while continuing to lift more weight, run faster splits, and get to a point where I look forward to running and lifting (something I would not have said before).

Beyond the physical changes I’ve also seen improvements in so many other areas. I’m more present during my family time, I’m more confident at work, have so much more energy, and am more intentional about how I spend my time.

Typing this fresh off a snowy, cold run on January 1st, I am filled with gratitude. The guidance, support, motivation, and accountability that Aaron provided have been invaluable. I finally feel like I’m on the right path, and am just getting started. Had I not reached out back in September, I would likely be in the same place I’ve been for the past 2 decades. The best advice I could give someone who is feeling stuck like I was is to reach out and get started, you will not regret it.

My journey with Aaron started when I saw him post about launching his coaching business. I had followed him for a while and related to what he shared, but I’d been struggling with my weight for years. I kept telling myself I’d start next week… then next month… then next year. I would stay consistent for a week and fall right back into old habits.

I almost didn’t message him — I was nervous and kept putting it off — but eventually I scheduled a call. After our first meeting, I knew this was exactly what I needed.

This isn’t a typical trainer relationship where you feel pressured or judged. Aaron actually cares about you as a person. He listens, understands real-life challenges, and helps you stay accountable without making you feel guilty. Whether it’s lack of sleep, a setback, or family responsibilities, he adjusts the plan and keeps you moving forward.

About a month in, I got sick and my child was sick, so my progress stalled. I felt discouraged, but Aaron met with me right away and helped me reset mentally. That changed everything.

After three months, I’m at a weight I haven’t seen in three years. I’m doing workouts I haven’t done in five years and lifting weights I haven’t lifted in six. More importantly, I finally feel consistent.

Continuing the program was an easy decision. If you’re stuck like I was, reach out and get started — you won’t regret it.

I’ve had the privledge of knowing Aaron for over 10 years. Seeing him transform from a skinny college kid in the East Lansing Night scene to a jacked lifter to now his perfect self running the woods of Northern Michigan. I too have gone through a transformation during that time period, losing 50 lbs from college to my late 20’s. But as my 30’s hit, COVID happened, work changed, back injury, threw a kid in the mix and another one this past year.

I had to reach out to Aaron cause I was stuck. Stuck in a rut of workouts, eating habits, and honestly overall: the rut of life. I wasn’t motivated, found every excuse possible to not work out, to not get back on track, I told myself I would change without ever changing anything. I saw Aaron’s post about this endeavor and thought it would be great for me to work with him, but still hesitated. I lost 50lbs before on my own. I don’t need help. Then this past October I stepped on the scale and a number popped up that I hadn’t seen since 2015. I knew I needed his help.

On that first phone call, Aaron didn’t pitch me anything, didn’t coach me, he listened. What was going wrong, where did I want to improve, how was I going to improve and helped connect the dots for me. In the middle of the program Aaron built for me I had an unexpected work trip for a week that threw everything off. On my call with Aaron he reminded me that life happens and we can’t control those things. But what we can control is how we act towards those things. Adjust my macros to make up for “lost time” and get back on track. That’s where I find such value in what Aaron brings. He listens to you and what is going on and helps adjust what needs to be adjusted. No pressure because you got off track, or drastic changes that are not realistic. He listens to you, find what needs to be adjusted and addresses it accordingly.

In the 3 months I’ve been working with Aaron I’ve lost 12lbs. Still a ways to go that’s over half the weight I had put on unexpectedly the last 2 years. But that’s not the win for me. It’s the motivation to be better for myself and my family. I’m back on track eating, counting macros, enjoying working out again. I’ve done more peloton rides in 2026 than I did in 24/25 combined. Not because Aaron made me stronger physically, but because he made me stronger mentally and helped get me back down a healthy path. Now I know what you’re thinking - I’ve been there before. Reading these testimonials, reading Aaron’s plan for you and it’s scary. I know it is - I was scared too. But don’t be, because the change you want to see can’t happen alone and Aaron is the person that can help you get to where you want to go.