DEADLIFTS AND DEEP THOUGHTS

Welcome to the Blog – Let’s See Where This Goes

I never thought I’d be the type to start a blog. Most of my storytelling as a personal trainer has happened face-to-face or through the occasional social media post. Over the years, friends and clients have encouraged me to try blogging or even start a podcast. If you’ve known me long enough, you might remember that I did try the podcast route—but I quickly realized that doing it well would take too much time away from the two most important things in my life: being a trainer and being a husband.

So, here I am, giving this blog thing a try. Let’s see how it goes.

When I was thinking about what this blog should be about, I knew I wanted to focus on the topics I’m most passionate about: fitness and mental health. You can expect a mix of practical fitness tips, honest discussions about mental health, and personal stories from my life as a trainer. Over time, I’ve found that sharing my journey—both the wins and the struggles—has been therapeutic for me and, more importantly, has helped others feel less alone.

So thank you for being here. I appreciate you taking the time to read. I hope you find something here that resonates with you.

A Bit About Me

My name is Aaron, and I’ve been a personal trainer in Pennsylvania since 2017. Like a lot of people, my fitness journey started with a desire to do something challenging. In 2014, I set a goal to complete the Spartan Race Trifecta in 2015—and I had no idea how to train for it. So I joined a local gym, met with a trainer, shared my goals, and we got to work.

Almost immediately, I fell in love with the process. I committed to training 3–4 days a week, added running into the mix, and after about six months, I felt ready. I went on to complete all three Spartan races in 2015. That experience changed me. I didn’t just want to train for races—I wanted to help others discover that same fire.

In 2017, with the support of my amazing wife, I took a leap of faith and started the process of becoming a certified personal trainer. Since then, I’ve worked at two gyms and eventually launched my own traveling training business—right in the middle of COVID.

Fast forward to 2025: I took an even bigger leap and opened my first physical location. We officially launched in March, and it’s been incredible so far. Sure, there have been challenges—but I believe challenges shape us. They make us stronger and prepare us for whatever comes next.

That’s the short version of how it started vs. how it’s going. I’m really excited to share more with you—stories, lessons, tips, and probably a few hard truths along the way. I also welcome your feedback and suggestions for future posts.

One thing I’ve learned in recent years is the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support you—and distancing yourself from those who don’t. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Quote of the Day

I’ll be ending each post with a quote—something to leave you thinking, inspired, or encouraged.

Today’s quote is one that a great friend reminded me I once said to her:

“Give your best every day—but remember, your best might look different every day.”

Thanks for reading,

Aaron

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Meet the Author

Welcome to Deadlifts and Deep Thoughts. This blog will focus on everything from fitness, to mental health. I can’t wait to share stories with you through the lens of my life as a personal trainer.

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