Name:
Michael
Where do you live?
Coral Gables area – in The Roads
How long have you lived in the area?
17 years
Where are you originally from and what brought you to town?
Originally from Delaware, I moved here from Atlanta for a change of environment, weather and culture.
Please share about what you do for a livelihood or what keeps you busy during the week?
I am usually training clients, doing my work outs and spending time with my daughter.
How often do you come to the market?
I used to go every Sunday, but it got tough to make it. Now that I have an arrangement with you, I come pick it up each week at your house. I always bring my LNB bag and my empty jars.
What’s your favorite thing to buy at LNB Grovestand and why?
Exotic fruits and Turmeric Tonic. After hearing a lot about the benefits of turmeric, it really piqued my interest. One of my clients told me about you guys. I was ailing from a lot of acid reflux. I used to take a lot of Zantac and Nexium and was looking forward to trying something that wasn’t a pharmaceutical. I definitely attribute the tonic to some of the healing from the reflux I used to get. I have been buying the tonic in bulk and drinking it almost daily for two years.
Besides the heath benefits, I’ll drink the tonic because it’s refreshing. It’s part of my daily routine. I find that if I run out, or don’t have it – my routine is not the same. I’ll have one pint a day, sometimes two.
What else is part of your daily routine?
I always have a smoothie, protein shake and green leafy vegetables. I’m not much of a meat eater. And, working out is always a daily thing. I’ve been doing it so long that it’s a lifestyle. Like a runner, working out releases endorphins and is like a natural high. It’s a stress relief and makes me feel good.
What’s your favorite thing to buy at other stands at the market?
The arepas with chicken and avocado – they make them healthy and tasty.
A favorite activity I enjoy with my kids?
I enjoy watching my daughter have fun in general – especially the time we have in the park. Being outside was really fun for me as a kid and I don’t think kids get outside enough because of technology today.
I wish the market had:
More parking. It can get challenging if you don’t get there at the right time.
Most-frequented local restaurants and what dish to order:
I like Coyo Taco, especially the octopus tacos. With my daughter, we go out for pizza – as it gives me a reason to have pizza. I love Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza.
For special occasions, I go to:
I like to go on cruises. My mom’s 80th birthday is this year and we are planning a cruise for her.
Do you have a family recipe that you would be willing share?
I don’t follow recipes, I make things by flavor. My mom is a really great cook – and she doesn’t use recipes – she just knows how much to add. She makes great peach and blueberry cobblers –- but she doesn’t have a recipe so she can’t really teach you how to do it.
A worthy splurge:
Dessert! If I am at the Cheesecake Factory – I’m getting Red Velvet Cheesecake. At Cracker Barrel – I’d get the Deep Dish Apple Dumpling with cinnamon ice cream on top. Also, I splurge on a good bread pudding or brownie sundae.
Rainy-day activity:
Nothing like having food and Netflix on a rainy day. And, no better place than being home.
The most romantic spot around:
My bedroom 😊
Do you own your own business or offer a service? Would you share a pitch about yourself or company with the community?
I’ve been in the fitness industry, strengthening and coaching since 1995. I’ve always had a passion for training. I was an athlete and really enjoyed studying human anatomy.
My business is all about helping people reach their goals – whether gaining, losing, or maintaining weight. Even if you know what you are doing, sometimes it’s good to have a coach to push you to the next level. Other times I train people who have never worked out. I train them on all aspects of fitness – from what they eat to how they stretch.
I go to client’s homes and train out of a studio in Pinecrest.
Is there a question that you would like to ask the community?
When thinking about your health, ask yourself – how important is it to you? Personal training is often a luxury. But at the same time, we often spend more on things that are not good for us.
When we talk about quality of life – a lot of it is about how we take care of ourselves.