Name:
Michael
In what part of town do you live?
Westchester, Florida.
How long have you lived in that area?
About 10 years. I’m originally from Miami.
Did you always think you’d stay here?
I’m not sure I’ll stay here once I graduate from school.
Where would you think about moving?
Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve gone to other states and I enjoy it. I’ve always thought of leaving for a little bit, getting to experience a new city and then coming back.
Would you share about what keeps you busy during the week?
I’m in Physical Therapy school. I’m trying to finish my studies so that I can get going with my career. I want to open my own business, but I don’t know what direction I’m leaning into yet. It depends on how my experiences and rotations go. And I have kids. So it has to be a family position.
Where are you at school?
I’m at the University of St. Augustine, on the Miami campus.
Why did you choose PT?
I’ve been a trainer since I was 18 years old. I’ve trained CrossFit, Olympic, functional fitness, and more. I saw a gap between optimal movement in the human body and performance. So, I wanted to learn a lot more about the human body and be able to help people to optimize their quality of life. I thought PT was the best route.
How has your education in PT effected the way you train?
It gave me a completely different lens how to approach training and the different factors that contribute to optimal movement. It’s not just a one day thing, it’s something you constantly have to work for. The human body is amazing.
What part of your studies are you enjoying the most?
I like nerding out on the anatomy and being the detective in someone’s movement.. When they walk in, they have a certain problem and I’m excited to have the knowledge and perspective to figure out what’s going on and getting them to a better place.
Do you have a vision of the business you would like to start?
I’m thinking that it will be a gym with instructive group classes that are focused on wellness and the betterment of people’s movement. And, we will have a PT clinic where we focus on preventative care.
What do you enjoy outside of outside of school?
I do CrossFit and I play flag football. We go around doing tournaments and championships. And, I like taking walks with my family and enjoying nature together.
How did you discover LNB Grovestand?
Instagram. Noah Ohlsen and Joann posted about the smoothies. And another one of the coaches at my gym, Peak 360. When I saw them all go, it just triggered me to go try it out. When I looked it up, it was right by our church. And now, we have not stopped going.
What’s the experience like coming to the drive through?
I’m always looking forward to moment I have the smoothie. It’s so refreshing, it feels good drinking it and seeing the different flavors. I’m a geek when it comes to nutrition and healthy eating. The experience is lovely. Usually it’s not packed, I’m in and out and you’re great to talk to.
What do you pick up when you come?
I always get a smoothie. I used to just get one for me and my wife, but now my kids are into it. And the Turmeric bagels are just phenomenal. My older kid, my wife and I love eating the bagels as a breakfast sandwich the next day. And, we’ve gotten your honey, which is great. And, your avocados are the best avocados I’ve had in my whole life. They really are that good.
What other places do you and your family like going that you might recommend?
We like Joanna’s Marketplace for the Cuban Cowboy sandwich. Also, Peak360 gym.
What is Miami’s best kept secret?
I would say it’s your space, LNB Grovestand. To be real.
What for you is a worthy splurge?
Food. Food is fuel. I think, if you’re gonna splurge on yourself, eat good food. Even if it is expensive, it’s your body and you only get one.
What community groups are important to you and your family that you might like to promote or share?
The Calvary Church. Personally, I don’t come from a Christian background. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a great place to go for the people and for the life lessons that they share. It’s a place to connect socially with other likeminded people on their life path.
What question, challenge, or words of advice would you like to pose to the community?
Waste no time arguing what a good person should be, be one.
What question would you like to ask us?
(MG) Are you fruits organically certified?
(A+W) Yes, our home farm is USDA organically certified and we have two other farms that are in the transition phase of getting certified.
Is there a pitch about anything you’re working on that you would like to share?
Think about movement over medication. Before going to a physician, look for a physical therapist for your movement needs.
What question should I have asked that I didn’t?
(MG) You didn’t ask about my life’s purpose. I believe my life’s purpose is empowering people to be better, by means of taking care of their bodies, mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially, and showing them that there’s a better version of themselves out there. They have to go work for it.