Fitness Journey
Where do I begin?
I, like a lot of you, grew up playing sports and was an athlete until my mid-20s.
Once my life as a professional athlete was over my fitness took backseat to work and life…I know that a lot of you can relate!
I had let myself get completely out of shape, had no energy, and was embarrassed at what I saw in the mirror. So, I decided to make a change and I haven’t looked back since.
My transformation from a fat 230lbs into a lean 205lbs was featured in the March 2018 edition of Men’s Health.
Little did I know how much impact that would have on my future.
After being featured in Men’s Health I had countless people reach out to me and tell me what an inspiration I had been to them.
Knowing that I could motivate and inspire people all over the world was a rush and I got hooked immediately.
Since then, I’ve started sharing more information about training, nutrition, sports performance, and fitness in an attempt to spread positivity and quality information that can help others go through similar transformations.
Ultimately, that’s why this website was born…so that I can create articles, videos, and podcasts that will help you in your fitness journey wherever that may currently be.
Education
I didn’t start “studying” nutrition, training, and health sciences until later in life…
My formal education consists of an Associates Degree in Engineering, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a Minor in Math.
However, my passion for health and fitness has led me down a different road over the past few years.
I’ve been certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Personal Trainer and Performance Enhancement Specialist.
I’m also a certified Nutrition Coach through Precision Nutrition.
Currently, I’m studying to take my CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in either late 2019 or early 2020.
Outside of these certifications I’m always continuing my education and enjoy learning about nutrition, training, psychology, and behavioral economics.
Athletic Background
Sports have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up I played almost every sport that was available.
I played baseball, basketball, and football in high school and even participated in Track and Field where I ran relay races, hurdles, and also high jumped, long jumped, and triple jumped.
Baseball was always my first love and I knew that’s where my future would be.
After missing most of my junior year of high school baseball due to a torn ACL, I returned my senior year and signed a baseball scholarship to Holmes Community College.
Two years of playing JUCO prepared to continue my playing career by signing another baseball scholarship at Ole Miss. (University of Mississippi)
After two successful years at Ole Miss I signed a Free Agent contract with the Atlanta Braves and spent the next 3 years in their minor league system.
I decided to retire from playing professional baseball to accept a coaching position at the University of Louisville where I began my 9 year run as an NCAA baseball coach.
After 5 great years in Louisville, I accepted the Recruiting Coordinator position at East Tennessee State University and spent the next 4 years there.
Then, I started working with USA Baseball and have been involved with a number of different roles working with 14U players, the 15U National Team, and most recently the Collegiate National Team.
Throughout my athletic career I’ve developed a love for sport and coaching as well.
Helping players develop into their full potential is the most rewarding part of being involved with athletics.
Personal Life
I grew up in the small town of Madison, MS which is just outside the state capital Jackson.
My mom and dad still live there and just celebrated their 43rd anniversary.
I also have one older brother who has a beautiful family of his own and 3 amazing children.
My wife, Tina, and I just got married on August 25, 2018 and I have a 14 year old stepson named Brandon.
We currently live in a small town Maysville, KY which is where Tina was born and raised.
We are both reality TV addicts. (self-diagnosed)
Here are 13 facts about me that you might find interesting:
- Xan is short for Alexander and is pronounced Zan.
- I’m scared to death of “big fish” which include: sharks, whales, or anything else that is bigger than me and lives in the water.
- I have 3 tattoos. (check back soon for updates)
- My dream vacation is going to Bora Bora and sleeping in a tiki hut over the water.
- I think every man should have a nice pair of cufflinks.
- My handwriting is terrible…but, I’m an above average typist so I think it evens out.
- The coolest thing I own is a sniper rifle. Yes, I own a sniper rifle.
- I like to read…a lot!
- My favorite Little Debbie snack is an Oatmeal Creme Pie. Star Crunches come in a close second.
- I have more computers than TVs.
- I really want a Ferrari 488, but I think I’m going to settle for a Corvette instead. Right Tina!?
- My high school graduating class had a whopping 48 people in it.
- We have one dog…he’s a boxer named Tyson. Think you can guess my favorite heavy weight boxer?