About me

I’ve spent the past seven years working as a personal trainer and coach in a variety of settings, from private training studios, community health clubs, and boxing gyms. I’ve trained a broad range of clients—from people brand new to strength training to competitive athletes and to older adults. When COVID hit, I built a gym in my backyard so I could continue coaching and supporting my clients. That season pushed me to expand into virtual training and small group sessions, in addition to 1:1 coaching and group fitness classes.

My primary focus is strength training, hypertrophy training, and boxing-based conditioning. No matter the format—individual, small group, or virtual—my goal is always to help clients build strength, confidence, and long-term results. Training has played a huge role in my own mental health, and I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful it can be. The gym teaches you how to do hard things. And when you learn to do hard things in the gym, you start realizing you can do hard things in real life too.

I love my job because I get to watch people change in real time, not just physically, but in how they move, think, and carry themselves. Strength training has a way of building confidence and resilience that carries over into everyday life, and being part of that process is incredibly meaningful to me. I love tracking progress and watching people grow, not just physically, but in their confidence and mindset. Seeing someone accomplish something they once thought was impossible never gets old. That transformation is what keeps me passionate about coaching. I’m especially passionate about helping people train in a way that’s both pain-free and appropriately challenging. I enjoy identifying the right regressions, progressions, and exercise variations that meet someone exactly where they are.

One of my favorite clients was an incredible poet and artist who’d never really explored athletics before. I quickly realized she was a natural athlete, and by the end of our time together, she was deadlifting heavy, doing box jumps, and single-leg squats!

My ideal client is someone who is ready to be consistent and open to the process. I work especially well with people who want to get stronger, move better, and train in a way that supports their long-term health. Whether they’re new to lifting, getting back into training, or looking to level up their performance, I love working with clients who value smart programming and steady progress over quick fixes. The best results happen when there’s trust, communication, and a shared commitment to growth. If you’re willing to do hard things and stay consistent, we’ll be a great fit.

I help clients by meeting them where they are and building a structured, individualized plan around their goals. I focus on strength and hypertrophy training that’s both effective and sustainable, using the right regressions and progressions so clients are challenged without unnecessary pain or burnout. Beyond the workouts themselves, my goal is to build confidence and independence. I want my clients to be able to walk into any gym, take up space, and feel confident in their form and their training. Ultimately, I want them to leave feeling capable, strong, and self-sufficient.

Specialties

Endurance and strength training, injury prevention, rehabilitation, weight loss, muscle gain, sports-specific training, and confidence building.

Philosophy

I believe training should be fun. If it feels like a chore, you likely won’t stick with it. My approach is about finding what you love and staying consistent—focusing on steady, sustainable progress rather than quick fixes. I encourage clients to strive for just 1% better every day, because small, consistent improvements add up to big results over time. It’s all about the long game. Consistency is king!

I genuinely care about your progress, both in and out of the gym. I focus on making training challenging, fun, and tailored to each person. I love helping people discover strength and confidence they didn’t know they had. No matter your background or experience, I see your potential—and I’m here to help you unlock it.

Outside the gym

I live in NE Portland. I’m on McConnell’s amateur boxing team. I train there most evenings during the week. I have two dogs, Honeybee and Lil’ Guy, who keep me busy. In my spare time I like to draw, sing karaoke, and go to drag shows.

Book with me

Schedule a personal training session with Neal