Founder Story – From Engineer to Full Time Coach
In December 2017 I weighted over 240 pounds. I would binge eat two pints of Ben & Jerrys ice cream almost every night. I was skipping Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ) classes, and rarely working out. I had no energy and would take naps after work and during my lunch break. I blamed others for my bad habits.
But after a breakup and moving back to my hometown I decided to make a change. This started with taking ownership of what I did daily, beginning with my nutrition and exercise habits.
I started working with John Mouser of Mouser Strength Dynamics in Morgantown, WV. I worked with John 3 days a week and returned to training BJJ three times a week. After just 3 months I had lost 70 pounds and also earned my brown belt in BJJ. I couldn’t believe how good I felt. Both mentally and physically.
After a year of consistent training I started competing in fitness competitions. 2 CrossFit opens, 4 CrossFit competitions, a 50k trail race, and 2 Strongman competitions.
I also started getting my coworkers active. Daily stretching during lunch, weekly outdoor workouts, and even helping a few close friends lose 50+ pounds through the CrossFit methodology.
By the end of that year I realized my current career path wasn’t for me. I started studying for my CrossFit level 1 certificate and knew I would be opening a CrossFit gym by the end of the year.
I worked 8-10 hours a day as an Engineer, and studied 6-8 hours a night. I was still teaching BJJ and working with John 3 days a week. Sleep was at the bottom of my priority list but I knew it would be a temporary schedule.
It paid off. I received my CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate in October 2019 and opened our gym doors in December of that same year. By January I left the Engineering world behind to pursue coaching full time.
Why would I give up a career I spent 10 years trying to build? Because I want to help people and I wasn’t able to do that as an Engineer.
West Virginia is ranked 1st in obesity, 1st in diabetes, and the leading cause of death is heart disease.
I want to change that. But it starts with my local community.
So in 2020 I’ve decided want to help others take control of their health. Though nutrition coaching and fitness. I want to help people reverse their diabetes, lose weight, and reduce their risk of heart disease. I want to give people their confidence back and the ability to play with their kids in the yard.
I want to help people take control of their life.
Devan Futten, Head Coach, Founder