About Gabriel:
- Underground Strength and Conditioning Lv 1
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Masters in Clinical Mental Health
- B.A. in Psychology
It may seem odd for a strength coach to also work in clinical mental health, specifically counseling. But for Gabriel the two are one in the same. He’s written and spoken extensively on the correlation and how one informs the other.
Gabriel argues on the correlation between the two with the research and by integrating mental well being into all of his classes. By educating his members, checking-in routinely, as well as incorporating mindfulness practices into lifting sessions our members not only feel the difference but want more and advocate for the benefits. All of this says nothing of what lifting and exercise does for our mental health: lifting stirs emotions and quells insecurities, while processing when puts everything to rest, all the while benefiting our brain chemistry to better handle any mental illness that may come up. Many coaches and counselors might agree one is good for the other but few know the hows and whys, and regardless, none are integrating the two.
Gabriel has built a gym unlike anything else that’s ever been created. Our space is one where individuals grow together to a point past “good enough” and to a place where they are renewed then reimagined greater than they ever thought possible.
Gabriel continually seeks excellence through education from the leaders in the strength and conditioning field. Some of the individuals he’s worked with include:
The late great Chris Moore aka Barbell Buddha
Mark England of Procabulary and Mike Bledsoe of Barbell Shrugged
Dr. Andy Galpin from Barbell Shrugged
Travis Mash of Mash Elite Performance
Zach Even-Esh
Doug Larson from Barbell Shrugged
In addition to learning from these leaders Gabriel has written a number of articles and is sought out to speak on the topic of “Exercise and Mental Health”. Listen and read those articles below:
