Meet Kyle Crocker

Hello everybody! Kyle here to tell you all a little about me and how and why I became a personal trainer. Growing up I always thought I would be an architect. I had even begun my college career with sights on transferring to the Boston Architectural College and one day own my own architecture firm, designing some of the most beautiful houses one could imagine. I grew up designing everything from houses, hotels, cars, even my own shoes (I was a skateboarder from 11+).  I also grew up heavy into baseball as a pitcher, shortstop and outfielder. I have been an avid martial artist studying over a half-dozen arts including Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do, where I currently hold a black belt (soon second degree).  I fought competitively at a young age in Muay Thai & MMA, earning an overall record of 16-1-1. I stopped fighting in 2006, but continued to train afterwards. I still have anticipations to find myself back in the ring competing.

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My life as a trainer began when I was working facilities at a friend's local gym. Working there also came with a free membership, in which I used frequently. One of my favorite things to do to finish any workout is to hit the heavy bag for at least a few rounds. Despite the heavy bag being in its own room with a closed door, it still brought attention and many of the trainers and members began to watch or ask me for tips or questions. I was later helping with some kick boxing classes. I became good friends with many of the trainers and they all encouraged me to earn my certification to become a trainer. At first, I still had architecture in mind.

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I was born with a rare genetic disorder called Phenylketonuria (PKU), in which my body cannot produce enough enzymes to break down phenylalanine, an essential amino acid found in all natural foods.  As a result, I am limited to consuming only 6 grams of protein per day naturally. The rest of my calories and "protein" come from a medical protein shake that does not contain phenylalanine. 

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When I was in my late teenage years, I had a hard time staying on my diet and it affects people like me cognitively, affecting attention, focus, memory and sometimes causing headaches. It would cause a brain fog that I never realized until after the fact. It was comparable to Covid brain fog but lasted as long as I was off-diet. This affected my academic performance, thus leading me to change course on becoming an architect.

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After working as a subcontractor cable technician for Charter Communications and Comcast, and later a pay call center representative for Comcast in 2011-2013, I decided to study for my certification for personal training with NASM. February 2, 2012 I took my exam and was able to pass in my first attempt. Since that day, I haven't looked back and have continued my education to this very day.
 

As I was young into training, and being a martial artist, Thai boxer and former skateboarder, I realized the importance of injury prevention and rehabilitation. This encouraged me to continue my education next with specializations in Corrective Exercise and MMA Conditioning. Not too long later I followed those with my Performance Enhancement Specialization. Seeing the value in all that I had been learning and acquiring with NASM, I kept my continued education with NASM's programs. Throughout my first 12 years as a personal trainer, I have acquired 8 specializations through NASM:  Corrective Exercise, Performance Enhancement, Behavior Change, Women's Fitness, Senior Fitness, Weight Loss, Golf Fitness, and MMA Conditioning. As I need to earn more continued education I'll be adding to the list, as well as completing my Master Trainer Program.

 

My clients over the last 12 years would all tell you I've developed a unique way of viewing the body, assessing what it needs, and knowing exactly what needs to resolve the issue.  I always tell them, "I'm ESL, 'Body Language' is my first language" and the results speak for themselves.  I have helped clients repair countless injuries and avoid the dreaded "S" word (surgery) by bringing the balance back to the body to relieve pain.  I have worked with all types of clients ranging from scoliosis, to heart attack and stroke victims, and even those with Parkinson's Disease.  Common issues resolved from Corrective Exercise range from tendonitis to surgeries or ACL & meniscus tears.

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In my personal life, I am now 38 and I have a beautiful family of my wife, toddler son and infant daughter. I grew up in a pretty deep Christian family as my grandfather was the Reverand of our church in Brookfield, CT most of my childhood.  In my adult years, my passions mostly consist of martial arts, cars, training, occasional golf and most importantly now, my family.

Being a dad is a dream come true.  Though, having two young children doesn't allow for quite as much time for the other stuff, hanging out with my kids are the highlights of my days.  Becoming a dad has only emphasized the necessity and importance of fitness, regular activity and self-care. It has certainly helped round-out my perspective on fitness and the relevancy to longevity.  As hard as it can be sometimes, it's so important for us to take the time to maintain ourselves.  Not always just for ourselves, but our children rely on us to be there for them as well.