Beyond Fitness: A Complete Guide to Health and Longevity

I grew up in Pennsylvania in a Christian household with three siblings—an older brother and two younger sisters. As the middle child, I was largely an introvert, and making friends was never a challenge. Through the friendships I formed and the freedom that came with growing older, I found myself drawn into a rebellious lifestyle. Partying, drinking, and smoking became my routine, and I drifted without direction.

After high school, I faced an uncertain future. I tried community college as a business major while working part-time as a landscaper, but it didn’t take long to realize that neither path ignited any passion in me. I needed something more—a challenge, a purpose. With the support of my parents, I made a life-changing decision: I joined the Air Force as a tactical aircraft mechanic, a role known as a crew chief.

The transition was far from easy. The structured, disciplined environment of the military was a stark contrast to the freedom I was used to. Following orders, adhering to strict protocols, and operating within a rigid hierarchy challenged me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. After tech school, I was stationed in Japan for two years—a move that forced me to adapt to an entirely new culture, navigate time zone differences, and find my place as a new airman in a world dictated by rankings and politics. The experience was humbling. I was bossed around, degraded, and tested in ways that reshaped my resilience.

Amidst the challenges, I found my escape—the gym. Training became more than just a physical outlet; it became a form of therapy. As I dedicated myself to strength training, I grew fascinated with how nutrition impacted not just my performance and physique but also my mental clarity, focus, and resilience. My curiosity expanded beyond fitness. I started asking deeper questions: What makes people truly happy? What keeps them healthy? What drives motivation? How can I maximize muscle growth? What effects do different foods have on the body?

What I discovered changed my perspective entirely. True health isn’t just about working out or eating well—it’s a holistic approach. Performance, longevity, and well-being are built on multiple pillars: movement, nutrition, mindset, sleep, hydration, relationships, self-reflection, and exposure to nature. I realized that so many people are missing these key components in their journey to better health. That’s why I created Zenith Star.