Dan Nagel
B.A. Kinesiology, M.S. Exercise Physiology University of Wisconsin
Member of USAT since 2002
Trainer
Indoor Cycling Instructor
 		    
What do you like best about personal training/teaching classes?
To me there’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone accomplish something that they literally never thought they could do. It makes no difference whether it’s doing one pull-up, losing 5% body fat or completing an Ironman triathlon, when you see the glow of pride and confidence in a person’s eyes, you know you’ve helped them change their life for the better.

Why did you become a trainer/instructor? I love being physically active but I understand that some people have a lot of negative feelings and perhaps bad memories associated with physical activity and exercise. I enjoy not just teaching people HOW to work out effectively, but also how to develop and enjoy an active lifestyle. The physical, psychological, cognitive and even spiritual benefits that come with an active lifestyle are reward that I wish everyone could experience.

Favorite type/mode type of training? Don’t have one. Focus and specificity are important to reach certain performance-based goals and I’m all for performance based goals as PART of an active lifestyle. That said, when it comes to well-rounded fitness of body and mind, I consider routine to be the enemy.

Your own athletic accomplishments: I have always enjoyed sport and physical activity. Growing up here in Madison, I was lucky enough to participate in just about every sport you can think of from soccer to downhill skiing. As an adult, a light bulb went on for me when I took a crack at the Madison Marathon in 2002. Since then I have finished the Chicago Marathon (2003), the Madison Marathon (2004) and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC (2005). I also finished Ironman Wisconsin in 2003 and 2004 as well as many other multisport events.

Things you are currently working on/training for: A long, healthy, active life with my beautiful wife, Gretchen and my kids, Mary and Frankie.
Hobbies/What you do when you are not training: Staying fit, reading and enjoying everything that this great city has to offer.

Family or significant others: Aside from my wife and 2 kids, I am the youngest of a family of 11 kids. Many of my siblings are in the area—as are my parents. We socialize as much as possible with family and friends. I also bleed cardinal and white. Go Bucky!
 

 

 
  
 
 
  
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