Growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, the natural environment always played a part in McDowell’s fitness. After a childhood and adolescence of playing whatever sport was in season, he found himself bored in regular gyms. This led to an interest in boxing and various outdoor activities, whether it be competing in mountain bike races, road cycling, or simply running on the mountain trails.
McDowell discovered CrossFit at the beginning of 2008, attracted to the challenging workouts and intrigued by the varied programming posted on the main site. Without a CrossFit gym in town, he created his own home gym, complete with homemade pull-up bars, medicine balls, and a barbell rack--all while reading and studying movement and nutrition wherever he could find the time and information.
In 2011, McDowell began coaching at CrossFit South Brooklyn. He immediately connected with the gym community. He worked there with people from all walks of life with vastly different goals and experiences. This diverse population allowed him to gain insight into individually designed programs and the impact it has on his clients.
Now, in Charlottesville, VA, he has continued his passion for helping people live their best lives through his fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle coaching.