Meet Bart Thurman | Functional Health Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bart Thurman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bart, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by breaking free of the things that we do not have to accept. Things that make us weak, unhappy, unfulfilled and cause us to lead a sub-par existence. I want to show up as my best self as much as possible which makes me a better father, husband, friend, co-worker, etc. There are a lot of experiences in life as we traverse through the years that we simply accept as “normal” because of what society and/or our background up to now has led us to believe.

For example, poor health. The vast majority of us accept chronic fatigue, depression, low libido, poor brain function, headaches, digestive issues, medications, disease, etc., etc., as normal as we age. While we will slow down and of course get older, it should be a very graceful decline, and when we do die it should be fairly quick instead of suffering for years on end. What is normal is feeling awesome, but we too often relegate that to only being something reserved for children and young adults.

About a decade ago I was in a terrible place, a dark place that was very scary and for the first time, I understood what it meant to even have the thought cross my mind that life was not worth it. I did not care about anything for months and months and it was incredibly hard to just get through each day. When my doctor brother told me I was going to need to be put on depression medication something switched in my brain and I become determined to heal myself. To me, it was like a game, and being super competitive I did not want to lose.

My inspiration came from the knowledge that I did not have to accept my situation because I had the power to change it. I also discovered a symbol dating to medieval times that represented this act. It became the logo for my business and I even wear a necklace, every day, with this same symbol so I never forget. I threw myself into new experiences and learned to play the guitar as well as practiced lots of self-care. I swore I would be a much better and stronger version of myself because of what had happened and that I would be glad that it did.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most excited about helping others to not suffer from poor health as this affects EVERYTHING we do on a daily basis. Everything is harder, instead of easier. If unchecked it tends to lead to full-blown disease which simply put destroys lives by causing untold financial and emotional stress and sadness. Watching someone transform from feeling terrible and in pain, to being energetic, happy, motivated and like a kid again is priceless. Call me a nerd, but disease prevention is my passion.

I have overcome my biggest challenges by understanding that I have the power to change what I am not happy with for the most part instead of living with it. For example career, relationships, and a spiritual practice these things need to be fulfilling and have meaning. One of my instructors used to say, “you can eat all the blueberries and kale you want, but that will not fix the fact you absolutely hate your job and cannot stand your partner”.

If there is one thing I want the world to know it’s that you have so much more control over your health than you think. Accept nothing less and miracles can happen. Being resilient protects you from so many things and that is up to you to create. No one can do it for you, but a coach can make all the difference by holding you accountable and starting right where you are at now.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would definitely hit a Rockies game and go to Rodizio Grill afterward. Not being a huge city person myself we would likely spend some time in the mountains as well. This would include a trip to Crested Butte to mountain bike and a stop in Gunnison that morning to Double Shot Cyclery where they make the best vanilla lattes on the planet. We would hike up Mount Quandary near Breckenridge as it has some of the best views of any 14teenr and then down a good meat and potatoes meal at a local brewery. We would visit the town of Ouray as it is the closest you will get to Switzerland without actually being there on our way to Durango for more mountain biking and epic vistas. Trading in the mountain bikes we would arrive in Idaho Springs and climb up the paved road to Mount Evans on our road bikes and eat at BEAU JO’s pizza to refuel. If we had time and it was June we would hike Cascade Falls via a drive over Trail Ridge road in Este Park. Again, some of the most panoramic views you will find in the state with abundant wildflowers and multiple waterfalls on the hike. If it was a full moon, winter or summer, and a clear night, a hike or snowshoe would be in order as that is truly a magical experience (especially if you get up super high and watch the sunrise:) Lastly, assuming it was winter a multiday backcountry hut skiing trip would have to be on the docket. Without question something, everyone should experience at least once.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would dedicate my shoutout to my little brother Trevin who supported me in ways that only he could, and that made (and continues to make) a monumental, life-changing difference. I would also give a shout-out to my best friend Tad and my former co-worker Wendy who got me involved in the Ride the Rockies cycling tours and back-country hut trips that jumpstarted my recovery and success. My Mom and Dad, as well as my wonderful wife, have been a huge support to my business and I am forever grateful to them. My son Gunnar has always been there with his tech support, curiosity, and constructive criticisms that I need in order to take it to the next level. The Institute For Integrative Nutrition and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition where I studied has given me the tools to help heal and build health in others. The Cafe of Life chiropractic office and Dr. Jessica Thompson who invited me to see clients onsite and really gave me a ton of credibility. I will always be in her debt and am so fortunate to call her my friend.

Website: www.breakfreewellness.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bart_breakfreewellness/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Makethebreak