Meet Logan Gee

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

Hi Logan, how do you define success?
In my mind, success is not about how much money I make or how much the business grows. For myself, success is being able to take care of my family, being pain free and keeping my auto-immune disease in check, and being able to enjoy my life. When I’m training a client, I like to talk to them about how we can define success in a similar manner. Is you goal really to look like Thor, or do you just want to be able to play with your son and have him think of you as a super hero? Is success reaching a specific body weight, or is success feeling good and living longer?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For me, the decision to start personal training was the culmination of many years of struggles and set backs and wanting to help make sure others overcome their own obstacles to a healthier life. I was always very active and fit, but in my late teens/early twenties, my body turned against me. Literally. I wouldn’t learn this for over a decade, but I had an autoimmune condition called ankylosing spondylitis, named for the painful fusing of the spinal column that happens as the disease progresses. For years in college and while working as an engineer, my immune system attacked my spine and my joints. Every day was pain, and I steadily lost mobility, strength, and weight. Eventually, through significant training and diet I was able to slow things down, regaining some of what was lost. At the age of 30, I finally got a diagnosis, along with some prescription immuno-suppressants that helped. I redoubled my efforts, and was able to get to a point where I am now drug free, in the best shape of my life and most days are pain free. The challenges I faced are impossible to count or summarize, but the biggest I learned that I want people to know is that its ok if you want to give up. Staying healthy can be hard. I gave up so many times. It doesn’t matter if you give up or not. What matters is that you stand back up and begin again. Get back in the gym. Get back on your diet. Go find a trainer, a nutritionist, whatever practitioner you need to help you. I’ve faced some of the darkest health days you can imagine, and I know what it feels like. I won’t lie to you and say that every health problem is solvable, nor that I have a cure for everything. But you can take the next step and feel just a little bit better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I never like to overstuff trips; I like to have one scheduled activity each day and a bunch of free time to explore different areas or try new things. And the thing I love about Colorado is the outdoors. I would say one day should be dedicated to a morning hike of South Table Mountain followed by brunch at Table Mountain Inn or Blue Sky Cafe. Since we’re already in Golden, the afternoon exploring Washington Street, South Golden Road, and walking the statue path or historical pioneer park along Clear Creek is a must. Maybe check out Foothills Art Center and then grab dinner at whatever strikes your fancy: Bob’s Atomic Burgers, Woody’s Pizza. Some of our go-to restaurants in the Golden area are Klom Klorm Thai or Canyon Point Pho
I would also recommend some of the foothills hikes such as White Ranch Open Space or Mount Galbraith trail. Followed by a good time hanging out in Olde Town Arvada (the Schoolhouse is always a favorite) or Pearl Street Mall in Boulder.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to a few different people. First are my wife and parents for having supported me through all the difficulties I’ve faced with my autoimmune disease. Without them I wouldn’t be here.
I also want to give some attention to Active Lab in Broomfield, and all the trainers. Dustin and David have really created something special there. I was Marc’s client for 7 years before deciding to start training myself, and I am convinced that the expertise and encouragement of everyone there helped stall and even reverse some of the worst parts of my condition. It’s a wonderful supportive community for clients, and it’s also a great place to be a trainer because everyone is passionate and knowledgeable.

Website: gee.fitness

Other: logangeetraining@gmail.com