Ryan Wolfshorndl

Meet Ryan Wolfshorndl!
I’ve been a Santa Barbara resident for 16 years now, from college onward. I’m a partner at a small investment consulting firm, which is fun and challenging. About 6 years ago I met a wonderful girl named Courtney during a trip to visit friends in Portland; then I convinced her to marry me and move down to SoCal (so long, rain!). We enjoy being outdoors, visiting national parks (which we just discovered), being part of our local church community; and now we’re preparing for the next adventure in life—having our first child any day now!

When did you start coming to Prevail?
I started at Prevail over 6 years ago, and it’s been a part of my weekly schedule since then!

What impact has training at Prevail made in your life?
Obviously, there are the physical benefits, which include increased strength, mobility, muscle control, and reduced/short-lived injuries. Additionally, I’ve gained an education on good movement technique, how the body works, and how to maintain and improve physical health. (I now cringe when I visit a gym out of town and see people exercising in ways that are probably hurting themselves; but I try not to be a snob about it!)

Do you have any words of encouragement or tips for somebody new to exercise (or restarting)?
Don’t push it too hard upon immediately joining/restarting. Make realistic expectations with your trainer, give it some time to get comfortable or reacquainted with the movements, and do the exercises excellently with whatever strength/range you have at the time. Also, learn WHY you’re doing what you’re doing; because there’s crossover between exercises and how you work and move throughout the day. Utilize the Prevail trainers; they’re smart, and they want you to experience improvement and long-term health.

What is your favorite movement/exercise?
I love footwork drills on the ladders, my favorite lift is probably the deadlift, and the pigeon stretch feels oh so good. My least favorite is a slow front squat with a 3-second hold at the bottom (not cool).

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy hiking, volleyball, occasional running, and other sports—for which I’m thankful I can almost always be in sufficient shape and not get sore or injured because of training at Prevail. I enjoy woodworking; and I love reading and learning history, though I can only get through about 3 half books per year.