Philosophy and Approach
Many individuals understand the importance of exercise and staying physically active to promote good health. However, there is often a misunderstanding of what it truly means to be strong and the vital role that strength training plays in our daily lives.
Strength training is not only essential for preventing various diseases, ailments, and injuries, but it also supports optimal physical and physiological function. Additionally, as individuals grow stronger and more capable in their movements, they experience increased confidence and comfort in their bodies—a psychological benefit that is often overlooked. At Rooted Strength, we emphasize this aspect as a key part of overall strength.
While activities such as cardio and yoga provide unique benefits, they do not offer the same comprehensive advantages as strength training, especially when it comes to long-term health and longevity. By prioritizing quality movement and cultivating strength in practical ways, individuals can significantly enhance their health and functional capacity, benefiting both daily and recreational activities for years to come.
Adopting a strength-focused training regimen allows individuals to experience a longer, healthier, and more active life outside of the gym. This approach not only helps individuals fully enjoy their daily activities but also promotes graceful aging, fostering greater independence and functional ability as they grow older.
At Rooted Strength, our mission is to empower individuals by helping them develop practical, mindful, and functional strength that extends beyond the gym. Through a holistic approach, we offer comprehensive programs designed to improve movement patterns and skills. Embracing barefoot training, we combine kettlebells, barbells, and bodyweight exercises to build strength in these essential areas.
The primary focus here is on education, quality movement and intentionality, followed by challenge, enabling individuals to deeply understand, experience and feel the benefits of strength training in their daily lives and recreational pursuits. In doing so, we aim to show that everyone is a student of strength, constantly learning, adapting, and refining their skills as their bodies evolve.
“…it’s about moving better, living healthily, being mindful of ourselves, and building a body that supports your life, daily and recreationally…”
About the Coach
PHOTO of Tanner Smiling
I have been active throughout my life, engaging in a variety of team sports and recreational activities such as hiking and biking. From the age of 7, I played soccer, continuing through the early years of college, while also participating in basketball and lacrosse during high school. It wasn’t until I played lacrosse that I recognized a gap in my upper body strength, which motivated me to start weightlifting to enhance my physical resilience and prevent getting knocked around so easily.
Throughout the years, I witnessed many of my teammates suffer from injuries, which sparked a deep curiosity about injury prevention and recovery. I began paying closer attention to the strength training sessions and how coaches and trainers explained specific drills and exercises. While I initially found this knowledge interesting, I hadn’t yet considered it as a potential career path. After a few years of coaching youth athletes, my curiosity grew, leading me to pursue a more formal education in the field of physical health.
Originally from Portland, I began my career in fitness by attending the National Personal Training Institute, where I gained hands-on experience and developed a deeper interest in movement and strength training. In 2018, I moved to Bend to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology at Oregon State University-Cascades. While studying, I gained valuable experience in local gyms and continued my education with certifications from StrongFirst, with a special focus on kettlebell training.
Over the past 4 to 5 years, I have shifted much of my coaching focus toward helping individuals build practical strength that enhances their quality of life. My goal is to help people move without pain, become more active in their recreational pursuits, and develop resilience and durability for daily life. This approach involves training with longevity in mind, reinforcing a healthy lifestyle, and ensuring that strength training serves as a foundation for long-term physical well-being.
Over the years, I have found immense satisfaction in integrating kettlebell, barbell, and bodyweight training into daily life for improved longevity and functional strength. This approach has become the cornerstone of my training philosophy and professional focus. With nearly a decade of experience in strength training, I am excited to continue growing in this field for many years to come.
Having lived in Bend for the past eight years, I am an avid enthusiast of the area’s outdoor activities, including hiking, trail running, biking, paddleboarding, backpacking, golfing, and playing soccer. When I'm not outdoors, I enjoy cooking, playing guitar, puzzling, reading, or nurturing my passion for gardening with houseplants and vegetables. Whether on a trail, in the mountains, on a field, or on a body of water, I embrace every opportunity to stay active, connect with the natural world, and eat delicious food.
Education and Certifications
Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology - Oregon State University - Cascades
NASM CPT
StrongFirst Girya (Kettlebell) Level 2 Certification
StrongFirst Lifters Certification
Original Strength Press RESET Certification
NPTI Diploma
First Aid, CPR, AED
Coaching strength since 2015