Chaz Leppert

Hello,
My name is Chaz, short for Charles. I grew up here in the Longview/Kelso region and currently live in Rose Valley. I went to Kelso High School and played football, wrestled, and ran track but never really had much of an athletic career as a youth. I like to say I am a late bloomer! As I've become older I found a real passion for fitness as I began to see it as my therapy rather than something to do just to get huge and strong. I work as a firefighter and have been doing it for almost 8 years now & fitness has really become a focal point for my career as it's a young man's game. Not only do you have to keep your body healthy, but your mind as well. All the mistakes, lessons, and hardships in my fitness journey have led me to coaching as I want to share my knowledge and passion, and help people so they don't have to make the same mistakes I made!

The turning point in my life is when I got hired as a professional firefighter. Prior to getting hired I was in my early 20's, very insecure, lost, and unsure what was going to happen to me next. I was currently going to school at CWU to get into paramedic school and I told myself if I did not get hired within a year I was going to give up completely as the fire service maybe just wasn't in the cards for me. I was at the lowest point for my self esteem, and I remember talking to my mom about it and she told me, "Well what is your alternative? If it was easy everyone would be doing it." This really resonated with me as she was right-I couldn't just quit. When I felt like I couldn't feel any worse I got that phone call about a Chief's interview with Lynnwood Fire. My life's enemy was myself all along & at some point I lost who I was in the process. Never forget who you are and hold onto that while you enjoy the process. Always remember that you are exactly where you are supposed to be for a reason. Whether it be positive or negative that's just how life works, and you will become stronger for it.

My main purpose for coaching is to share with you my love & passion for fitness. I know the feeling of hitting your first ring muscle up, or your first double under and I know the powerful effect it will have on you. Nothing compares to the euphoria you get knowing that your mind, body, and spirit is all in tune. Fitness is a portion of finding that tune & I promise you it will lead to many other positive aspects of your life. Seeing you hit PR's, learning new movements, and watching your body and mind become stronger is my motivation.