Joshuah Edwards
Joshuah Edwards is a personal trainer as well as small group trainer. He has been involved in fitness as either an athlete or coach for 16 years. He has held PT certifications under ACE and NASM in the past and currently is recertified with FitTour through their “Advanced Personal Trainer Certification”. He also has taken and completed TRX Suspension Training education in 2017. With a drive for leadership development, Josh completed John Maxwell’s “Level 5 Leadership” training course and has taken the Late Zig Zigglar’s “Born to Win” Seminar.
Josh’s formal education comes in the form of multiple degrees ranging from an AST in Anesthesia Technology where he learned medical terminology, pharmacology, microbiology, & anatomy physiology. Internships and an externship were done at UPMC Shadyside, Jefferson Regional and Excela Health Westmoreland, but ultimately decided to go back to school “pre-med” at Point Park University.
After the first year of going through all the prerequisites, he took some sociology classes that changed his path forever. In 2012 he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Global Cultural studies, a couple random minors and more credits than necessary. During his sophomore year, he was certified as a personal trainer to train fellow students to make money while playing Rugby. He led the team’s strength and conditioning for a couple years still as a player. All the while in 2011 was awarded team MVP and recognized for bringing “brotherhood” to the team at graduation.
He went straight into a graduate Master of Science Program in Environmental Studies as a Graduate Assistant. On track to finish in 18 months his life took a big turn. In April 2013 he would finish graduate school, but only after suffering a major neck injury that ended all Professional Rugby aspirations. Shortly after in August of 2013, he lost his mother and home the same day. He never quit, found strength and earned his degree by finishing the Master Thesis in a housing program.
Over the years he maintained personal training and teaching group classes when he eventually got into Boxing and Jiu-Jitsu. He worked with therapists to strengthen his neck and body to compete in the 2017 Golden Gloves Regional Tournament placing 3rd at 178lbs and placed 1st at Light Heavyweight in the 2017 No-Gi NAGA Tournament (North American Grappling Association). He no longer competes, but still coaches and hosts community classes and public speaking on personal development, leadership, fitness, bullying and many other topics.
“I’m very passionate about helping others find happiness in life and feel good about themselves. I believe that when you FEEL GOOD, you excel in life. My specialty is helping people who lack the inspiration to stay motivated and reach their goals. For me, a healthy lifestyle is much more than just lifting weights. It’s about meditation, mindfulness, stretching, warming up, eating healthily, and getting necessary rest and enough sleep. I love helping others see and experience what their mind and bodies are capable of with just enough hard work. I make it a goal to help you achieve a happy and well-balanced lifestyle that will minimize the risk of future health-related issues.”
