Meet Brian Fallon, Skimble‘s featured Trainer! Recently retired from an entirely different career, his love for triathlons goes way back. We recently had the chance to chat with Brian and learn about his coaching business along with its guiding principals that focus on “Harmony through Balance” in all aspects of life.
Tell us a bit about your background and where you’re from.
Brian: I’m actually a retired New York Air Traffic Controller! I live in Northport, New York, which is like a triathlete’s playground!
What inspired you to become a personal trainer?
Brian: I got into triathlons about 20 years ago and was totally hooked after completing my first race. I became an ASCA Level 2 (American Swim Coach Association) and Ironman Certified Triathlon Coach a few years ago, and since I retired, I now coach swimming and triathlon training full time.
What are your training specialties?
Brian: Swimming, Biking and Running (obviously), and Strength Training to help prepare the body to sustain the loads that this kind of intense training and racing will impose, especially for the long course options (Half and Full Iron distance).
Tell us a bit about AquaTerra Coaching?
Brian: I started AquaTerra Coaching, LLC because I wanted to be an alternative to the “Gotta make it hurt!” mentality that I see a lot of people subjected to in their training. It ends up causing a lot of unnecessary injuries. Triathlon training is grueling enough as it is; there’s no magic in the formula for success – dedication, consistency, and realistic efforts proportional to the demands of the event for which you are training, will take you farther than you would believe. Our guiding principle of “Harmony through Balance” means that while we will always strive to help you achieve the best physical performance possible, we also attempt to reach that goal in a healthy and holistic manner that is in sync with not just your race-day goals, but your life goals as well.
What keeps you motivated to stay fit yourself?
Brian: Seeing 80-year-olds compete! Seriously! To see people in that age group in action – and I mean SMASHING it – is unbelievably inspiring to me. I want to be like that when I grow up!
Who are your heroes?
Brian: My heroes are names not well known, but in my opinion, should be household names. Rudy Garcia-Tolson, a gold medal Paralympian (2008 & 2012) who became the first double above-knee amputee to complete a full Ironman Triathlon. Mikey Brannigan, a Northport native who has autism, who went on to become the 2016 Paralympian gold medalist in the 1500 Meter run. And so many others like them!
Do you have any hidden talents?
Brian: I draw cartoons in my spare time.
What’s your favorite Workout Trainer feature?
Brian: I was searching for a timer app that I could use to program custom workouts and then send those to my athletes when I discovered Skimble’s Workout Trainer app. Brilliant! It had all the features I was looking for and more! I really love the playback feature which allows a demonstration of the exercises. Sometimes, you just need to see it being done in order to understand what to do yourself, or – as often is the case – what NOT to do! The audio cues also make it so easy to follow along without having to keep looking at the device.
Do you have any go-to training gear that you would recommend?
Brian: Stretch cords! They are so amazingly effective when used correctly. You can bring them anywhere and get an incredible workout done.
Please share a secret health/fitness tip with the Skimble community…
Brian: You want to get stronger? Go to sleep. Seriously; the science on this is unequivocal. Workouts are where you “damage” your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s during sleep – deep, restful sleep – that your body repairs, rebuilds, and strengthens everything in preparation for the next round. Make sleep a priority in your life.
Thanks for sharing with us, Brian, we’re excited to see what the future will bring for you and AquaTerra Coaching!
Brian Fallon is currently accepting new clients for 1:1 Online Personal Training in Workout Trainer. Get signed up today and let him help you crush your fitness goals.
Want to follow Brian and other great trainers? Download the Workout Trainer app for Android & iOS, then head on over to the Trainers tab.
Are you a fitness professional? Want to become a Trainer like Brian and have access to our online coaching tools and more? Get started for free on Skimble’s Trainer page.
