About Me: A Journey of Struggle, Transformation, and Hope

At Haddad Fitness, we don’t just teach fitness—we guide you through real, life-changing transformations. But before I can show you what’s possible, I want to share a deeply personal story. One that I believe many of you can relate to, and one that might help you see that it’s not too late for you to change your life, too.

The dark reality of losing control 

When I was 19, I was in the best shape of my life. I was healthy, strong, and confident, weighing 180 lbs and feeling unstoppable. I left home for a mission in Donetsk, Ukraine, with a clear path ahead of me. But what I didn’t know then was that the next two years would change everything.

In Ukraine, I witnessed the devastating effects of civil unrest, and when I returned home in 2014, I was a different person. Physically malnourished and mentally shattered, I weighed just 145 lbs—completely unrecognizable to myself. The trauma of what I had experienced left me with deep mental scars, and debilitating PTSD. The medications I was prescribed only clouded my mind, and I turned to alcohol to numb the pain.
Instead of feeling better, I fell deeper into a spiral of self-destruction. I gained weight rapidly—100 pounds in just a few months. I tried to quit drinking by replacing it with Dr Pepper. I ate snickers bars every day, nutter butters, oreos, donuts, ice cream, mac and cheese, and anything that sounded like it would taste better than I felt. By the end of my first semester in college, I weighed 245 lbs. I felt disconnected from my body, exhausted, defeated, and unable to find a way out. My body was betraying me, and I felt like I was losing control of everything. I couldn’t even do basic things like cut my toenails without gasping for air.

I Thought I Hit Rock Bottom, But Then I Realized It Could Get Worse

I remember one day in particular. I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at my reflection, and all I could think was, "This can’t be my life. Something has to change." I had tried everything—every diet, every workout plan—but nothing stuck. The pain in my body, the weight of my mental health struggles, and the embarrassment of my appearance felt overwhelming. I was trapped in a cycle of frustration, and I didn’t know how to get out.
Pulling myself out of despair
In 2017, I decided to try one last time. I reached out to a friend who was studying nutrition, and we began to work together on rebuilding my body and mind. I learned that my health was about more than just losing weight—it was about fueling my body with the right foods to heal my mind. I cut out junk food, started eating more nourishing meals, and focused on things like protein, vegetables, and hydration.
By May 2018, I had lost 65 pounds and was beginning to feel alive again. But I wasn’t done yet. I knew that to truly reclaim my health, I needed to make lasting changes in my life, not just my diet.

When it all started to click

I moved to North Carolina, eager for a fresh start. That’s when I found my personal trainer, Siopi Osai, who played a critical role in my recovery. With his guidance, I learned about calories, protein intake, and how to structure my workouts for lasting results. Slowly, my strength returned, and my confidence followed. I dropped another 45 pounds, reaching 175 lbs, and for the first time in a decade, I felt free. I was no longer a prisoner to my past. My mental health was improving, my body was stronger than it had ever been, and I was living with a clarity and focus I had longed for. and I was left wondering what I wanted to do with my new-found freedom. I felt very inspired to enlist in the Marine Corps. And I am, so glad I did. The whole experience served as a testament that all the work I put in was worth it.
But…

life changed me forever 

In 2022, I was struck by a severe case of COVID-19. I entered the ICU as a 190-lb Marine, but when I left, I weighed just 140 lbs. My lungs were severely damaged, and my military career was cut short. But even defeated in the face of this new challenge, I refused to give up. The Marine Corps connected me with a personal trainer to help with my recovery, and it was through that experience that I realized my calling: I wanted to help others transform their lives the way I had.

The Call to Help Others

That’s when I decided to become a certified personal trainer through ISSA. I realized that my mission was not just about getting people to work out; it was about empowering them to take control of their health and never rely on a trainer forever. It was about showing people how they can live healthier, happier lives by focusing on both their physical and mental well-being.
The Pain You’re Facing: You’re Not Alone
If you’re reading this, I know the struggles you’re facing. I’ve been where you are—feeling weak, overwhelmed, and disconnected from my own body. But I also know that the pain you’re feeling right now is not permanent. You don’t have to live like this. You don’t have to let your past define your future. Just like I fought my way back, I know you can do the same.
You might be dealing with:
Physical pain: That back pain, knee pain, or constant exhaustion that makes every day feel like a battle.
Mental fatigue: The frustration of not knowing how to start, or the fear that you’re too far gone to change.
The embarrassment: Feeling ashamed of your body or not having the confidence to look in the mirror.
Self-doubt: Worrying that you’re too old, too out of shape, or too broken to ever be the person you want to be again.
I get it. But here’s the truth: You can rise above it. I’ve seen it happen in my own life, and I’ve helped many others achieve the same.
The Dream: A Life of Strength, Confidence, and Freedom
Now, imagine what it would feel like to finally take control of your health and feel strong again.
No more pain: Picture waking up every day without the aches and fatigue. Imagine having the energy to do the things you love without being held back.
Confidence: Imagine looking in the mirror and feeling proud of what you see—a body that reflects the work you've put in and the strength you’ve gained.
Mental clarity: With physical health comes mental clarity. Imagine feeling sharper, more focused, and more alive than ever before.
This is the life you deserve. And it’s possible for you, too.

Together, We’ll Transform Your Life
At Haddad Fitness, I don’t just offer fitness programs. I offer a transformational experience—one that will change your body, your mind, and your life. Together, we’ll develop a personalized plan that fits your needs, challenges, and goals. I’ll be with you every step of the way—providing the support, guidance, and motivation you need to succeed.
Your transformation begins now. It’s time to take the first step toward the life you’ve always dreamed of. Let’s get started—together.