And it all began on the football field. Born in Germany and raised in Washington state, he was a natural athlete from the get-go. His athletic prowess earned him multiple high school awards and culminated in his role as an Academic All-American college football player at Dakota State University.
But while most college athletes focus solely on their sport, this young student was busy laying the groundwork for his future. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, he was already thinking about a career in fitness and health.
After graduation, Wahl returned to his hometown of Port Angeles, Washington, and started working as a personal trainer at the Olympic Peninsula YMCA, quickly gaining recognition for his skills. His expertise and dedication to patients and clients earned him the title of Clallam County’s Best Personal Trainer for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019.
But this was just the warm-up. Next, he earned the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, but even that wasn’t enough to quench his thirst for knowledge.
So, he packed his bags and moved to Rochester, New York, to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Nazareth College. This three-year program equipped him with advanced knowledge in physical therapy, enhancing his ability to help patients and clients achieve optimal health and performance.
Today,ย Dr. Wahl works as a licensed, full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy at PRO Medical PT while continuing his role as a personal trainer at PRO Club.
Wahl’s accomplishments extend beyond his professional certifications. He’s an Eagle Scout, a successful bodybuilder and powerlifter, and has competed in multiple bodybuilding shows and powerlifting meets. These experiences have given him a deep, personal understanding of the challenges and rewards of pursuing fitness goals.
Smart Fitness: How Apogee is Changing the Game
Dr. Wahl’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found VoTwear, a fitness smart wear company. However, it’s his role as the CEO and founder ofย Apogee Health & Performance that truly showcases his innovative vision for the future of fitness.
After recognizing a big problem in the fitness industry โ a one-size-fits-all approach that left many people frustrated and discouraged โ he knew there must be a better way. That’s when the idea for Apogee hit him.
Apogee is an online training platform that delivers high-quality, personalized fitness services. It serves as a central hub connecting patients and clients with highly qualified fitness professionals.
The company leverages cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence and automated fitness tracking, to create what Wahl describes as a “virtual personal trainer.” This innovative approach allows users to receive personalized fitness guidance and tracking, making high-quality fitness services more accessible and affordable for a wider audience.
One of the key features of Apogee’s platform is its focus on functional fitness. Wahl emphasizes the importance of fitness routines that actually help users in their daily lives. This approach helps build strength that translates directly to everyday tasks, like carrying groceries or picking up your kids.
It’s about building a body that serves you well, whether you’re an athlete, a busy parent, or someone looking to stay active as you age.
Lessons Learned and Whatโs Next
Building Apogee hasn’t been without challenges. Wahl has had to navigate issues with capital funding, technical problems, and workforce development. However, he’s overcome these obstacles by bringing invaluable team members, developing strategic funding plans, and recruiting skilled technical workers to build and improve the platform.
Through it all, Wahl learned a ton about running a business. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility, noting that businesses rarely develop exactly as planned. Being able to adapt to changing circumstances has been key to his success.
Looking ahead, Wahl’s got big plans for Apogee. He wants to take the company public in the next decade and even start a philanthropic organization. But at its core, Apogee’s mission stays the same: helping people reach their full potential, with no shortcuts or gimmicks needed.
So, if you’re tired of fitness plans that feel like they were made for someone else,ย Apogeeย might be worth a look. It’s fitness for the 21st century, designed to fit you โ not the other way around.
