MEET DAVID

Hi, I’m David McDougal, a personal trainer at the YMCA. I hold a master’s degree in science and specialize in strength training, particularly barbell techniques. I am certified in the Starting Strength method, which focuses on helping individuals build strength to enhance their overall health and lifespan. This aligns with scientific principles discussed in books like Peter Attia’s Outlive.

At the Y, I love empowering members to achieve their fitness goals and improve their quality of life.  Strength training is one of the best things you can do for your health and lifespan. Though, it can sometimes feel intimidating or confusing, together, we’ll address key questions, including which movements to focus on, proper exercise techniques, how many sets and reps to perform, and how to structure your training schedule, all to optimize growth. Watching members grow stronger and more confident from session to session is the most rewarding part of my work. For example, I was proud when a client’s orthopedic surgeon mentioned that my client’s recovery from knee surgery was significantly faster due to the strength that we built ahead of time.  

I was drawn to the YMCA because of its supportive and inclusive community. The Y’s mission of nurturing the potential in each individual deeply resonates with me, and I’m proud to contribute to a space where people of all ages and abilities can thrive. My strength training approach includes addressing multiple aspects of life, including nutrition, sleep, stress management, recovery, and complementary exercises like cardio training. All this, combined with strength training will maximize your health and lifespan.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and my dog, exploring the outdoors through hiking or biking, cooking, working on my own training, and reading about health and fitness.