Certificates/Degrees
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
Aaron Oyster
“I first became interested in physical training in my late teens after struggling with obesity throughout my childhood. The end of those years were punctuated by the tragic loss of my eldest brother. I spent the summer after graduating high school grieving his passing, and I kept myself distracted with work. A pivotal moment came when I realized in my struggle with loss that the only thing that could really bring me happiness was taking ownership of how I was feeling at that time and somewhere along the line I came across an exercise program that changed everything.
The latter portion of my teenage years I spent learning more about my body and weight loss. In that sense, movement became very much a coping mechanism for me. I managed to shed 75 lbs using mixed modalities; things like weight lifting, cardio, yoga, and plyometrics. I learned about becoming a trainer early on in that adventure, but the idea at the time seemed unrealistic, I simply didn’t have the confidence, let alone any real knowledge of how to make something like that happen. Still, I wanted to apply this newfound sense of physical autonomy, strength, and athleticism. And so I spent my twenties working as a farm hand in vineyards and organic farms in and around Rappahannock County. I started a small baking business, selling organic sourdough breads through a local CSA that eventually led to an opportunity to work as a chef and baker. The next few years were spent working in local woodfired farm to table kitchens, an absolutely incredible journey. I had learned about the National Academy of Sports Medicine while working in the restaurant and quickly realized that my teenage pipe dream was actually something I could turn into reality.
Following the birth of my son, Bo, I made the difficult decision to leave the food and agriculture industry to focus on mind and body wellness and personal training as a career. So, I quit my job and enrolled in a self study certification program that I completed in 6 weeks. Within 2 days of earning my national accreditation from NASM, something changed my life in a way I never would have expected. The top third of an oak tree fell from above and crushed my body while I was on my daily walk with my family. My son was attached to me in a carrying harness but just before the tree landed on us, I was able to shield him with my body, and somehow, he came out completely unscathed. I’m afraid I wasn’t as fortunate, I suffered from 5 broken vertebrae, a cracked sacrum with extensive nerve damage, 3 broken ribs and a virtually shattered pelvis. I am lucky to be alive.
Part of the branch caught my partner Emma’s ankle but still she managed to run back to the house to call 911. Paramedics arrived quickly and I was airlifted to UVA trauma center where I underwent emergency surgery to reconstruct my pelvis. I spent months in recovery, I was bed ridden for 2, and it took another 4 just to relearn how to walk. But I was diligent, took it slow, one day at a time. I focused on what I could do, set goals, and worked at them every day. Now, I’m back to training better than ever and ready to help others overcome their own struggles with weight loss and injuries. My experience has taught me invaluable lessons. In many ways, I am fortunate to have been through what I have, because now I have the opportunity to help others in a way I could not have known if I hadn’t been through it all myself.”
Aaron was born and raised in Rappahannock County. He and his partner Emma and son Bo live in a cabin on the edge of the Shenandoah National Park in Sperryville, Virginia. When not at the gym, Aaron likes to play music, spend time in nature, and be with his family.
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