Thomas Aláan

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC)

Hey! I’m Thomas.

I’m a displaced Appalachian (and Chicagoan of fifteen years) that loves to sing, spoil my cat (Theobold), cast arcane spells in World of Warcraft, murder houseplants, shuffle on the dance floor, and compare myself to a squirrel.

I also love to lift heavy things, swing metal objects, slam rubbery spheres, jump on boxes, jump off boxes, jump over boxes, balance on unstable surfaces, and a variety of other related activities that sound odd when described out of context.

I work one-on-one with people who want support to change something about their lives. Losing weight or gaining muscle. Running faster or becoming stronger. Come back from injury or prevent injury.

You’re probably here because you’re looking for someone who will work with you on one or more of the above goals. I’d love to help. I made this page to try to answer some questions about my background and give you an idea of who I am so you can decide if I’m the right fit for your goals. I hope we can work together. 🥰

Abridged Credentials

with accompanying shirtless fitness photo

Formal Education

• Doctor of Musical Arts (Performance) | University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Master of Arts (Vocal Pedagogy) | Texas Woman’s University
• Bachelor of Arts (Music Education) | Alderson-Broaddus College

Professional Certifications

• Personal Trainer | National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

- Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)
- Behavior Change Specialist (BCS)
- Virtual Coaching Specialist (VCS)
- Sports Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)

• Nutrition Coach | National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• Essentials of Performing Arts Medicine | Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA)
• Group Fitness Instructor | Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)

My Background

How I Got Into the Gym

I’d put on a few pounds when I went to get my doctorate in 2018 at age 36. I felt like I was surrounded by thousands of undergraduate guys who looked like they had been lifting haybales their whole lives. (This was in Wisconsin, so there were a lot of farmboys. They were also blonde, so it had a Village of the Damned vibe.) I was cast as one of the leads in the fall opera and the director wanted me almost naked on stage for two scenes. I was feeling a tad self-conscious. At the same time, I watched as a few people close to me began experiencing the health repercussions of a sedentary life (and eating a few too many sweets).

If I’m honest, it was a combination of vanity and health. But that’s ok. It was probably helpful to have, or to find, multiple motivations to go to the gym.

How I Started Working With Folks

I got into coaching folks in the gym because I worked one-on-one with caring, enthusiastic, knowledgeable coaches. I find it so fun to explore what I can do and to be pushed to do better. And the thing is I like to be on both sides: teacher and student. I’d taught voice for so many years. Coaching people on fitness and nutrition was like a natural extension of my music career and was a way to work with more people in ways that are meaningful to them.

How I Approach People

I am a cheerleader, not a drill sergeant. My goal is always to build you up and make you smile (or laugh) after you’ve put in hard work and caught your breath. I may push you, but I won’t break you or make you cry. That won’t do anyone any good.

Also, look at that face. Do I strike you as intimidating? 🤣

I will never refer to you as a “client.” I have never liked this term. It centers our relationship on money instead of on growth and learning. We’re investing more than just monetary resources in each other.

Folks I Work With

Well, for starters, I’ll work with anyone who isn’t under doctor’s orders not to work out. But I have worked with a variety of people from the very beginner to the very athletic, pre- and post-natal folks, seniors (including those with joint replacements and osteoporosis), and folks coming back or working through injuries.

How My Workouts Go

What we do is based on 1) what we need to do to get you from point A to point B and 2) the equipment available to us. Some people want to get jacked, some people want to lose weigt, some people want to be able to move with less pain. You can do all this with fancy equipment or just body weight.

That said, what do I love to do? I’m most in my element when it’s high-energy and we’re working with balls, box jumps, tires, speed and agility drills, TRX, battle rope, or kettlebells. These are what I call “squirrel day” workouts. But a solid “let’s lift heavy things” day is also fun. I tend to “superset” exercises, meaning we pair 2 or 3 exercises together in succession to get you more bang for your buck.

A Place for

Performing Artists

Dancers, musicians, and actors are athletes no different from quarterbacks, guards, and goalies. If you’re an artist, read on about what we can do together.