Antjuan Simmons
Hometown: Ypsilanti, MI
I am going to Michigan State in the fall and I want to be a Special Education teacher after I graduate.
What got you into the fitness industry?
My former strength and conditioning coach Ryan Pratt was talking to me about what the human body can do and all of the different ways you can train it and it just blew me away. I was so fascinated with it.
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
My mom, dad, and little brother. They push me to be the best me everyday and they wont accept anything less of that.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I’d have to say nibbling on my mom’s left over food before she officially says she doesn’t want it.
Favorite quote?
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Who is your hero?
My mom hands down. She amazes me with the things she’s been able to overcome and achieve while raising two grown boys on her own.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Getting to play football at MSU. Sparty on!
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
“Beat it” by Michael Jackson
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My mom’s fried chicken. It’s sooo good.
Alex Carlson
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
I recently graduated from Corcoran School of the Arts, George Washington University, BFA in Motion Design!
What got you into the fitness industry?
I graduated from school in May and found myself back in Ann Arbor while I continue taking a couple animation courses. I had never worked in the fitness industry before, but I’ve always enjoyed an active lifestyle and was involved with a lot of different sports growing up (my favorite being soccer and gymnastics). Joining AFS, I am very excited to be working with others who are just as– if not more so–passionate about fitness.
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
I take my inspiration from those around me: everyday people that are determined to make a difference in themselves and others. Seeing their progress makes me want to do better for myself.
Also: Bob Ross. He is an inspiration to us all.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Reading, nonstop. I will sacrifice whatever amount of sleep I have to in order to finish a good book or get to the end of a chapter. It will keep me up all night but I cannot stop without knowing what happens next.
What does family mean to you?
The closest friends you’ll ever have…that provide free food.
Who is your hero?
My mom. She’s a rockstar and is always there for me.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Proudest accomplishment was finishing a Tough Mudder in September: 10 miles of mud and obstacles. Hardest thing I’ve ever done but can’t wait to do one again.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I Would Die 4 U by Prince.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicago deep dish pizza, every topping except olives.
Psyche Castro
Athens, OH
What got you into the fitness industry?
I was interested in working somewhere that values teamwork and positivity, and Applied Fitness Solutions has that in spades.
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
I am inspired by people all day everyday. Some of my biggest inspirations are my friends. They are all doing such amazing work!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Jane Austin movies?
Favorite quote?
“I must not fear, fear is the mind killer.” – Dune, Frank Herbert
Who is your hero?
My fiancee, Josh.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Graduating with my Masters in Library and Information Science, and working as a children’s librarian.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Landslide!
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Verde Enchiladas from Casa Nueva in Athens Ohio, with a side of apple salad and an IPA.
Welcome to the #AFSFam!
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Michael Stack is the founder & CEO of Applied Fitness Solutions and Frontline Fitness Pros. He is a faculty lecturer for the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology. He is also the creator and the host of the Wellness Paradox Podcast, produced in conjunction with University of Michigan.
Michael is an exercise physiologist by training and a health entrepreneur, health educator, and fitness industry advocate by trade. He is dedicated to enhancing the standard of practice of, and advocating for, fitness and wellness professionals to ensure they become an essential constituent in the healthcare delivery system.
With a career spanning over three decades in fitness, health, and wellness Michael has a deep knowledge of exercise physiology, health/wellness coaching, lifestyle interventions to mitigate chronic disease and leadership. He is credentialed through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as an Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP), Exercise is Medicine practitioner (ASCM-EIM), and a Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (ACSM-PAPHS). Michael is a National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and a CDC Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Lifestyle Coach.
Michael received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology in 2004 and is currently a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) candidate at University of Michigan, with a specific concentration in health behavior and health education.
Michael is a board of directors’ member for the Physical Activity Alliance and Michigan Fitness Clubs Association. He sits on the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology Alumni Board of Governors. Michael is an expert curriculum reviewer for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Finally, he is a member of the executive leadership team for American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.
Michael lectures nationally for several health/fitness certification and continuing educations, including; IHRSA, the Medical Fitness Association, the National Strength & Conditioning Association, and SCW Fitness.
