I lost 80 pounds before I ever called myself a coach.
I'm Keith Donnelly — Coach D. Elementary school teacher, dad of twin girls, and proof that a busy parent with no time can rebuild everything.
Where it started
During my wife's pregnancy, cooking at home became impossible — nausea and food aversion everywhere — and I lived off fast food: McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell, Popeyes. The weight piled on. After our twin daughters were born, nothing got better. Most nights I ran on one hour of sleep, working full-time as a teacher and taking care of two babies, and I kept eating badly.
"None of my clothes fit, I could barely bend over to tie my shoes, and walking up the stairs made me out of breath."
At 5'5", I hit 216 pounds. So I researched intermittent fasting and calorie deficits, managed my nutrition, and added in minimal cardio. I dropped 40 pounds. Then I started lifting, got down to 165, and finally sought professional help — my trainers at Wolf Fitness helped me shed another 40, all the way to 135.
Why I coach the way I coach
I lost 80 pounds total, and the second 40 only happened because someone built the plan with me. That's the whole reason I got into this: to be the support system for you that I needed when I was struggling. I'm completing my certified personal trainer license now, with nutrition coach, strength and conditioning, and weight management specialist certifications right behind it.
My approach never changes: push yourself as hard as you possibly can and leave yourself no regrets when the workout is over. I'll teach you every machine and every movement, mix machines and free weights, and make sure your cardiovascular health is solid underneath it all.
My twin girls run to the door when I come home
They are my motivation for everything I do — there's nothing better than coming back from a great workout to them yelling "Daddy!" at the door. That feeling is what I want you to train for, whatever your version of it is.
Outside the gym I'm a huge nerd — Star Wars tattoo sleeve, RPGs, the occasional shooter — and an avid home chef and food content creator. I post high-protein, low-calorie meal preps for my followers, and yes, I've made several amazing Ninja Creami pints. The same tenacity I bring to the gym, I bring to my classroom every day.