Rising Stars: Meet Chris Rhoad of Lawrence, KS

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Rhoad.

Chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri where my earliest exposure to health and fitness came from participating in organized sports including baseball, basketball, and football. At the age of 12, I began weightlifting in order to improve my strength, athletic performance, and overall fitness. By my senior year of high school my hard work in the weight room had paid off as I became a three year letterman in football. I was also one of the Valedictorians of my high school graduating class.

In the fall of 2001, I began attending Kansas State University in pursuit of a degree in Interior Architecture. After realizing my true passion for helping people achieve their health and fitness goals I decided to make a change and switched my major to Kinesiology, the study of human movement. I graduated with my degree in Kinesiology in the fall of 2006. I was also heavily involved in recreational sports, campus organizations, and the Greek community while at Kansas State.

After graduating from Kansas State, I worked in numerous fitness settings including corporate, commercial, private, and physical therapy clinics. This gives me a unique viewpoint and exposure working with diverse populations. I work primarily with the older adult population now but train people of all ages, even high school athletes. I specialize in strength development, weight management, nutritional advisement, and post-rehabilitation training. In order to satisfy my teaching desire I’ve also taught part-time at Pinnacle Career Institute in Lawrence as a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) instructor. I taught several subjects including Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, and Business Management.

I decided to take my education and experience to the next level in 2008 by starting my own business, Morph Training. The name Morph came from my strong belief that the greatest ability that human beings posses is the capacity to change…physically, emotionally, and intellectually. And because of this ability to change we can create a better self.

Morph Training has grown tremendously since its creation. I operate primarily out of my own private studio located inside of Bella Sera Condominiums. I perform over 50 training sessions every week typically seeing 20 to 25 different clients. I manage all of my own scheduling and finances. I also create and develop all marketing and advertising for Morph Training.

I’ve been happily married for over 12 years with two amazing dogs and two amazing boys. Some of my hobbies include lifting weights, running, fishing, coaching youth sports and various other outdoor activities. I also enjoy competing in 5K, 10K, and half marathon races.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say mostly smooth but as with everything in life there has been some rough times over my 19 year career. For example It was a challenge starting my business back in 2008 during an economic recession. Also, surviving the first few months of the pandemic in 2020 was a little scary. But with hard work and adaptability I was able to keep my business going.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specializes in strength development, weight management, nutritional advisement, and post-rehabilitation training. But what I’m most known for in my community is working primarily with an older adult population which is what sets me apart from others. I know how to work with and how to modify exercises for the aging body. I love seeing my older clients develop more strength and improve their balance and flexibility. All of those things can be increased even at an older age.

What’s next?
No big changes in the works right now. I’ve worked hard to get my business to where it’s at so I want to continue doing that. I’ve tried to hire an apprentice/employee in the past without success so I may try that again in the future.

Pricing:

• One on One Session (1 client) $50-$60/hour
• Tandem Session (2 clients) $80/per hour

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.morphtraining.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morphtraining/profilecard/?igsh=MTlsdGs2ZWs1bDF2NQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BeTcrw1ag/