About Us

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David Drake has been a personal trainer since 1996, when he graduated from Furman University with a B.S. in Health and Exercise Science. In 2000, David Drake was named Charleston’s best personal trainer in the City Paper. David strives to optimize the full mental, physical, and chemical (nutritional) potential of each client. His focus on holistic healing and wellness allows each client to explore and choose his or her own unique path to reaching their fitness goals. David’s vision is to help his clients shift beyond fitness by first, rediscovering proper movement and developing functional strength.

With 20 years of experience, David has studied and tested many training philosophies to develop a style that is both fun and challenging for his clients. StrongFirst has been the major influence in his recent approach to strength training with kettlebells and barbells. David is a body mechanic, with and eye for proper technique, corrective exercise and coaching cues. Optimal mobility and strength will open the doors to great fitness and health. He believes that if it’s worth doing, then learn to do it right! David specializes in one-on-one and group training using calisthenics, kettlebells and barbells. -- Strength is a skill that must be practiced!

Nick Poppa is a Holistic Health and Movement Specialist originally from Long Island, New York. Nick grew up to love health and movement. Not only that, but what drives and creates it all. It started when playing football and then progressed to bodybuilding. After concussions from football, a labrum tear, as well as living with chronic back pain and gut issues, he came to realize there was more to health and fitness than aesthetics. What mattered more was how we function and the way we live.

Nick's goal with each client is to meet them where they're at, to fine tune and optimize, not only their physical body and capabilities, but their lifestyle as well. Ultimately, guiding each client to find and live their own Functional Lifestyle of Wellness (FLOW) via corrective exercise, functional training, as well as lifestyle coaching. Nick's practice puts a primary focus on bridging the gap between rehabilitation and fitness performance, with a training emphasis on posture, stability, mobility, and strength.