Caleb Miller stands as a testament to passion and dedication in the world of fitness. 

Caleb’s journey began two years ago when he secured his first gym membership.

“I got my first gym membership mainly just to get into it with friends, and I ended up being the only one who stuck to it,” Caleb recalls.

The 20-year-old personal trainer relocated to The Villages from Pennsylvania last April. Here, Caleb found inspiration in his girlfriend, Abbie (also a personal trainer) and his grandparents.

Today, Caleb is a personal trainer for people in their homes and at the Iron Village Gym in Oxford. He specializes in exercise therapy and focuses on weightlifting and mobility, particularly for individuals with chronic pain.

“I do exercise therapy, which comes after physical therapy. It’s not necessarily all the little drills they do; it’s more about weightlifting and unlocking motion again,” Caleb explains.

The highlight of his career was helping a client suffering from severe tendonitis who was on the brink of surgery. Through Caleb’s exercise therapy, the client not only avoided surgery but also reclaimed the ability to golf without pain.

“Helping older people regain their mobility has been the most rewarding part of doing this,” Caleb says.

In the gym, Caleb caters to a diverse clientele, with a focus on younger individuals or those just starting an exercise regimen. He also provides at-home exercise therapy for older people who can’t leave their homes by way of his business, CCM Fitness, LLC. In the home, he uses minimal but very effective equipment like exercise bands and adjustable dumbbells. 

Caleb’s innovative approach ensures that everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, can benefit from his expertise.

“I had so many people reach out for training that just weren’t comfortable or weren’t able to train at a gym, so I wanted to bring it to people who needed it,” he says.

Caleb stands out not only for his dedication to training but also for his continuous pursuit of knowledge. With six certifications under his belt and plans to obtain two more, he aims to provide a one-stop solution for clients that covers training, nutrition, and strength and conditioning. 

“I wanted to be able to cover everything because it all really does go together. You can’t have one thing without the other,” he says.

Caleb does full body training, but for this issue of Healthy Living, he provides detailed instructions for two specific exercise machines that primarily target the upper and mid-back muscles, as well as the lats, traps, biceps and rear deltoids.

Caleb says strengthening those areas improves stability and mobility of your shoulders. 

For those interested in Caleb’s services, call him at 272.200.8867 or visit ccm.fitness

Chest Supported T-Bar

Sets: 3-4 Total | Reps: 8-12 per set | Rest: 90 seconds

1. Adjust the seat according to your height and set the weights, starting with 10-20 lbs. and moving up gradually. 
2. Place your chest on the machine, ensuring the bars fall just under your shoulders.
3. Tighten your core to prevent the pad from pressing into you.
4. Grab the bars, lift the weight, and fully stretch your back.
5. Pull the bars up until your elbows are slightly tucked behind you.
6. Hold for a brief second, then control the descent.

Unilateral Lat Row

Sets: 3-4 Total | Reps:8-12 per set | Rest: 90 seconds

1. Adjust the seat to your height and set the weight, starting with no weight and moving up gradually. 
2. Sit with both feet flat on the foot pads.
3. Begin with no weight and adjust as needed.
4. Grab the vertical handle with one hand and pull until your bicep is parallel to your torso.
5. Hold briefly, then control the descent until your arm is fully extended.
6. Repeat the process for the other side.

Photos by: Nicole Hamel