About Us
Christian Vann
Director
"LIFT: The Obsession means so much to me; it's my favorite place to be on a Saturday morning.
When I first got sober, I was recovering from a near-fatal car accident that had left both my body's functionality and my mental health in a terrible state. During my time in treatment, I had the privilege of meeting an incredible personal trainer who was also on the path of sobriety. Her main goal was to offer her help to a young adult who had lost his way. She promised to guide me in reclaiming my body's functionality and to teach me how to regain my physical shape. However, what I learned went far beyond that. She showed me that while working on the outside might be the easier part, working on the inside is the true challenge. I had to be willing to tackle both aspects. This amazing woman ignited in me a passion for pursuing a career in fitness, and that decision ultimately saved my life, giving me a meaningful reason to stay sober.
My primary purpose in serving at LIFT: The Obsession is to pay forward the incredible experience I had. I want people to feel secure when embarking on their journeys of sobriety and fitness—knowing that they are not alone. My aim is to help individuals establish connections with one another and kindle a passion for fitness, companionship, and spiritual growth. LTO provides an environment where people can discover that it's not always about building muscle; sometimes, it's about building fellowship, nurturing discipline, and embracing unwavering consistency. With luck, we can inspire another person who is new to sobriety to explore a career in fitness, providing them with a platform to practice sober principles in every aspect of their lives."
David McLaughlin
Operations
"I came down to Florida in 2019, right when Covid started, and wasn't really able to make connections. Before everything got locked down, I attended a men’s meeting where I heard DJ make his announcement about LTO. I knew I needed to get involved! I was scared to approach DJ after the meeting, but I did it anyway. I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming he was and how quickly he showed excitement towards my interest in joining. I had this overwhelming feeling of being drawn to LTO and couldn't wait to attend!
Let me tell you, that first Saturday I was welcomed with open arms. I showed up early, had a chat with DJ and Amanda, and felt like I'd known them for a long time. As others started to arrive, I was nervous. I didn't know these people, and until then, I'd mostly worked out by myself. Needless to say, I made lifelong friends that day! I only missed a handful of Saturdays, and it wasn't by choice.
Showing up early, helping set up, meeting new people, and working up a good sweat helped me break out of the funk I was in. LTO has boosted my confidence and helped me discover my identity as a man in recovery. I can honestly say that LTO played a pivotal role in helping me stay sober during a very challenging phase of my sobriety.
Despite driving 45 minutes every Saturday, I've made lifelong friends, found a sense of community, overcome my tendency to stay in the corner or shy away from crowds, pursued a career that genuinely makes me happy, and most importantly, I've learned to love myself due to the overwhelming love this community has shown me.
I am forever grateful for LTO and everyone who has played a role in shaping it into what it is today!"
Crystal Clark
Social Media Management
"I was there for the very first one, like witnessing the birth of a newborn baby. It was the moment DJ brought our community together in the midst of a chaotic world, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. However, after that initial event, I found myself stepping back and watching from the sidelines. I was grappling with personal fears and insecurities, something I mention now because looking back, those feelings seem almost ridiculous.
LIFT: The Obsession is, honestly, one of the best places to break through those kinds of barriers. The camaraderie and peer support are unparalleled. It's not just about getting an incredible workout; it's about meeting new people and genuinely having a good time. Feeling a desire to give back, I, as a gym member, jumped at the chance to participate. I started attending earlier classes and asked if I could return to film the LTO workouts and assist with managing social media. That turned out to be my role. I absolutely love capturing those moments of hard work, laughter, and yes, all the dancing. These snippets truly capture the essence of what LTO is all about.
Watching this project grow from its infancy into what it is today (and with AC, thankfully!) has been an incredible journey. I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it."
