Name: Pete Leibman
Birthday: August 20
Hometown: Garden City, NY (on Long Island)
What is your athletic background? Did you play any sports growing up?
“I grew up a basketball player, became Captain of my high school basketball team as a junior, and helped lead us to an undefeated regular season as a senior. I also played for one year at The Johns Hopkins University.
I was a late bloomer as an athlete and was embarrassingly puny until midway through high school. As a sophomore, I got tired of looking and feeling weak. An older friend introduced me to strength training. While it will sound cliché, it completely changed the direction of my life. Getting stronger gave me more confidence, made me a much better athlete, and unleashed a passion for fitness that I love sharing with others.”
How did you end up starting Arlington Sports Conditioning?
“I first took Sports Conditioning classes back in the day at Gold’s Gym in Ballston around 2007. The classes reminded me of my basketball practices. After a year or so as a participant, I thought it would be fun to teach some classes and put my own spin on the workouts. I had been a personal trainer my last year in college at The Johns Hopkins University but had only trained people one-on-one until that point.
I taught my first Sports Conditioning class at Gold’s Gym in 2009. The class grew quickly. By 2012, we were usually getting over 100 people per class. One day, I asked the group if they would be interested in doing an outdoor workout. Everyone was interested. A few days later, I led my first outdoor group workout. The rest is history.“
What is your proudest athletic accomplishment, and why?
“My proudest athletic accomplishment is building ASC. Over the years, thousands of people have attended our workouts. Countless lifelong friendships have been formed. Most of our members have been with us for years. I like to think that ASC has played a role in helping Arlington become the fittest city in the country.
As for me personally, one of my proudest athletic accomplishments is qualifying for the 2016 Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) World Championships in Canada.
A more recent accomplishment that I’m proud of is being in better shape after turning 40 than when I was a college athlete. It’s a testament to the training and nutrition program that I have developed.”
What is your favorite exercise(s)?
“If you have been to our workouts, my answer will not surprise you. I love fast, explosive movements, such as sprints, box jumps, slam ball movements, battle rope movements, jump rope combinations, and lifting heavy weights.
Athletic, high-intensity exercise makes you feel alive and powerful. It’s also a lot more fun and much better for your body than toiling away on a treadmill or stationary bike.”
What is your favorite sports team?
“While I love to follow the NFL and the NBA, I don’t have a favorite sports team these days. I used to work for the Washington Wizards but don’t follow them as closely these days since I no longer work for them.”
Who is your favorite athlete?
“As I moved into my 30s and now my 40s, I find myself rooting for older players that continue to thrive later in their careers. Their athletic longevity inspires me . Recent examples include Tom Brady and Lebron James.”
Other than working out, how else do you like to spend your free time?
“I spend a lot of my free time working out and working on ASC. Other than that, I enjoy cooking, writing, traveling to scenic locations, exploring nature parks and trails, and volunteering my time and support for good causes.”
What advice would you offer to new or prospective members of Arlington Sports Conditioning?
“My first piece of advice is to give ASC a try. I promise you will have a great experience and be welcomed warmly. My second piece of advice is to remember that you get out what you put in. The more consistent you are with your workouts, eating well, and sleeping well, the better your results will be.”