ABOUT ARTEM

From a lost teenager with scoliosis and chronic pain, to a trainer with a conditioned mind, body, and soul- I've been through a hell of a lot in my 29 years of life.

Born on a full moon in Orenburg, Russia; Artem came to St. Louis, Missouri with his family in pursuit of safety and freedom. He learned English in grade school and always stood out amongst his peers when it came to communication, creativity, and thirst for knowledge. Artem is a bilingual immigrant who is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Martial Artist, Nutritionist, Health Coach, Vegan, and Warrior of Light (seeker of truth). Read more below for an in-depth overview on how he got to where he is today.

When I was 14 years old, I was traumatized with a severe spinal injury that ended up paralyzing me to the point of debilitation. At this point in my life, I was also consuming tons of junk food, drinking alcohol regularly, and spending my free time playing video games and surrounding myself with people who served me no purpose. I was confused, wandering with no goals, and sick- as many people in society are. After going through a handful of chiropractic adjustments and finally being able to sit upright and actually roll back my shoulders that were severely impinged, I decided enough was enough. I was so tired of being depressed and having pain every day that I did what any fed up person would do in such a situation: I began to do research on my own and took responsibility for my own health.

Throughout the handful of years that followed, I went from being one of the cool party animals that was friends with everyone, to being a hermit with only a few friends because I was so hateful towards all the institutions, corporations and interest groups that control our lives. It wasn't until I was 19 that I began my ACTUAL spiritual journey: looking inside MYSELF and taking the blame for all the harm I had done to my vessel over the years. My hatred was beginning to turn into desire. I had already faced death several times during my teenage years so I had absolutely nothing to lose when I set out to face the world.

I began working at a health food store which opened my eyes to so many wonderful methods of healing and golden opportunities. I also began college for business administration because... well, I had to choose something. All the while I was taking many science classes including biology, human anatomy and physiology, and botany. It was around this time that I met a person who would end up being my trainer in American Kenpo. This was the exact mentorship and practice I needed to show me that I am capable of being an absolute monster if I can learn to gain control of my body. At 21 I realized that I truly wanted to share my knowledge with the world and become a mentor myself. That's when I decided to become a coach.

Fast forward to today, I have trained a myriad of different individuals from young to old, underweight to overweight, male to female. I have read many books on principles of strength training and conditioning, human biology, nutrition, organic farming, holistic healing, Reiki and meditation, animal agriculture, psychology, intrerpersonal communication, and more. I have received trainings from world-renowned companies such as Garden of Life, Vega, and Natural Factors. I have been fully plant-based for over 6 1/2 years and have been training myself for almost 10. But the best part... my back is stronger than ever, with virtually no pain! I am a walking example that if you have the will and you seek growth, you WILL heal. It's an ongoing process, but I can confidently say that if someone like me can become whole again, then ANYONE can.