About

What makes The Human Form so different?

Everyone wants to look, feel and move through life optimally. Sadly, less than 5% of the population achieves these types of goals for the long-term. With so much conflicting information and sometimes less-than-scrupulous marketing tactics, it’s no wonder that people are confused and frustrated.

The Human Form is changing the way holistic fitness is done. We coach and educate each person to achieve his or her personal goals, enhance performance in the sport of life, and live with the physical and emotional vitality that is their birthright.

After our 35+ Point Clinical Assessment, we customize your workouts within our supportive, semi-private training environment, coach you on nutrition and lifestyle modifications, and assist you in any way possible to achieve optimal, holistic health – in body, mind, and spirit.

Meet The Team

Michelle Ladd: Co-Founder

• CHEK Certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach
• Exercise Physiologist – BS Ohio Wesleyan University
• Certified Precision Nutrition Coach
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• NASM Pre/Post Natal Fitness Specialist
• Certified Advanced Metabolic Typing Advisor
• DISC Certified Behavioral Consultant

AKA:

Ellie.  From when my brother was too little to pronounce my full name.  He promptly named his stuffed elephant after me as well.  Nice

Posse:

Cats.  Lots of cats.  I’m not sure the exact number should be public knowledge though…

Birth Place:

New York, baby!

What does the HF Culture mean to you:

My dream is for The Human Form to provide the support, knowledge and inspiration for those looking to create a lifestyle that breeds health and vitality.  And of course, to help them have a great time doing it!

Favorite Exercise:

Barbell hip thrusts, single leg deadlifts, pull ups, kettle bell swings…  things that make me feel strong and drive me to be stronger.

Least Favorite Exercise:

Stationary cardio. Why grind away on an elliptical or treadmill when you can have much more fun pushing a sled!

What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals:

Cooking, gardening, reading, knitting, cuddling with kitties, spending time with good friends, relaxing in the hammock with Stephen.

Who do you look up to and why?

My mom is a great inspiration  – at 73 years old, she is still pursuing her dreams and conquering her fears with a vengeance.  She is a constant reminder that age is most definitely just a number.

Guilty Indulgence:

My mom’s chocolate cherry pie, without a doubt.

If you were a superhero, who would you be and why:

Wonder Woman – while I can’t deflect bullets with my bracelet, I do try to see the best in people and aim to “triumph not with fists or firepower, but with love”.

Can’t get enough of Michelle?

Top Ten Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Michelle <<<— Click Here

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Stephen Ladd: Co-Founder

• CHEK Corrective Exercise Kinesiologist
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
• TPI Certified Golf Fitness Trainer Level 3
• TPI Certified Golf Power Coach Level 2
• TPI Certified Junior Golf Fitness Coach Level 2
• CHEK Holistic Golf Performance Coach
• Renegade Transformative Life Coach – Website Click Here
• Be Activated (Douglas Heel) Practitioner Level 2
• Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR) Coach Level 2
• Reiki Master Practitioner
• Robbins-Madanes Trained Life Coach
• NLP Practitioner and Hypnosis Coach

AKA:

Boss Man.  But only as a joke… everyone knows who the real boss is (sigh).

Posse:

Michelle and I rent a room out of a house owned by felines – Sergeant Pepper, Kimmy, Tonto, Rudy, Mr. Grey, and Lilly.

Birth Place:

Beech Grove, IN

What does the HF Culture mean to you:

My vision for HF started about 23 years ago – a place that embodies multiple aspects of wellness for everyone, regardless of their current condition, free of judgment (including self-judgment), and ego.  An oasis from the inherent stress of modern culture; a place where individuals can come together as a community and provide positive support for each other on the journey.

Favorite Exercise:

Bulgarian Split Squats, Turkish Get Ups, or any exercise with a “hard-core sounding country” in front of it… in theory.

Least Favorite Exercise:

Bulgarian Split Squats, Turkish Get Ups, or any exercise with a “hard-core sounding country” in front of it… in practice.

What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals:

Reading, laughing, hanging with cats (see answer above), date nights with Michelle.

Who do you look up to and why?

Each and every member here at HF, and ANYONE for that matter, that commits to taking care of themselves- physically, mentally and spiritually.  It’s hard work these days, and those that pursue “holistic fitness”, regardless of the specific path, have my admiration.

Guilty Indulgence:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams… and the show “Children’s Hospital” on AdultSwim.

If you were a superhero, who would you be and why:

Cat-Man, for obvious reasons.   He was originally the arch-villain of Batman (click here for details).  And I’ve always been a fan of the Anti-Hero.

Want to know even more about Stephen? Click link below:

Top Ten Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About Stephen

 

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Jeff Lowe – Head Coach

• Graduate – Heritage College Personal Trainer Program
• Mike Boyle Certified Functional Strength Coach
• Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR) Coach Level 2
• Be Activated, Level Two Practitioner
• Graduate of The HF Internship Program
  

AKA:

JLo (like the singer)

Posse:

I spend most of my free time with my husky, Louie.

Birth Place:

Reynoldsburg, OH

What does the HF Culture mean to you:

The culture here is like no other. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by supportive members and teammates; it’s awesome to still see and experience this positivity since becoming a coach here. The community plays a large role for me. To see everyone pushing each other in a healthy way and not being overly competitive is a refreshing change to the “normal” gym environment. Everyone here, from the members to the coaches, are all in support of each other and challenge one another to be the best version of themselves. I love it.

Favorite Exercise:

The obvious answer is the “Romanian Copenhagen Bulgarian Split Side Deadlifts”.

Least Favorite Exercise:

I have a hate-hate relationship with burpees.

What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals:

Who do you look up to and why?

I always have and will look up to my mother. I guess you could say I’m a real “mommas boy”. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis around the time I was born. Since then, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve heard her complain about her pain or discomfort. She has supported me in every endeavour I have tried. Through her own hardships, she continues to work, get things done efficiently, and do everything possible to make her children happy. I don’t know how she does it, but I am certainly grateful to have her as my mother.

Guilty Indulgence:

Reese’s because it has the perfect chocolate to peanut butter ratio.

If you were a superhero, who would you be and why:

Do you want ALL the crazy details?

Top Ten Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About Jeff <<— CLICK HERE

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Lauren Miller – Coach

· Bachelors in Sport Leadership and Sport Humanities from Ohio State
· Licensed Massage Therapist
· Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant
· Functional Range Release Practitioner
· Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist
· Rock Tape Functional Movement Techniques Certified
· Certified USAW Sports Performance Coach
Mike Boyle Certified Functional Strength Coach
· Certified USAW Sports Performance Coach
· Certified Poliquin Sports Performance Coach
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer

AKA:
Miller

Posse:

My fur baby, Chuck, my family, and my 3 friends I pay each month to hangout with me.

Birth Place:

Pittsburgh

What does the HF Culture mean to you:

The HF culture is one of a kind. From the first time I stepped in here I could feel how different it is from any other place in Columbus. Not only is the coaching top notch, but the atmosphere is welcoming and genuine in all ways. The HF truly wants to help each and every person that walks in the door as much as we can.

Favorite Exercise:

Kettlebell Swing

Least Favorite Exercise:

Burpees. Haven’t done one in years and plan to keep that streak going.

What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals:

Spend time with my family and friends, zip around on my motorcycle, try new coffee shops, watch The Office, force Coach Jeff to hangout with me.

Who do you look up to and why?

My mother. I’ve seen her overcome so much in her life and come out as an incredibly strong and kick-ass woman. I strive to be like her every single day.

Guilty Indulgence:

Coffee…I can’t say no to it.

If you were a superhero, who would you be and why:

The Hulk. Some people think I have a hard shell before they meet me, but beneath my gigantic muscles (okay, I’m working on that) I’m a very emotional and deep person. I’m always the crier in the movie theatre. Just ask Coach Jeff what he first thought of me.

Want to know even more about Lauren? Click link below:

Top Ten Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About Lauren <<—Click Here

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Jade Smith – Coach

• Nutrition and Dietetic student
• Path to becoming a Nutrition and Dietetic Technician Registered (NDTR)
• Nutritional Coaching Institute (NCI) student
• Graduate of The HF Internship Program

AKA:

Jady Baby

Posse:

My siblings, parents, and close group of friends.

Birth Place:

Parkersburg, West Virginia

What does the HF Culture mean to you:

From the moment I entered HF, I felt at home. As someone who values holistic health, spiritual/mental healing, and body awareness, I feel HF goes beyond coaching these core beliefs; each person is educated and shown the importance of being more emotionally and physically mindful. From there, their perception of health and fitness is transformed and taken out into the world. HF is truly one of a kind.

Favorite Exercise:

Barbell back squats or any row variation.

Least Favorite Exercise:

I despise skull-crushers.

What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals:

Outside of HF, work, and academics, I love exploring local restaurants. I’m a huge foodie; anything from vegan and vegetarian options to ice cream and donut shops to pizza and burger joints, you name it… oh and don’t forget chips and guac. I also love cooking at home, especially for family and friends. I’ve always loved the way food brings family together.

Who do you look up to and why?

Many people view a divorced household as an inconvenience; however, I view it as a blessing in disguise. I grew up with four incredible parents who I greatly admire. They’ve all taught me great lessons in life, but my mom and dad influenced me the most. My mom taught me the importance of work ethic, dedication, and respect. My dad taught me the importance of self-love and connection to the world. I’m eternally grateful for them.

Guilty Indulgence:

Donuts, donuts, annddd more donuts.

If you were a superhero, who would you be and why:

Although I’m not the biggest superhero fan, I’d have to choose Iron Man. He’s got a good sense of humor and his ingenuities. If I were a superhero, I’d to have two separate lives and Iron Man is able to disconnect from his superhero abilities.

Can’t get enough of Jade?

Check out – The Top Ten Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About Coach Jade

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Patrick Birrer – Coach

• BS  Exercise Science and Health Promotion – Otterbein University 
• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
• NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist 
• Graduate of The HF Internship Program

AKA:

Pat

Posse:

My old teammates from the glory days (sigh).

Birth Place:

Buffalo, NY.

What does the HF Culture mean to you:

The HF Culture is something that anyone can have a chance to experience. It does not matter what your history or attitude is as it relates to fitness. The culture has a family atmosphere and all who walk through the door are going to be cared for and pushed to be the best versions of themselves.

Favorite Exercise:

RDL

Least Favorite Exercise:

Anything involving my core (ask James).

What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals:

Playing baseball, basketball, or doing anything involving competition, listening to music, watching a movie, or hanging out with my friends.

Who do you look up to and why?

My dad is the person I look up to the most in my life. He is someone who taught me to never make excuses for myself and the value of hard work. He is also someone who has always been there and supported me and I hope to be just like him when I am a father someday.

Guilty Indulgence:

Any sort of chocolate candy, especially Kit-Kat’s or Reese’s.

If you were a superhero, who would you be and why:

Captain America. The dude is jacked and is the leader of the Avengers…say no more.

Want even more of Pat?

Check out – Top Ten Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About Coach Pat

Mission Statement

Fitness Designed For Life. Yours.

The Human Form supports real people in their quest to look, feel and live better; with a personalized approach to fitness and lifestyle coaching, and a supportive community.

Core Values

Holistic Vision: We appreciate and respect the Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual elements of health in this organization and the community we serve

Authentic Relationships: We strive to understand and appreciate the world view of others, positioning ourselves to be of value and compassionate service in their journey as well as our own.

Compassionate Relationships: We passionately pursue and encourage consistent and incremental positive growth – both internally as a team and externally with our clients;

Serious Fun: We take our mission and our work seriously, but not ourselves.

Training Philosophy

• Everyone is an athlete and will be safely trained for the sport of life, utilizing appropriate exercises and intensities to match current fitness levels and other life factors.
• Every Human Form member is treated with respect, regardless of the level of conditioning or other challenges, and it is an honor to assist them on their health and wellness journey.
• We utilize holistic, functional training philosophies that have a high carry-over to life and sport.
• Proper range of motion and balanced strength are the keys to vitality between the ages of 40-100.
• Nobody can out-train a poor nutritional plan.  If weight loss is a goal, 80% or more of your results will be from dietary adjustments.
• We promote a sensible, balanced nutrition strategy consisting of whole foods with minimal processing, and combining proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates with each meal or snack.
• The biggest drinking problem in our country is DEHYDRATION. No matter what your goals, drink at least 50% of your body weight in ounces of clean water daily.
• “Cardio” training is only successful with appropriate intensity and progressions.
• Achieving optimal health must always be the primary goal.  All other goals, including weight loss, will follow as a natural result.  Unhealthy paths to weight loss will ALWAYS backfire.
• Health and Fitness is a journey that must be time-efficient and fun.

The Human Form Team is made up of a small number of highly-qualified coaches who have completed The Human Form Internship and Training Programs, attained numerous other credentials in multiple fields, and demonstrated the high level of passion and commitment that our members deserve.  They’re also a fun group that take their work seriously, but not themselves.