29 Years of Moving People Forward
From the Navy to New York City to Louisville — I've spent a career helping others get strong, stay capable, and move younger.
The Story
Built on Real Experience
I'm Matt Semrick — personal trainer, strength and movement coach, and founder of First Move Fitness. I've spent nearly three decades working with people at every point on the spectrum: beginners, athletes, older adults, folks returning from injury, and more than a few who arrived claiming to hate exercise with the burning passion of a thousand suns.
I'm an NSCA-CPT, Kettlebell Instructor, Certified Functional Strength Coach and former U.S. Navy SeaBee based in Louisville, KY.
Before life brought me to Louisville, I spent 6 years as the resident Strength and Movement Specialist for Urban Wellness Clinic, a multi-disciplinary health and wellness center in New York City, as well as maintaining a full roster of private clients.
Over the years I've piled up an alphabet of certifications: FMS Levels 1 and 2, FRCms, TRX, Strength Matters, CFSC, SFG, RKC, Original Strength, Ground Force Method, Battling Ropes, Indian Clubs, plus course work in DNS, PRI and AiM — all of which support the unshakable truths of clean movement and usable strength.
I'm also happy at any time to discuss the value of a second cup of coffee, outlaw country music, and comfortable shoes.
Most importantly — I'm the proud husband to Michelle, and dad to Ruby and Gus, my three greatest reasons to stay Lifelong Strong.
Philosophy
Physical Independence
Most of us want the same thing. A long, healthy life that we enjoy while we're at it. We want to stay capable. We want to keep up with the people we love. We want to say yes when something sounds fun instead of making excuses about our knees.
That's Physical Independence. The ability to move well, be strong, and take care of ourselves on our own terms for as long as possible. To be up for adventure, carry the groceries, get up off the floor, travel without hesitation, and keep up with our kids or grandkids — at any age.
Every program, every session, every exercise at First Move is chosen with that long view in mind. This isn't suffering for a six-pack. It's about building a body that carries us through decades of living — and makes those decades worth showing up for.
The work isn't glamorous. It's consistent. It's progressive. And it compounds over a lifetime. And it can also be genuinely enjoyable — even if you don't have an exercise-enjoying bone in your body. It's the whole backbone of Lifelong Strong.
Ready to Make Your First Move?
The Getting Going Kickstart is $99 for 14 days — everything you need to get started. Or request a free discovery call if you want to talk first.