January Member of the Month: Chris McGowan

Chris McGowan is the January 2026 Athletic Lab Member of the Month. Chris is a long time member who’s consistency and hard work really stand out. Chris is a successful physician with a passion for health.

Athletic Lab provides evidence-based, field-proven training to competitive athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. Athletic Lab is the trusted training home for dozens of elite professional athletes and trusted by both local and international teams. These same training methods are available to high school athletes looking to excel on the field, court or track in our Scholastic program.

Athletic Lab is one of the top fitness and performance training centers in the country. We have a vibrant and diverse community ranging from fitness enthusiasts looking to get in the best shape of their lives to elite professional athletes. You can read about previous members of the month here.

Name: Chris McGowan

What city were you born in? Flemington, NJ

What do you do when you’re not training at Athletic Lab (occupation, hobbies, etc.)? I’m a physician specializing in obesity medicine, with a focus on endoscopic bariatrics—non-surgical procedures that help patients manage their weight and health. I’m passionate about helping people reach their goals and energized by the rapid innovation happening in the obesity space right now. Outside of medicine—and when I’m not at Athletic Lab—you’ll usually find me running with my two kids (ages 10 and 12) at a weekly 5K, riding mountain bike trails, or hanging out at the local skate park.

What’s your favorite exercise? Least favorite? You can’t beat deadlifts—they’ll always be a favorite. I also love the jammer press for its unique combination of being brutally challenging and incredibly loud, which ups the fun factor. Least favorite: the Beep Test. No one should ever have to do that.

What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment since you started training? Staying healthy and injury-free. My main motivation for joining Athletic Lab over eight years ago was to improve strength and conditioning while avoiding injuries. When I first started, I was pretty beaten up from years of CrossFit. Since then, I’ve been able to keep progressing while staying healthy. More recently, I’ve added consistent running to my training, and I’ve seen measurable improvements in conditioning, heart rate, and overall exercise capacity—which has been incredibly rewarding.

What motivates you in your training? I train for my mental health just as much as my physical health. Exercise is a powerful mood-booster, and feeling fit translates into confidence in every area of life. It’s amazing how you can walk into a workout distracted or unmotivated and leave with a completely refreshed outlook on the day.