Training Together, Growing Together: Meet Father-Daughter Combo At D1 Westchase | D1 Daily
At D1 Training, we believe the best results go beyond reps, sets, and workouts. They’re built on relationships, accountability and shared experiences. That’s exactly what makes this member story from D1 Westchase so powerful.
Meet Matt and his daughter Blake Herpich—a father/daughter duo redefining what training looks like.
From the very beginning, their journey at D1 has been a shared one. Both founding members of D1 Westchase, Matt didn’t just sign himself up—he invited Blake to be part of it. Her answer? A simple yes that turned into something much bigger.
For Matt, training alongside his daughter adds a new level of purpose.
“Being able to train with Blake is a whole other level,” he says. And they don’t just show up—they show up consistently. Five days a week, plus Saturdays when they can make it, taking full advantage of D1’s unique training environment where adults and young athletes can work out at the same time.
For Blake, it’s just as meaningful—only through a different lens.
“It’s fun getting to see him while I work out,” she says. And it’s those shared moments that stand out most. Like the time they teamed up for a gym-wide tug-of-war event—kids versus adults—creating a memory that goes far beyond fitness.
More Than a Gym
Matt is quick to point out what sets D1 apart from a typical gym experience.
“This training facility is very different than your average box gym,” he explains. “You have an instructor that gets to know you as an athlete. You have teammates that get to know you.”
That personalized approach has led to real breakthroughs, both physical and mental.
After multiple knee injuries and surgeries in college, Matt avoided squats entirely. The movement wasn’t just physically challenging—it was a mental hurdle.
Now? He’s squatting again. “I was mentally afraid to do squats. I can do squats now. That’s definitely upped my mental game.”
For Blake, the progress is just as clear. From building confidence on day one to now knocking out push-ups, planks, and even lifting 40+ pounds on sumo squats, she’s grown stronger, faster, and more confident across all her sports.
A Community That Shows Up
What makes D1 truly different, though, is the community.
Matt recalls members showing up to one of Blake’s games—something that left a lasting impression.
“They don’t just care about what we do inside the gym. They care about the family.”
That sense of support reinforces one of the most important lessons both Matt and Blake are learning: discipline.
Through structured training, positive reinforcement, and leading by example, D1 helps families build habits that extend far beyond the turf.
Leading by Example
For Matt, the “why” behind training is simple.
“We’re not training to run a triathlon. We’re training to be in better shape and be around for our children.”
That mindset is at the core of what D1 Training is all about—helping adults and youth alike become better versions of themselves, together.
Because whether it’s how you move, how you compete, or how you show up every day, your actions set the tone.
And at D1, families like the Herpichs are proving that when you train together, you grow together.
D1 Training is built for the Everyday Athlete—no matter your age or fitness level. Whether you’re looking for personalized coaching through personal training, the energy and accountability of a group fitness class, or a variety of high-impact fitness classes, our expert coaches are here to help you reach your goals. D1 also specializes in youth strength and conditioning, developing young athletes with age-appropriate programming that builds confidence, strength, and long-term success. Wherever you are in your fitness journey, D1 is the place to train.
