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The Spartan Deka consists of 10 stations, each one testing a different aspect of fitness.

One may involve carrying a weight to a certain point.

Another may involve doing a set number of burpees.

And the running adds up to one mile.

D1 Jollyville Head Coach Abel Lopez recently competed in a Spartan Deka, showcasing the importance of training for these events.

Can you give some background on yourself?

I’ve been involved in athletics for most of my life—playing competitive soccer and running cross country at both the club and varsity level. My interest in strength and conditioning really took off in high school thanks to a coach who introduced me to proper training principles. Since then, I’ve turned that passion into a profession, coaching athletes and clients of all levels. I’ve also had the chance to work in physical therapy, helping patients recover and return to doing what they love. These experiences have shaped how I coach—balancing performance with injury prevention and long-term health.

How did working as a physical therapist help reignite your passion for fitness?

Working in physical therapy gave me a unique perspective. I saw firsthand how movement, when done right, can heal—not just physically but mentally too. Helping someone walk again after surgery or regain strength post-injury reminded me why I got into fitness in the first place. It reignited my drive to help people not just recover, but thrive—through training that’s intentional, smart, and sustainable.

How did you find yourself at D1?

I was drawn to D1 because of its team-oriented culture and commitment to high-level training. The environment here feels like a blend of athletic performance and community—something I’ve always valued. When the opportunity came up, it felt like a natural fit. I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger where I could impact people’s lives through fitness, and D1 gave me that platform.

What led you to compete in the Spartan Deka?

I’ve always been attracted to challenges that push both mental and physical limits. The Spartan Deka caught my eye because it’s a gritty, functional test of fitness—not just strength or endurance, but both. I wanted to see how my training would hold up under pressure and compete against myself in a new way. It also aligned well with the hybrid training I was already doing for Hyrox and marathons.

What was the training like for this event?

Training was very dialed in. I focused on building my engine—lots of zone 2 work, intervals, and tempo runs—combined with strength training that emphasized functional movement, power, and mobility. I kept Olympic lifts in the mix to maintain explosiveness and focused heavily on recovery: cold plunges, sauna sessions, deep tissue work, and sleep. It was all about preparing my body to perform at a high level without breaking down.

What was the biggest lesson you learned from competing?

The biggest lesson was the value of mental resilience. No matter how well you train, the real test is how you respond when things don’t go as planned—when fatigue hits or doubt creeps in. The Deka reminded me that physical strength is only half the battle. Staying present, positive, and focused under pressure is what separates good from great.

How do you plan on helping people reach their fitness goals at D1?

My approach is to meet people where they are. Whether someone’s an athlete chasing a scholarship or a parent looking to feel better day-to-day, I tailor programs that are realistic, effective, and sustainable. I want every client to leave feeling stronger, more confident, and more in control of their health. At D1, I’ll bring structure, accountability, and energy—while always keeping the focus on long-term progress and enjoying the process.

Want to work with Coach Abel? Visit D1 Jollyville's website!

Franchise Focus

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D1 Daily is produced by Dom Bonvissuto & Ty Wellemeyer

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