Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Carter
Hi Joshua, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I started dating my wife, she was a national caliber cyclist. I had always been an athlete and performed well in many sports and wanted to join her in the sport she was passionate about. Though my wife and I were both growing our varying careers in the sport, we ended up getting married at a young age and starting a family. Now, we have 5 kids and 2 grandsons!
Along the way of raising our family together, I was a professional/semi-professional cyclist from 2000 to 2022. During that time, I was able to start college on scholarship studying Exercise Science. I was able to compete as a collegiate athlete and won a Division 1 National Championship title in the criterium. I had a successful career as a cyclist racing all over the world, placing on the podium at several National Championships, and representing the U.S. at a World Championships on the velodrome.
After I received my B.S. in Exercise Science, I pursued my Masters In Human Performance at Lindenwood University. My research focus was on exercise training protocols in a diverse set of populations. I fell in love with research and helping others, so I decided to pursue a PhD in Health and Human Performance. My published works include subset groups of: Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury, Police and Firefighters, and Elite Athletes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been smooth sailing. After starting my undergrad at Midwestern State University, where I won my Division 1 National Championship title, I had a serious accident. I crashed in a race and seriously injured my back with 3 broken vertebrae. Through a series of unfortunate events revolving around my injury, I ultimately lost my scholarship. My wife and I decided to move our family back to St. Louis to be closer to family during my recovery. I transferred to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to finish my undergrad work. I was able to recover and went on to represent the U.S. at World Championships and continue racing while pursuing my Master’s degree. I still have serious effects from the original crash and was subsequently forced off the bike to retire my elite racing career. Trying to earn 3 degrees while being a professional athlete and raising 5 children with my wife was not the easiest road to ride.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started working at OsteoStrong Clayton in the fall of 2021. In addition to earning a doctorate degree, I am a certified Functional Movement Specialist and have a specific focus on functional movement and corrective exercise. My current work running the OsteoStrong clinic in Clayton allows me to utilize my unique background and education to help people of all populations with daily movement patterns and increased kinesthetic awareness. I am also an adjunct professor at both Saint Louis Community College and Saint Charles Community College, teaching in the Health and Wellness, and Exercise Science programs.
The OsteoStrong Clayton clinic specifically focuses on helping people combat the effects of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia. We use specialized equipment to emulate impact force to trigger a growth response in the skeletal system. I am known as the go-to guy for all-things osteoporosis and osteopenia. I get to spend my days helping people become stronger and move better, while increasing their bone density.
I know this sounds cliché, but I am most proud of my wife and kids. They are all doing amazing things in life, and they make me want to do better and match their awesomeness! As far as what I am most proud of for myself, I would say that it’s the fact that I went to college and earned a PhD, have been married for 28 years, and had a successful 1st career. These things beat the odds for what I ever thought I could do in life.
I think something that sets me apart is that I am very passionate about what I do. It is easy to get me talking about the clinic and the people that I get to help every day! I love it!
How do you define success?
I would define success as being able to love what you are doing every day. Whether it is family, work, or anything else in life, if you are able to do what you love and can help others be the best that they can be every day, that is success!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://osteostrongclayton.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OsteoStrongClayton
