Hello… My name is Tom Hendrix, I am a Retired Firefighter/Fire Chief and former Marine, and I am now a 60-year-old fitness trainer and the founder of SymmetricalBalance.com
I started reinventing the concept of “Symmetrical Balance” over 3 years ago. I found the concept unique and unorthodox in comparison to the multitude of modern day training programs (See Symmetrical Balance Concept Tab).
Hello… My name is Tom Hendrix, I am a Retired Firefighter and Fire Chief and former Marine, and I am now a 60-year-old fitness trainer and the founder of SymmetricalBalance.com.
I started reinventing the concept of “Symmetrical Balance” over 4 years ago. I found the concept unique and unorthodox in comparison to the multitude of modern day training programs (See Symmetrical Balance Concept Tab).
I have been into balanced fitness ever since I became a Marine in 1980. I was born and raised in Littleton Colorado and graduated in 1980 from Columbine High School. I entered the Marines in September 1980 at 127 lbs. and was Honorably Discharged in 1984 at 210lbs (SEE Marine Corps Tab). Ironically, I have pretty much maintained this same weight (give or take 10lbs) for the past 40 years.
In the late 1980’s I worked for two different health clubs in Littleton CO (University Athletic Club & Club USA), before becoming a career firefighter in 1991. During this time in the health clubs, I gained the knowledge and experience into the many different forms of training/exercise and more importantly, I quickly identified the wrong and right way of training and how to prevent injuries by observing our health club members.
In 1985, I was encouraged by family and friends to compete in bodybuilding. I eventually competed in 7 Bodybuilding shows and 11 different classes from 1985 to 2011. This include Middleweight, Lightweight, Heavyweight, and Masters (SEE Bodybuilding Competitions Tab).
I then spent nearly 28 years as a career Firefighter at South Metro Fire Rescue. Due the demands of the job and annual fitness testing, I continued to maintain my fitness training at a high level. My career was cut short due to a two-level back fusion, which eventually prohibited my physical abilities (SEE South Metro Fire Rescue Tab & Medical Injuries Tab).
Below are 2 graphs that show a history of my measurements dating back to 2010. This is when I first tripped across the physique formulas found in the internet. The lower graph provides my goals as they relate to my Body Fat as I continue to strive for a Body Fat between 12% and o more that 18%.
Body Fat plays a big role in getting the body to look symmetrical. (Please see “About Body Fat” tab)
I entered Marine Corps Boot Camp in September of 1980. I had achieved Meritorious PFC (Private First Class or E2) from the drill instructor for exemplary performance during boot camp. As mentioned before I was a measly 127lbs on day one, and 3 months later came home from boot camp at 155lbs. My parents and siblings hardly recognized me. My first assignment after boot camp was Combat Training School at Camp Pendleton for 8 weeks. Thankfully, I again was awarded the rank of Meritorious Lance Corporal (E3) due to exemplary performance and top of the class as Platoon Guide. My next assigned duty station was at Concord Naval Weapon Station in Concord CA from 1980 to 1982. During this time, we were trained to protect military weapons of all levels, both on the base and on the naval ships docked at the harbor. These weapons included everything up to 500lb bombs and small nuclear weapons. While at the Concord Naval Weapons Station, we periodically trained with the local civilian Fire Departments and Hazmat Teams in mock scenarios that involved the nuclear weapons (Known as Broken Arrow) and the possible risk of an accidental radiological release. In September of 1982, I was transferred to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion 1 st Marines at Camp Pendleton CA. Within a couple of months, we went on a 6 month West Pac Deployment to Japan, Philippines, and Hong Kong. During this time overseas, I was promoted to Corporal (E4) and holding the position as Platoon Sergeant. It was overseas where I began to train seriously in fitness and bodybuilding. Upon return to the United States and Camp Pendleton, I was promoted to Sergeant (E5) with just 9 months left of service. I spent most of my off-duty time in the small town of San Clemente. I was hired as the night manager at the San Clemente Gym on my off-duty days until the end of my 4-year military commitment in September 1984.
My passion and desire to become a firefighter once I had left the Marine Corps was already instilled in me during my time in the military as mentioned in the tab: “High School & Marine Corps”. After 6 years of testing for the fire service, I was hired by Castlewood Fire Department, later to be known as South Metro Fire Rescue in March 1991. I thankfully was blessed and at the same time determined and was able to progress through the ranks from Firefighter to Engineer, then Lieutenant and eventually Captain in 2008. It was five years later in 2013, when I was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief. It was only a year later I was promoted to Shift Commander and the year after that I was promoted to District Chief. During my early career as a firefighter and with knowledge in fitness, I was able to help organize a “Firefighter Wellness Committee” in 1993 and eventually a “Firefighter Wellness Program” in 1994.
Later in my career, in 2013 I proposed and coordinated a “SMFR 60-Day Body Fat Challenge” for all firefighters, staff members and significant others. This proposal was purely voluntary and participation exceeded all expectations. With the support of the Fitness Team, sponsors and our command staff we were able to get 190 individuals to participate and ultimately we achieved a total body-fat loss of over 850lbs. The overall goal was to get as many employees and family members to participate in this challenge and with an overarching goal of creating new and long-term health changes for all involved.
In 1985, I was encouraged by family and friends to compete in bodybuilding. I eventually competed in 7 Bodybuilding shows and 11 different classes from 1985 to 2011. This includes Middleweight Division, Lightweight Division, Heavyweight Division, and Masters. I predominantly placed anywhere from 5th to 2nd place in most classes, and was told repetitively by the judges that I had great shape and symmetry, but lacked the needed mass to place higher. My best placement overall was 1st Place at the 2002 NPC Rocky Mountain-Masters. I also achieved 2nd place Masters in 1999 & 2000, at the NPC Colorado State Championships. In 2011 at the age of 49, I tried my hand at a new class called “Men’s Physique”. I was the oldest on stage surrounded by nearly 20 competitors all in their 20-30’s. I did not expect much as it was new to me and especially due to my age however, I mustered out a 4th place in my last ever competition.
