Devon Williams
Exercise Physiologist | Performance & Recovery Specialist | Founder and CEO 

ABOUT 

Where Science, Health and Performance Meet:

Devon Williams is the founder and CEO of Run It Up: Science Lab, where exercise science, health, rehabilitation support and human performance are integrated through an individualized, evidence-based approach. As an Exercise Physiologist and Performance & Recovery Specialist, Devon serves athletes, active adults and individuals managing chronic health conditions or returning from injury.

Education and Professional Preparation

Devon earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Lindenwood University, where he also competed as a collegiate running back on the football team. He is currently completing his master’s degree in Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology at Concordia University Chicago, with plans to advance into doctoral study in Clinical Exercise Physiology. His education has provided an advanced understanding of human physiology, biomechanics, exercise prescription, rehabilitation principles and sports performance.

Exercise as Medicine

Devon’s professional philosophy is simple: exercise can be a powerful form of medicine when it is properly assessed, prescribed and progressed. At Run It Up, clients receive more than a general workout. Each program is developed around the individual’s health history, movement quality, physical limitations, physiological capacity and performance goals. Objective assessments, movement analysis, measurable data and professional coaching are used to create a safer and more purposeful path toward lasting results.

Overcoming Injuries and Physical Challenges

Devon’s commitment to this work is deeply personal. Growing up with asthma and chronic bronchitis taught him firsthand how pulmonary conditions can affect physical activity and quality of life. As a collegiate athlete, he overcame three major knee surgeries involving two ACL tears and a lateral meniscus injury. Despite these setbacks, he developed the determination and work ethic necessary to rank among the top two athletes on his football team in both upper- and lower-body strength.

A Life-Changing Health Transformation

In 2024, Devon faced another significant challenge when he was diagnosed with diabetes and an A1C of 14.3. The dramatic health transformation he achieved over the following four months of reversing his diabetes strengthened his dedication to helping others understand their bodies, improve their health and take a more active role in managing chronic conditions. These experiences allow him to connect with clients through education, empathy and genuine understanding—not simply theory.

Clinical and Rehabilitation Experience

Devon has gained valuable hands-on experience across clinical physical and pulmonary rehabilitation, general fitness and high-performance environments. He completed professional experiences at a CrossFit facility, pulmonary rehab and athletico Physical Therapy clinic, where he observed and supported evidence-based approaches to exercise, recovery and rehabilitation. As a physical therapy aide in hospital and outpatient settings, he assisted physical therapists with implementing and progressing exercise programs for individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries and physical limitations. Collectively, his experience has exposed him to the care and training of more than 300 clients and patients with a wide range of needs.

Developing Athletes at Every Level

As a sports performance professional, Devon has worked with athletes ranging from fifth-grade developmental levels to professional competitors across multiple sports. His programs have helped athletes develop strength, speed, power, mobility, conditioning, movement efficiency and confidence while preparing for the physical demands of competition. His scientific background allows him to analyze performance data, identify areas for improvement and develop structured training protocols that extend beyond traditional personal training.

Leadership and Community Impact

Devon’s ability to lead and inspire has been recognized through honors such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Transformational Leadership Award, Organization of the Year Award and Distinguished Service Award. He has also earned a mentorship certification and has successfully led organizations, teams and individuals through meaningful personal and professional growth.

The Experience Behind Every Service

With more than a decade of experience, advanced education and a personal understanding of injury, chronic disease and athletic performance, Devon brings a rare combination of science, practical application, leadership and lived experience to every client relationship. The value of working with him extends beyond the time spent in a training session—it includes professional assessment, individualized programming, data-informed decision-making, careful progression, education and accountability.

More Than a Workout—A Personalized Experience

At Run It Up: Science Lab, every service is designed to help clients better understand their bodies, overcome limitations and pursue measurable improvements in health, function and performance. Whether working with an athlete seeking a competitive advantage or an individual rebuilding health and physical capacity, Devon’s mission remains the same: To use exercise science to educate, empower and improve lives.

Why Train With an Exercise Physiologist?

An exercise physiologist is a university-educated health and human-performance professional who applies exercise physiology, biomechanics and evidence-based exercise prescription to understand how the body responds and adapts to physical activity. Within medicine and healthcare, exercise physiologists use health histories, physiological assessments and individualized programming to support the prevention and management of cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions—often in collaboration with physicians, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals. For special populations, including individuals managing chronic diseases, physical limitations, previous injuries or age-related concerns, they modify exercise intensity, volume and progression according to the person’s health status and functional capacity. In sports and human performance, they analyze movement, strength, speed, power, conditioning and recovery to help athletes improve performance while reducing unnecessary injury risk. Training with an exercise physiologist means your exercises are not selected randomly; they are purposefully assessed, prescribed, monitored and progressed according to measurable data and individual needs. Their importance lies in bridging the gap between healthcare, rehabilitation, fitness and elite performance—helping clients exercise with greater safety, direction and confidence while pursuing sustainable improvements in health, function and performance.