About Us

Here is something that most people in the healthcare industry won't tell you:

The healthcare industry isn't based on health.

I'm Dr. Cox, and I often tell my patients that I'm just an unhappy, burned-out ER doctor because the healthcare industry frustrates me so much. Now, that isn't to say that I'm not grateful for my career in healthcare. It's treated me very well, and I've had the opportunity to touch (and save) the lives of hundreds of people.

What frustrates me about healthcare is this: it's based around illness and injury and not wellness. In the healthcare industry, they wait for something bad to happen, and then try to fix it. What we should be doing is seeing if we can intervene before things get that bad! But the business model of the healthcare industry isn't set up to do that. Millions of dollars will be spent on a cardiac rehab center, but not a single cent spent on preventing cardiac illness in the first place. As someone who regularly sees those in need, it drives me nuts.

This is what convinced me to form Progressive Ethos. You shouldn't be a passive observer in your own care, blindly trusting providers to do the right thing. You should have an active role in your own health. You need the tools and knowledge to maintain your health rather than rely on a system entirely based on treating you when it is already too late.

Our Goals and Origins

At Progressive Ethos, we are dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to optimal health and wellness. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and as such, we provide the essential tools and knowledge to support you in achieving success in your well-being goals. Our commitment extends beyond mere fitness and nutrition; we strive to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of holistic health. Whether you're embarking on a fitness transformation, seeking nutritional guidance, or exploring mindfulness practices, our resources are designed to be your steadfast companions. From expertly curated content to innovative tools, we are here to equip you with the insights and resources needed to make informed decisions and foster sustainable habits. Together, let's embark on a path toward a healthier, more vibrant life, where success is defined not only by accomplishment but by the lasting well-being you cultivate along the way.

At Progressive Ethos, we focus on wellness. Our goal is to help you be successful with your health. Lots of people out there don't realize the long-term consequences of unhealthy behaviors. Or worse, they know they need to change, but don't know how to do it.

The seeds of Progressive Ethos were planted early in my medical career. Soon after I graduated from medical school in 1999, I read an article about obesity vs. malnutrition. It was exploring how more people were dying from obesity than malnutrition. But here's the thing: malnutrition isn't a choice. Obesity, on the other hand, can be impacted by behavioral choices. This was an eye-opener. If it all boiled down to making better choices, then why wasn't the healthcare industry focusing on saving lives by helping people to live healthier?

As a doctor, it's always been my goal to reach out to people who need care but can't seem to get it through regular channels. That's one of the reasons why I became interested in telemedicine back in 2001. I remember a good friend of mine once called me in a panic from Mexico. While his family was on vacation, his daughter came down with a nasty rash. He sent me a photo of it and asked if they should cancel their holiday and come home immediately. I was able to identify the rash and relieve their minds (and save their vacation) after just a few minutes. All they needed was a little medical advice, and the technology gave them the option. This was another eye-opener!

Providing Shoes

What I tell people at Progressive Ethos is that we "provide the shoes." There are countless people out there trying to better themselves but lack the tools they need to succeed. We provide the "shoes" they need to start running towards a healthier future! This philosophy often puts us at odds with the medical establishment because they want to maintain their business model of illness. We're at the opposite end of the spectrum. Their business model is illness; ours is wellness!

Meet Our Fantastic Team

Reed Cox

Reed Cox comes from a diverse background when it comes to health and wellness. Developing plans became second nature as he acquired more knowledge related to fitness. Reed Cox believes the best way to learn is through experience which has led him to try diverse styles and techniques of training. Reed Cox believes the diversity he has embraced in his life so far helps him to better connect with clients and help them in an empathetic and understanding way. As a result, from having an open mind he is better able to put himself in the clients’ shoes and deeply understand where they are coming from and what they are looking for. If you want a trainer/coach/mentor that is perceptual and aware of YOUR needs, then Reed Cox is the guy for you! His certifications include ACE CPT (American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer), and Co-Active Life Coach.

Miki Johnson

Michelle ‘Miki’ Johnson perceives health and wellness from an enormously empathetic approach. Her initial reasoning for embarking on the career as a fitness professional is to help people get to a healthier place. Miki believes everyone has the potential to improve their health and most people just need a little support and guidance. Miki acknowledges that everyone is fighting their own battle when it comes to health and that everyone, no matter their level of expertise, could use the support of a certified trainer. As Miki grows into her position as a certified trainer, she wants to inspire and empower her clients and our members to find what works for them and make steady progress in their fitness journey. With compassion and empathy at the root of her style of training, she can motivate and guide her clients to making life changes. Her certifications include ACE CPT (American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer).

Ben Casula

Ben Casula has a real passion for fitness and as his knowledge grew he became more passionate about the benefits of exercise. One of his favorite quotes is “movement is medicine”. Over the years he has learned the countless benefits that come with exercise. Whether it be combating depression, fighting off certain disease, or increasing overall longevity. Ben Casula would love to help you reach your goals, answer your questions, and be your support system to keep going even when it’s get tough. Ben Casula graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor degree in Exercise Science and currently holds a CSCS certification (Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach) and Nutrition Coach certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Tonia Cox

Tonia Cox believes in the power of mind, body and spirit as the basis for a healthy lifestyle. Tonia’s coaching style reflects this in all that she does. She believes that her training as a Life Coach compliments her training and certification as Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. Together they go hand in hand to help an individual reach beyond their fears and setbacks to achieve what they truly desire. People have the power within them to make these changes and Tonia believes that coaching is a powerful avenue to re-ignite the energy and passion in an individual’s life whatever their challenges or goals might be.

Kelly Cox MD, FACEP Member, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine

 As a physician, I have dedicated my life to helping others. However, I have learned a better way to help. Much of my life my practice has been focused on caring for people once sick or injured. But why not intervene before the sickness or injury?  You see we're in control of our health and Wellness. If we expand our knowledge and practice certain behaviors, we don't have to wait to be sick. We will get to enjoy life to its fullest. So, join me as we take this journey to empower you to achieve your very best.  

Austin Cox

 In his early years Austin’s only dealings with health and fitness were his workouts for football. It was after graduating college that he noticed he had let his health go and needed to make a change. After a few months of a good diet and hours in the gym a passion was starting to form. He then decided to take his health journey even farther and received his Personal Trainer Certification through ACE Fitness. Through his certification he hopes to show people the benefits that come with working on your health.

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