Dr Steven Elsbecker DO FACEP

Founder, Physician and Endurance Athlete

I built Never Peak because I wanted the kind of healthcare I could not find for myself.

My father had his first heart attack at 40 and as I approached that same age, I set out to see if I was at risk for the same outcome. Instead, I received a standard exam, a couple of basic labs, and a reassuring version of, “You’re healthy—see you next year.”

Technically, that answer may have been correct, but it also felt completely inadequate.

I had spent my career as a board-certified emergency physician caring for people at the exact moment their health stopped being theoretical. I knew how good modern medicine could be when something went terribly wrong. But I also saw how little time we often spend helping people understand their health before they reach that point—especially people who are active, ambitious, and interested in doing more than simply avoiding disease.

At the same time, I had spent years experimenting with my own performance. I began cycling in medical school, founded our triathlon club, completed the inaugural IRONMAN St. George with more enthusiasm than training knowledge, and as time went on, I raced just about every type of bike I could find. Along the way, I have won races, recorded a VO₂ max of 70.0 at over 40 years old, and climbed Sa Calobra in 34:11.

I have also failed to finish races, vomited on the side of the road, bonked so badly that I needed to be collected by car, and repeatedly learned that fitness does not make anyone immune to poor decisions.

That combination shapes how I practice. I understand the medicine, the physiology, the testing, and the risks—but I also understand what it feels like to be the person on the treadmill, the bike, or the receiving end of a medical recommendation that does not quite fit the life you are trying to live.

Never Peak was created from the patient’s perspective, with the clinical experience needed to bring the entire picture together.

I do not sell fear, unnecessary testing, or miracle solutions. I will tell you when the data supports a conclusion and when it does not. I am comfortable saying, “I don’t know,” because honest uncertainty is far more useful than false confidence. My goal is to help people pursue performance and long-term health as complementary goals—not force them to choose between the two.

I still practice emergency medicine, but Never Peak is the work I feel most called to do. I built it for people who care deeply about their health, expect thoughtful answers, and want a physician who understands that they are training for more than a number on a lab report.

I am also a husband, a father of three, an athlete with imperfect sleep, and someone with a very normal appreciation for good food and wine. In other words, I built Never Peak for people living full, complicated lives—because I too am one of them.

Lexi Burdman M.Ed., BS

Exercise Physiologist

Hi, I'm Lexi! 

I am an Exercise Physiologist at Never Peak, where I combine my passion for human physiology, movement, and performance to help people better understand their bodies. I believe one of the most empowering things we can do is understand why our bodies respond as they do. 

My journey into exercise physiology began through my own experiences as a gymnast and ballet dancer. After an injury, I became fascinated by how the body heals, adapts, and responds to movement. What started as curiosity, quickly grew into a passion for understanding the incredible resilience of the human body. That curiosity led me to Indiana University, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with double minors in Dance and Fitness Instruction. While there, I also had the opportunity to train several Division I athletes, further fueling my passion for helping others perform at their highest level.

Wanting to deepen my understanding of the science behind human performance, I moved to Austin to earn my Master of Education in Exercise Physiology from The University of Texas at Austin. My studies focused on how exercise influences the body in both health and disease, giving me a deeper appreciation for the complexity of human physiology and the many ways movement can improve both performance and long-term health.

After graduate school, I spent several years coaching athletes and individuals of all ages through functional strength training. Coaching taught me that every person responds differently to exercise and that the best programs are built around the individual. As rewarding as coaching was, my curiosity continued to grow. I found myself wanting to understand not only what was working, but why. That passion ultimately led me to Never Peak, where I combine my coaching background with my fascination for physiology, research, and data-driven testing. 

Today, I use advanced physiological testing, including VO₂ max, resting metabolic rate, and lactate threshold assessments, to answer my why. I love translating complex physiology into practical, meaningful insights that help people train with confidence, recover more effectively, and make informed decisions specific to them.

One of the reasons Never Peak felt like the perfect fit is because I genuinely believe we should never "peak" when it comes to our health. There is always another opportunity to learn, improve, and invest in ourselves. Whether you're preparing for your first race, chasing a personal best, or simply striving to live a healthier life, our bodies are constantly adapting—and I believe we should be, too.

I'm naturally optimistic, endlessly curious, and genuinely love helping people discover their true capabilities. My hope is that every person who walks through our doors leaves with a better understanding of their body, greater confidence in their training, and excitement for what's possible. I'm grateful to be part of that journey and can't wait for you to join the Never Peak family.

Jade Lee, MS, RD, LD

Sports Dietician | Registered DIetician

Hi, I'm Jade, a registered dietitian and sports dietitian based in Austin, Texas. I specialize in performance nutrition and work with athletes across a wide range of sports and experience levels, from recreational athletes and weekend warriors to collegiate and professional competitors. My athletes compete in sports including endurance running, triathlon, CrossFit, Hyrox, swimming, cycling, soccer, volleyball, football, basketball, weightlifting, and track and field.

Originally from Washington state, I earned my Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Bastyr University.I currently serve as a contract sports dietitian for USA Track & Field, where I support athletes through competition fueling, travel nutrition, athlete education, and individualized sports nutrition counseling.

I believe nutrition should support both performance and quality of life. My approach combines evidence-based sports nutrition with practical, sustainable strategies that help athletes fuel confidently, recover effectively, and build a healthier relationship with food along the way.

When I'm not talking about carbohydrates and electrolytes, you'll probably find me trail running, lifting, hiking with my dog Rocko, or planning my next adventure.