Why I became a “certified” fitness trainer after 30+ years of living the fitness lifestyle

A couple of weeks back, I made a commitment to pursue my personal trainer certification. It's surprising to realize that it's taken me this long since I've been helping people with fitness for roughly 30 years now. I always called myself a "motivator" and shunned from the title "trainer" because I never wanted to take on anyone as a client. I just wanted to help people.

My passion for fitness traces back to my youth, particularly during those Army days where I first encountered gym equipment. At the tender age of 19, I found myself drawn to working out so that I could score high on my PT tests just to stunt on others in my Platoon.

Fast forward to 2010 when a colleague, an avid spin cyclist, inspired me greatly by sneaking me into 24 Hour fitness Kick Boxing classes at LAX and Los Angeles. I joined her on weekday nights for classes and stretch sessions after, and that experience sparked my enduring love for all things related to the actual LIFESTYLE of fitness and well-being.

Despite my military background and physicality driven accomplishments therein, my career path initially led me to Information Technology. However, I always harbored a desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Personal training seemed like the perfect avenue for me to fulfill that aspiration after an encounter recently with a friend.

In 2024, a friend I had given advice to some years back reconnected with me and gave me a testimonial.

Some years ago I gave someone some fitness advice. Her boyfriend asked "are you a trainer?" and I said no. I'm a motivator. And in fact, with my extensive physical fitness knowledge, l'm actually better than most trainers. He told his girl "don't listen to him, he not a trainer." Fast forward... 2 weeks ago she hit me up thanking me.

They've broken up now. And she said after they split up she joined the SRarmy.com, started following my advice & watching my videos and now her health results are great. She wish she had ignored him & listened to me back then. I told her NO, she was correct in listening & following her man. Just next time, pick a better man to listen to.

I've heard hesitation from people before in following my advice because I'm not officially a "certified" trainer and I don't want that speed bump anymore when giving advice.

I have friends high up in Herbalife. They r recently began advising me on a proven pathway to successfully training others in a manner conducive of a mainstream trainer and not the military style I’m accustomed to. I will train with them intermittently over this summer until I’ve designed a few Shan-style programs and I’m capable of continuing on my own.

They’ve also recommended several reputable certifications that gyms widely recognized. Following their advice, I researched various options and eventually settled on pursuing certification through the International Sports Science Association (ISSA).

I embarked on my studies in April 2024 and will sit for the exam in May, with the goal of passing on my first attempt! This achievement will be particularly gratifying as it’ll deepen my understanding of exercise science, including concepts like muscle anatomy, energy systems, and nutrition.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I’ve decided to offer personal training services both online and in-person. It's a realization of a long-held dream, and I couldn't be more thrilled about this exciting new chapter in my mission to positively change lives.

So, here I am, sharing my journey with you. If you're interested in working with me as your personal trainer, you can learn more about my services and sign up HERE. I have available slots and would be delighted to collaborate with you on your fitness goals.

What dreams have you pursued and accomplished recently? Let's celebrate each other's successes!