Originally published on vizaca.com
David Reagan is a professional and certified personal trainer from Atlanta, We have asked him a couple of interesting questions of what he does and how he helps people to get fit and smart.
Tell us why you decided to become a fitness trainer?
I always struggled with being overweight when I was younger. As a teen, I was not comfortable in my body, even though I played football.
After graduating, I decided to take a year off school because I had no idea what I wanted to do. So I got a full-time job and just partied with friends on the weekends. Eventually, I had to pull myself together from the worst shape of my life. I started going to the gym and took nutrition classes to help myself.
It took a lot of mental effort and strength to change my life, but once I did, I knew this was what I was meant to do: help others become better versions of themselves.
What has been the most important part of your professional journey?
I think getting certified was the most crucial part of my professional journey. There is a difference between simply knowing how to stay healthy and lift weights and creating personalized workout and meal plans for clients. I feel so much more equipped with knowledge now. Certification also boosted my confidence to the next level.
What makes you different from other personal trainers?
I think my holistic approach is something that my clients appreciate me for. I don’t just help them train their bodies, but make their lives better overall. I went through mental health issues myself, so I motivate my clients to improve their mental health just as much as physical wellbeing.
What is your training philosophy?
I believe that feeling healthy is much more important than the desired image. Often we see people who train every day and restrict their diet to the point that they burn out. This is not what I coach as a personal trainer. The goal is to be healthy on all levels.
What are your best and worst days at work?
Many factors contribute to my day. My job involves customer service, and when you are dealing with people, there are always unexpected issues that arise.
As a result, I have learned how to deal with uncertainty. My clients are busy executives, so I have to be flexible catering to their needs. The best days are when I get a positive review or feedback from one of my clients; it is always rewarding.
Who is your typical client?
I mainly work with busy executives that do not have free time, as they say. I help them find time for their health and prioritize it as much as possible.
How important is nutrition to you in creating a client’s regimen?
Nutrition is an essential part of what I coach as a personal trainer. Because I work with very busy business people, there is always a risk of them not following a healthy diet. Most of them eat lunch over meetings with clients or forget to eat when their work lives get too hectic. My goal is to make it easy for them to follow a healthy diet. I am a huge advocate of meal prepping.
How do you keep clients motivated and engaged?
I think making every interaction as personable as possible is the key. I can relate to all of my clients regardless of their backgrounds because most of them come to me when they are exhausted and burned out.
I help them to create long-lasting lifestyle changes and keep them on track with regular coaching sessions and Zoom calls. It is hard to change your habits, so having a coach that keeps you on track is very important.
Have you ever turned down a client? If so, why?
Sometimes clients that come to me need medical advice prior to getting into a workout routine if they are experiencing chronic pains or certain medical conditions. I don’t turn them down per se, but I do suggest seeking medical help before committing to a workout routine.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
When I am not at work, I enjoy outdoor activities with friends or my girlfriend. I like to connect with nature, and it calms me down. I also enjoy traveling and advancing my knowledge in a field of nutrition and fitness. Recently I started practicing yoga, and it’s been an exciting journey!
How do you feel you make a difference in the world?
I think my holistic approach to wellness is how I make a difference in the world around me. I practice and teach mindful fitness – a balance of fitness, nutrition, and also inner work. This approach helps people to become healthier and happier overall.