November 12, 2016

Meet Midtown NASM Certified Personal Trainer: James Walker II

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Walker II.

James, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a child growing up, I always had a passion for sports and fitness. It wasn’t until I settled in Atlanta that I seriously followed that passion and turned it into a career. I got into this industry to first and foremost help people. So many people suffer from or have passed away from chronic illnesses that could have been prevented with a healthier lifestyle. I wanted to do my part to help people life longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. After working for a corporate gym for some time I decided to become independent. It allowed me to really focus on why I chose this path in the first place, to help people, not charge them exorbitant prices to help a company make a profit. Becoming an independent trainer allowed me to do so. It is by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done, helping people transform their lives for the better!

Has it been a smooth road?
Like most entrepreneurial ventures, it has had its ups and downs. Starting my own company was very hard in the beginning with the ever looming thought of little to no income. Without the little amount I was guaranteed at a corporate gym I had no choice but to invest all of my time to perfecting my craft all while reaching as many people as I could on a daily basis. I would (and still am) that guy at a party constantly networking and asking people “so do you work out?”. This mindset has helped me meet some amazing people and attract like-minded individuals that want to better themselves.

Have you ever wanted to stop doing what you do and just start over?
I’ve never been the type of person to quit no matter the challenge I’m faced with. This journey to follow my passion has not been an easy one, however. Many times I had to get personal loans from family and friends just to put gas in my car to make it to training sessions with clients. Those times were very rough but motivated me, even more, to continue to pursue this career. The reward has been much greater than any amount of financial compensation I have ever received being able to help people change their lives!

Let’s change gears – is there any advice you’d like to give?
If you are considering pursuing a career in personal training, especially being an independent trainer, there are three things I suggest. 1) Surround yourself with experienced, passionate, and successful people even if they aren’t in this field. 2) Never stop educating yourself, the fitness industry is ever evolving and there is always so much to learn. 3) Remember why you started, whatever that reason may be, no matter how hard things may get always keep that reason as your motivation!

What are you looking forward to?
I really want to reach as many people as possible. Financial benefits aside if can do my part to make the world a healthier place I would be a happy man. I would love to work with major corporations to help make their employees happier, healthier, more productive people. I also want to give back to our community, offering free fitness classes to our youth, informing them of the importance of physical fitness versus the sedentary lifestyle so many children are used to. If I can help curve the epidemic of child obesity I would feel as if I made a difference.

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