Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam & Akilah Williams
Hi Adam & Akilah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Our story began in the heart of Atlanta at the historic Atlanta University Center. I was a freshman at Spelman College, and Adam was a junior at Morehouse College when we first met in 2005. I was participating in the pageant for his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, and though we only knew each other by name and passing smiles, something about our connection lingered. Over the next decade and a half, we followed each other on social media, keeping up with life updates from afar as our lives traveled very different paths.
Fast forward 16 years, and our paths crossed again—this time for good. Reconnecting felt like picking up a story that had been waiting for us all along. We quickly discovered that two of our greatest passions were family and fitness, and we knew we were ready to bring our lives together. Soon after, we married and began our journey as a blended family, with four kids between us—three from my side and one from Adam’s. In August 2024, we welcomed our son, Adam Jr. (AJ), completing our family and making our home feel more complete than ever.
From the beginning of our relationship, our mutual love for fitness played a huge part in our lives. I had been doing CrossFit religiously, four to five days a week, while Adam, with his commitment to health, had built his own gym at home and trained regularly. He also played in an adult soccer league and worked with kids, coaching them in soccer, speed, and agility training. Fitness wasn’t just a routine for us; it was a way of life that reflected our values around discipline, family, and health.
Then, during a trip to Maui for Adam’s 40th birthday, we got an unexpected call—a business opportunity that intrigued Adam enough to take the call, even on vacation. At first, we didn’t think too much about it, but once we were back in Atlanta, Adam began having regular discussions with the caller. After a few weeks, the name “D1 Training” came up as a potential business venture. We were somewhat familiar with D1 since we had one in Peachtree City and knew they worked with the local high school football team our oldest son played on.
As we talked it over, it became clear that D1 Training was much more than just a gym. It was a place where fitness met family and where kids could start their athletic journeys as early as seven years old. It was the perfect fit for us, aligning with our love for health, family, and helping kids develop lifelong fitness habits. After some thoughtful discussions, we decided to go for it. The ultimate icing on the cake for us though is the ability to bring D1 to the very community where we met and where our story began.
As we work towards opening D1 Training Atlanta Upper Westside, Adam brings his engineering and operations expertise, while I draw on my background in Psychology and Operations, having served as COO of a tech firm as well as a GE T IT DONE ability. Together, we’re combining our professional strengths and our shared passions to create a gym that feels like home for families, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts alike. We can’t wait to open our doors and bring our dream to life in early January!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey to opening D1 Training Atlanta has been anything but smooth. Through most of the process, I was pregnant with our son AJ, and it was a challenging pregnancy. With our four older kids all actively involved in sports, Adam and I constantly found ourselves in different places, each covering a different practice or game. On top of that, we both have full-time demanding careers and side ventures, but we also prioritize keeping our relationship strong. Balancing all of this has meant countless sleepless nights, fitting in gym planning around our already busy schedules.
When baby AJ arrived, the chaos only intensified, especially for me as I took on much of the administrative groundwork for the gym. Handling the backend of the business while caring for a newborn was no small task, but keeping things organized was essential to moving forward. Adam and I had to lean on each other to stay on track.
One of the biggest setbacks we faced, which turned out to be a blessing, involved our gym location. Initially, we chose a designated area in Atlanta and began searching for a space, but after weeks of looking at uninspiring options, we felt stuck. Then, unexpectedly, our agent and D1 corporate proposed a slight extension of our territory, leading us to a perfect spot in Atlanta’s booming Upper Westside. Not only was it the ideal location for the gym, but it also brought us closer to the AUC, where our story began.
The road to our grand opening hasn’t been easy, but each twist and turn has made us even more excited and grateful for what’s to come.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
JOIN A TEAM, NOT A GYM!
Welcome to D1 Training Atlanta (upper westside), an athletic-based training facility that isn’t another trend and doesn’t make false promises—we deliver results. We’re excited to bring a non-traditional gym experience to Atlanta for the whole family! Whether you’re a beginner looking to lose some weight or achieve a goal, a parent looking to give your child a competitive advantage or a collegiate athlete with your eye on going pro—or anyone in between—we’re dedicated to helping you reach your goals. We are the only facility in the area that has specially curated age-appropriate programs, expert certified coaches, and specialized facilities that will power you to your goals.
Our 5-Star Training Program is derived from Division 1 Strength & Conditioning Programs and our Scholastic curriculum’s build confidence in Scholastic Athletes ages 7 and up.
We also offer:
– D1-on-1 personal training
– Large group classes
– Family workouts
– Overtime (semi-private small group training)
– Whole team training (at our facilities or yours)
– Sports specific training
and so much more.
At D1, we define “athlete” as anyone dedicated to their sport or fitness. We have training for EVERY body! All you need to do is show up and bring your dedication—we’ll provide the rest. Call us today to secure your Founding Member Discounted Rate! Train Different! Train Like An Athlete!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We’re opening in early January and are thrilled to become part of the Atlanta community! As we prepare to launch, there are several ways you can join us, collaborate with us or support our mission:
– Help us find great talent: If you know any (or are one yourself) outstanding coaches or trainers passionate about fitness and mentorship, send them our way!
– Join our team as a member: Whether you’re looking to start your personal fitness journey or bring your family along, we’d love to welcome you.
– Bring your teams (or bring us to them): Our facility is perfect for group training, so if you’re part of a sports team or know of one looking for a top-tier training space, we’d be honored to host. We can also support your existing team programs and bring the training to you.
– Spread the word: Referrals mean the world to us! Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about D1 Training Atlanta.
– Promote us: Follow us on social media, tag us, and share our content to help us reach more families and athletes across Atlanta.
Stop By and Say Hi: When we open stop by and say hi and share a kind word. We are located on Chattahoochee Ave and share a building with Beat The Bomb!
INSTAGRAM: @D1_Atlantaupperwest
FACEBOOK: D1 Training Upper Westside Atlanta
EMAIL: D1UpperWestsideATL@D1training.com
PHONE: 470-855-1193
We’re eager to build a fitness community that empowers and inspires, and we’d love for you to be part of it!
Pricing:
- Founding Members Rate – 20% OFF
- D1 on 1 (Personal Training) – call for pricing
- Overtime (small group training) – call for pricing
- Team Training – call for pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.d1training.com/upper-westside-atlanta/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d1_atlantaupperwest
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D1TrainingUpperWestsideAtlanta
Image Credits
Headshots – Eric Bern @ Atlanta Headshot Studio (404-252-0209)
