Today we’d like to introduce you to Sloan Waters.
Hi Sloan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a personal trainer and nutrition coach in Buford, GA. I have been certified only 2 years, however I’ve been in the gym pretty much my entire adult life.
In 2017, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia which is a chronic pain condition. It is a neurological condition with no cure, but symptoms can be managed. A lot of people with fibro feel like exercise will make their pain worse, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia can significantly benefit from exercise and moving the body, and I’m proof of that.
First and foremost, I manage my fibro naturally. No pharmaceuticals, and not even a rheumatologist. Second, I work out five days a week. I would never tell someone to work out as intensely as I do, but light exercise is very important.
One thing that I have learned is that when I’m in pain, or if what’s called a flare is approaching, a trip to the gym helps every time.
Every move that I’m making as I try to build my personal training business is God ordained. I make no moves or decisions unless I have been ordered to do so. I’ve owned other businesses where I did what I wanted, whenever I wanted, didn’t turn out the way that I wanted. Obedience is very important to me now.
I got the idea to become certified in personal training in 2022. I have a life long love for exercise. I understand it, and the vast array of benefits. God told me one day to be an example. I have a way with people. I’m a natural instructor. I’m very empathetic and understanding of other peoples shortcomings and strengths. People trust me. So why not be obedient and become certified.
I enrolled in NASM, and after a lot of twists and turns, and life “lifing,” I completed my certification in September of 2023. Who shall I train, and what can set me apart from the thousands of other trainers out there?
There are more women diagnosed with fibromyalgia than men. Why not target them? I am female, I live with fibromyalgia, and I know how to gently train someone with fibro. But not just fibro,..there are other conditions with chronic pain being a symptom. Lupus, RA, MS. My mentor is very vocal about not taking anyone that is “sick.” I will gladly train them. Not to necessarily get them sexified, if that’s even a word, but to help get them physically fit and healthy. Thus my coined hashtag, #keepthebodymoving.
To take things further, I decided to market my services to women only. A lot of women prefer another woman when services are physical, hands on, and up close and personal. Also, I didn’t want the possible issues to arise from me training men. I’d rather let another male handle that.
I am 54 years old, and post menopausal. Even though the menopause journey was very kind to me, a lot of women aren’t so lucky. That opened the door for me to offer another service to women. Exercise for pre, peri, and post menopausal women.
Because I’m an extremely compassionate person, makes me a better bet for overweight women. No judgment, no ridicule, just compassion and care while taking clients on their weight loss journey.
Lastly, the elderly. My silver sisters. In this country, we don’t care about senior citizens much. We complain about them. We throw them away. I long to work with senior ladies. A lot of trainers will not entertain that. They don’t want to be burdened with “some old person.” I will gladly take them. Older people love me. There’s always an instant attraction. Probably because I respect them, and treat them lovingly. We can all learn things from older generations.
I am aging gracefully, and a lot of that stems from a healthy diet and exercise. The gym is my sanctuary. I actually like it better than church!!! I’m in the zone when I’m working out, and if I had the time, I’d stay there all day, every day. My passion for exercise runs so deep, why not train? Why not share my passion with other ladies?
If you’re looking to train to compete, body build, power lift, or bulk and cut, I’m not the trainer for you. That’s not my interest nor my area of expertise, but I have someone I can refer people to. My goal is to help women 40+ get fit, stay fit, or manage chronic pain. Ladies will ultimately look beautiful, and that’s an amazing bonus.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been easy. I have had so many ladies get started on their fitness journey by going through my initial process, only to stand me up or bow out last minute. That’s been the story of my life. I’ve had this conversation with my mentor multiple times… building our businesses is contingent upon whether or not someone is ready. Financially ready, of course, but more so, mentally and emotionally ready to commit to themselves, their health, and to the process. We can talk to potential clients until we’re blue in the face, but we can’t force someone to be “ready.” I’m a new trainer, so these obstacles and challenges can weigh heavily on my psyche, but I have to keep believing that God won’t send me anyone that is not ready and who is not right for me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a certified personal trainer. I train women 40+, those on any part of their fitness journey, women living with chronic pain conditions, seniors, and those on a weight loss journey. All of these things set me apart from other trainers. I have fibromyalgia, and that makes me more credible because I live it every day of my life. I am most proud of my ability to train long distance via consulting. I have assisted a woman that lives in Dallas, TX, on her weight loss journey and I currently have a client in Denver, CO, my home town.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My mentor is Gared Flagler, Go 2 Gared. He’s in the Buford area, and he’s amazing. He and I met one morning in the gym. I had been seeing him, and he had been watching me, so one day I introduced myself. It was an instant connection and I asked if he would mentor me. It’s been an amazing ride, he always answers my questions, he’s been a great ear and shoulder, and when he needs an extra set of hands, or a fill in when he travels, he always calls on me. Not only have we become friends, but he has also morphed into a little brother. It’s nice to have found someone that can and does know the industry, and some of my woes.
Pricing:
- Strength and Cond. starts at $30
- Pain mgt training starts at $35
- Medical Specific Training starts at $40
- Silver training starts at $25
- Virtual consulting starts at $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rosegoldpersonaltraining.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/rosegoldstrong/
Image Credits
Jalen Waters, photographer
Gioia Waters, photographer
