Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyneka Pack.
Tyneka, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I never thought that I would be in the fitness industry for a living. Ever! So in 2013, when it came for me to try something different to occupy my free time, I started going to the gym. Unlike the usual fitness journeys we see, mine was a bit different. I was always skinny growing up and all the way through high school. My goal was to gain weight and build the physique I wanted.
As I became more consistent, I met this group of women who worked out together and they all competed in bodybuilding competitions! I started working out with them for support and they pushed me as well. I went to a few of their competitions thinking “yea, I will never do that”. Until there was this one show, I attended and I saw one of the athletes on stage and was in awe of her physique. That’s when I decided to train for my first bodybuilding competition.
I first stepped on stage in 2015 and continued to compete for the next couple of years. As I progressed in my bodybuilding journey, I was constantly asked if I was a personal trainer or if I thought about it. At that point, it never really crossed my mind. All I wanted to do was just workout! Or so I thought! I thought and prayed about this being the step I needed to take. With an amazing support system who believed in me, I took the leap of faith and started my journey to become a certified personal trainer.
My first client was one of my biggest supporters and amazing friends who trusted me to help her meet her goals. Which helped me gain confidence in my abilities and kick-started my business to get me where I am today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I believe the first two years of running any kind of business is the most difficult. You are figuring out your groove, how to attract and retain clients, figuring out your niche, etc. Being a self-employed insurance agent for ten years, for the most part, I knew what to expect in the beginning. But what I quickly learned is how important time management is. I found myself doing a lot between the personal training and maintaining the other business. Most times, I never took time out for myself to recharge and regroup. I found myself burned out at times, spreading myself thin and losing focus. I quickly realized my mental health and well-being was just as important as my physical health.
Most times, I struggled with taking breaks thinking that there was always work that needed to be done (which there was). But getting it done and also taking time for self-care didn’t click for me. It took a lot of these “burned out” moments and encouragement from my own clients for me to realize I was neglecting a major aspect of health.
My advice to other women looking to start their journey as a personal trainer is to remember that being a personal trainer is all about giving. We give our time, encouragement, commitment, support, etc. into our clients. But we can’t pour from an empty cup. So we have to make sure we stay full so we are able to keep pouring into our clients and give them the best of us! Make sure you take care of yourself inside and out.
Please tell us about ImPACKt Fitness.
ImPACKt Fitness is a Maryland based company that offers both in-person and online personal training services. A specialized program specific to growing and building glutes called Booty ImPACKt is offered as well. This is for the individual who wants to build strong and shapely glutes just as I was able to on my own fitness journey.
I also offer posing sessions (ImPACKt Posing) as well as show day make up for those who compete in bodybuilding competitions. I offer athletes the ability to have a one-stop shop when its time to get ready for their show.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
As a child, no matter if it was cheerleading, track, figure skating, etc., I have always had an amazing support system. Anything that I wanted to do or be involved in, I had full support from my family and close friends. Having that same energy from them when it came time to start a business was crucial. Knowing that I have people in my corner who truly believed in me, supported me and encouraged me made me feel like I could accomplish anything! That in and of itself makes my journey a bit easier! I am so thankful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.impacktfitness.com
- Phone: 410.885.6076
- Email: tynekap@impacktfitness.com
- Instagram: @impackt_fitness
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/impacktfitness
Image Credit:
Tyneka Pack
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