Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelson Pratt.
Nelson, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started truly training and educating myself on the body when I was first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2006 at 26 years old. I wanted to know how to give myself proper nutrition before and after I do any type of training. Once I was able to figure out certain foods and great ways for healthy results, I wanted to let the world know. I went to school at the National Personal Training Institute in 2007. Graduated with my diploma in 2008. From there, I started training mostly bikini and physique competitors due to where I was getting my schooling from. Close to muscle beach California. It was great assisting athletes to become more elite. So much so I actually competed two different times myself with 2 top 5 placings. I wanted more of a satisfying clientele base. That’s when I tied in with the JDRF (Junior diabetic research foundation), started doing boot camps for kids and assisting more for health reasons than vanity. Was such a great time seeing kids who first thought that athletics was not an option for becoming full-blown athletes. Even getting scholarships to schools. From there, I then went to a big corporation gym to hone my skill sets better for all types of clients. After three years there, I then was able to create my own training facility. Next Level Fitness is operated mostly from Eric’s fit lab. However, I do tend to go around the city to do outside athletics.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely not smooth. Dealing with a sickness created to slow down my athletic skill and brain function was difficult. I had lots of support from family and friends. Having at first to check my sugars making sure I could even do anything athletic and 50% of the time I couldn’t due to the sugars. Mentally draining to have that happen. But I knew the goal. Of course, insulin costs money so I also had to work a job for insurance. Was mentally and physically draining for a fresh diabetic to do work school and try and train the body to get healthy.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Next Level Fitness story. Tell us more about it.
Next Level Fitness is a health and fitness based company. I try and do whatever it is you need to become simply better. Whether it is powerlifting, bodybuilding, basketball, soccer, agility, bringing your triglycerides down, being able to walk up stone mountain, and more. I want to educate everyone to at the end of the day not need me anymore. Sounds like bad business but it’s my legacy I want to leave. Assist everyone the right way. With my background with type 1 diabetes really sets me apart for clients needing a healthy regiment. Not just the basics of cardio resistance training and stretching. Always more to learn. And I want to teach.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I try not to believe in luck. Good or bad. I have faith that I will be steered in the right direction. Blessing comes in different ways. Being blessed with type 1 diabetes has put me in a place to assist so many people for good. Being able to have a business where I full passion for has me extremely blessed.
Pricing:
- Drop in Saturday/Sunday bootcamps $20
- Basic unlimited training $300 monthly
- On on one specific training varies.
- Nutrition guidelines and diet plan $150 monthly
Contact Info:
- Address: Erics fit lab
4985 Lavista Rd, Tucker, GA 30084 - Phone: 6199618519
- Email: nelsonpratt9@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @beastytype1
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