Nicole Thomas of Decatur on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Nicole Thomas and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes! I was SO proud at our grand opening! I was literally beaming! I have wanted to open my own gym for years and I finally did it. There were friends, family, past and current members who came from all over Atlanta and from my home state of Ohio to celebrate and show their support for this special accomplishment. My husband Bradley and my son Obi were there as well. The three of us cut the ribbon together. I was glowing with love and was really proud of myself for working towards my dream. It’s definitely been challenging to get to this place where I own my own gym but God has given me the grace to do it and surrounded me with a fit fam and community to help me keep the energy to keep going.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! I am Coach Nikki. Owner and Head Coach/Trainer of Switch Energy Fitness. Switch Energy Fitness is a Women’s Only Gym / Fitness Studio in the heart of Decatur, Georgia. What makes us unique is that I have been very intentional about creating a space that welcomes all women of different ages, fitness abilities, sizes and personalities. It’s really the most amazing mix of women and everyone feels welcomed. Our goal is to help members SWITCH their mindset about health and fitness and create the ENERGY to stay consistent, make it a lifestyle, and reach their goals with fun classes that women really enjoy. We specialize in toning, weight loss, muscle building and community and our members get amazing results because they actually enjoy our workouts and find it easy to stay consistent.

We help our clients transform and keep our fitness programming fresh by switching between various styles of training. One day we could have our T.O.N.E.D UP! step class full of high energy steps movements, core work and fun choreography. The next day we are doing functional circuit training exercises like back squats, pull ups and push up variations. We meet the members where they are physically and modify as needed so everyone is challenged and makes progress.

What I love the most about our fitness studio is we do everything as a community and everyone knows each other’s name. Our members feel seen and are cheered for daily! We start each class with a fit fam role call where we announce who is in class and cheer each other on one by one! We are literally known as the fit fam and it’s a true statement. The ladies support each other inside and outside of the gym. I never imagined when I became a trainer how significant this community would be in my life and in each member’s life.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I am from Cleveland, Ohio and we are very humble people. We work hard, we work a lot and do what’s expected of us. So I tend to minimize the hard work I do daily and the the impact I have on people and communities. I used to think I am “Just a nurse practitioner” or I am “Just a trainer”. But I had to start to expand what I expect from myself, my brand and my vision. I am so much more! I am a gym owner, a boss, a creator, a visionary and wife and mother. I am a connector in the community meaning I help connect people to other impactful people and resources. I used to minimize what I thought my impact was because I am very human, I am not perfect and I have my own fears, doubts and insecurities. But I learned I don’t have to be perfect to serve to the best of my ability. I just need to be committed to being obedient, serving others and being grateful for what God has given me.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Entrepreneurship comes with suffering. This suffering has built up my strength and perseverance. I have had to dig deeper and critique my routines, systems and productivity and create something better. Suffering has also taught me patience and to trust that the things and life I want, want me back.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
It is actually! I am very silly. I love to laugh. I love music and I love to dance. And I love spending time with the people I love, my family and friends. I am the same at home and in public. I have a big heart and I try my best to do right by people.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand very deeply how important it is to feel seen and to be heard. I believe it’s an essential human need and I try my best to ensure my customers feel warm when they are in my presence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.switchenergyfitness.com
• Instagram: @switch.energy.fitness
• Facebook: Switch Energy Fitness
• Youtube: @switch.energy.fitness
• Other: TikTok: @switch.energy.fitness

Image Credits
Chris Lenz