WHY EUSTRESSIN'?: Gym Star
When I had the opportunity to connect with Gym Star, I was blown away by his story. He was wrongfully accused of a crime, sentenced to 15 years in prison, and served 12.5 years. Although the body was locked up, he did not allow his mind to be a hostage. It was a pleasure to chop it up with him and learn how he adds Eustress to his life!
HEY GYM STAR, WHY EUSTRESSIN’?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING/ HOW LONG?
I’m a personal trainer and have been since 2011. In 2014 I founded GYM STAR RECREATION, a physical and mental wellness program for all ages that encourages everyone to live a healthy lifestyle. Through our We Inna Yard Prison-Yard Bootcamp, we create opportunities to hire formerly incarcerated individuals and train them to become GYM STAR RECREATION Fitness Instructors and entrepreneurs.
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR PROFESSION?
Of course! Just being into fitness, dealing with people that are trying to get it right—I have to have my mind right, you know?
I gotta make sure that my energy is super focused to be mentally prepared to help others.
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR JOB THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
Whenever I introduce myself to a potential client and let that person know my story, how I learned what I learned—my approach to fitness—I make fun of it, but it really isn’t cool to me.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHEN TAKING ON DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES?
When my freedom was taken from me when someone took control of my whole life. That was crazy...
I was put in a position where I didn’t believe that anyone could help me, but myself. I allowed them to swindle my family, and then my family swindled me. I wasn’t allowed to make a decision for myself.
After that set in, all I knew was that I got myself into this, and I had to get MYSELF out of it!
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE STRESSORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
I take a lot of deep breaths! I think, view and only speak great things to attract the same type of energy. So I keep great people around me. I listen to music, I try to joke and make people smile because it makes me smile. So it’s how the saying goes, you treat people the way you want to be treated.
HOW DOES BEING MENTALLY HEALTHY HELP IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK OR ON THE JOB?
I’m only able to build someone else’s confidence if I make sure to maintain my own mental/physical health and confidence. That’s what gets people results. My energy helps people to transform their bodies.
WHAT DOES EUSTRESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? AT HOME/AWAY FROM WORK?
Receiving opportunities that we are creating for formerly incarcerated individuals—that’s good stress!
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD TELL SOMEONE JUST STARTING IN YOUR PROFESSION OR A YOUNG PERSON WHO ASPIRES TO BE THE PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU ARE?
I would tell them to always make sure that they are physically and mentally training themselves. Their body should always look great in order to attract clients and to be confident in what they are promoting. In their minds, they can’t just want success, they have to know that they already have it. It’s about changing their mindset. They have to be their number one fan. Everything.
I would also tell them to know what they want, don’t want what they know—that’s something that a lot of people can’t figure excuse.
Everything we do is uniquely done in our own way. There is no right or wrong way to cover up success. Everybody is successful.
If everyone is in a suit they are going to feel some type of way. If everyone is in a straight jacket, they are going to feel some type of way.
People are always wearing and doing so many things and not realizing that it’s influencing the way they act and think. You have to take the time to get to know yourself so that you are confident in being yourself. You also have to be present so you can use every moment to inspire other people.
ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND WHAT YOU'RE UP TO?
I'm on a mission to Make America Healthy Again! My name stands for, Great Young Minds Striving Toward Amazing Results, and that's exactly what I achieve -- day one results with every client!
I'm bringing GYM STAR RECREATION to every city to show youth and adults alike that fitness can be fun, and create a community of healthy lifestyles. If you are having an event and looking to inspire guests to get fit by experiencing day one results, contact me!
If you are interested in becoming a personal trainer or taking your personal training career to the GYM STAR level, contact me!
If you are or know someone who is formerly incarcerated, can't get hired and looking to transform their lives, contact me!
HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Website:
www.gym-star.com
Instagram:
IAmGymStar
Facebook:
Gym Star
