With a rich tapestry of 30 plus years in the fitness industry, Richard  Decker, Founder and CEO of RollFast Fitness, has transcended the limitations of brick-and-mortar gyms. Recognizing the need for  “no more excuses,” a personalized touch, he advocates for workout regimens that harness the power of suspension, gravity, resistance, and strength training. His innovative approach to variable/functional fitness, all while in the great outdoors, has not only garnered attention from celebrities but has also led to the creation of a fitness phenomenon — RollFast Fitness.

Beyond the confines of walls and machines, Roll Fast Fitness embraces the healing power of nature. Outdoor workouts improve your mood, increase your energy, and reduce the effects of depression. It’s not just about physical exertion; it’s about feeling good, as it’s how we feel that we reveal. It’s about moving well, being flexible, and being strong to enjoy daily activities. This mindful approach extends beyond the workout, seeping into daily life and fostering holistic well-being. 

Rich Decker was no stranger to the ins and outs of traditional gym ownership. Having been in the fitness arena for 45 years, with 30 of those years having owned establishments like The American Fitness Factory, Studio 89, and The Rich Decker Method in Sag Harbor, Decker realized that machines and weights alone weren’t unlocking the full potential of his clients.

In a moment of innovation, Decker toyed with the idea of converting his monster truck into a concierge fitness service where fitness comes to you, giving birth to a mobile fitness solution that could traverse any terrain, bringing fitness directly to individuals. This conceptual leap marked the birth of AWATfit (All Weather All Terrain Fitness) in January 2019, a year and a half pre-Covid, which brings fitness to consumers AnyWhere at Any Time. The vision was bold — a fitness service on wheels that defied the constraints of traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. From bold to necessary, as all gyms were required to shut down, AWATfit kept rolling as it was all outdoors.

However, Decker’s vision evolved beyond the initial concept. He recognized the need for a more intimate and tailored fitness experience, so he transformed AWATfit into RollFast Fitness. RollFast Fitness became more than just a concierge fitness service on wheels; it became a lifestyle service. Imagine a fitness concierge that knocks on your door, ready to provide a workout experience that suits your schedule, location, and fitness goals in the safety of your own environment.

The vision didn’t stop at providing personalized fitness experiences. Decker extended the opportunity to align brands with an experiential marketing campaign, America’s Healthiest Tailgate Party. As Decker explains, “While the trucks are not in service with their concierge door-to-doop clientele, we are giving back to the community with free fitness services at community centers, schools, and college campuses nationwide.”

This innovative franchise model empowered the (RHBO) Retire Heroes to Business program. The RHBO program enables veterans and first responders to begin as coaches and then convert to owners through RollFast Fitness’s intrapreneurship guidance. Decker believes that to build a great company, you have to empower those who are driving the vision literally door to door for the vision to expand. 

The shift towards empowering retired heroes as fitness coaches wasn’t just a business move but a testament to RollFast Fitness’s commitment to inclusivity. It opened doors for individuals with a deep sense of discipline, leadership, and commitment to become the guiding force behind personalized fitness journeys. The evolution from a fitness service to a community-driven initiative showcased the adaptability and social responsibility embedded in RollFast Fitness’s DNA.

Roll Fast Fitness isn’t just a fitness solution, it’s experiential marketing with a health and fitness initiative, a lifestyle revolution centered around the core principles of convenience, time efficiency, and accessibility. The “Roll Fast” concept encapsulates the essence of a fitness journey that aligns seamlessly with the fast-paced lives of modern individuals. In a world where time is precious, Roll Fast Fitness brings the gym experience to your doorstep, eliminating barriers to a healthier lifestyle. It’s Time Fast Fitness ROLLSFAST over Fast Food.

As Roll Fast Fitness continues redefining the fitness landscape, its future is marked by ambitious goals and a commitment to impacting individuals’ lives. The vision extends beyond the present success, with plans for nationwide expansion, bringing the transformative “Roll Fast” experience to communities far and wide.
The brand’s legacy is written in the stories of individuals who found strength, agility, and a renewed connection with nature through Roll Fast’s unique approach. The mission is clear: to transform the world, one client and one coach at a time. The company is passionately dedicated to empowering its clients to achieve a higher quality of life through health and fitness. RollFast Fitness is committed to empowering its caches to become successful business owners. Through its efforts, it is clear to see that RollFast Fitness is on a journey to make a positive impact on lives. To learn more, visit rollfastfitness.com.

The post On the fast track: RollFast’s vision for fitness and marketing appeared first on Digital Journal.

Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to William Richardson.

Daily motivations

Each day, he shared that he is inspired by “the challenge of life.” “There is always something new to overcome, and that inspires me. Whatever comes into my life is what gives purpose, and of course, my faith. Life actually really has meaning… it took me a very long time to search for that, and to find it,” he explained.

The digital age

On being a fitness coach and social influencer in the digital age, Richardson said, “It is definitely different. I started off training and getting recognition in person. Whenever I was in high school, I would see fitness influencers take off. Fitness is something I was obsessed with, and I thought it would be really cool to do that one day.”

“I remember I used to post content for a long time, and nothing took off for years. One day, my content started taking off and more people took notice of it, and I thought it would be great to make something out of it, potentially,” he recalled.

Use of technology in his daily routine

Regarding his use of technology in his daily routine, the 23-year-old said, “Usually I start off the day with whatever sales calls I have and making content. Now, it is a form of communication. Every day, I wake up and check my notifications… it is basically human interaction at this point. Also, the ability to reach a large scale of people at one time too.”

Playing many sports in his younger days

In high school, he revealed that he played most sports, which included basketball, football, track and field, soccer, wiffleball, and swimming. “I started lifting in my freshman year, and I liked it better than any sport I ever played, so I completely focused on that,” he said.

“Also, I’m glad I studied the lifting because that is what taught me everything,” he added.

Looking at calories from a weekly standpoint

He shared a neat health and fitness lesson where he encouraged people to look at calories from a weekly standpoint as opposed to a daily one.

“In fitness, one day is not going to make a difference,” he admitted. “Whether you miss a workout or you are going to the gym three days a week, it would be like doing three days out of eight, and the difference will not be significant, or it may not even be noticeable at all,” he elaborated.

“It really is about averaging calories in the overall picture, so if you eat more in one day, adjust your calorie intake for the rest of the week and you should be fine,” he acknowledged.

Career-defining moments

On his career-defining moments, Richardson said, “Hitting 100,000 followers on Instagram was such a cool moment to the point where it didn’t seem real. It was wild to see that happen. Also, there are so many moments in lifting that have helped define me. When my clients see results in their workouts, it is very rewarding.”

Advice for hopefuls that wish to get into shape

For hopefuls that wish to get into shape in the New Year, he encouraged them “just to start and just to go.”

“Just start going, even if you know absolutely nothing. Just work out, try to eat better, and with time, look at how to do things better.  You can work with a coach, even though you don’t have to. Just go, and with time, you are going to learn along the way. The best advice is to just start,” he said.

Future goals

On his future goals, Richardson said, “I want to continue to grow my personal training. I want to help people, and to put everything in terms that people are able to understand to. That’s a goal of mine as well.”

“Overall, I want to grow my training, and to establish myself more as a credible source. Even if I am better than I was last year, that would be great,” he expressed.

Superpower of choice

If he were to have any superpower, it would be “teleportation.” “I could snap and go wherever I want to go,” he said with a sweet laugh.

In track and field, he listed the 100 meter sprint as his event of choice. “When I did track, they threw me in the varsity for the 4 x 100 race, so I guess I must have been pretty fast,” he recalled.

Stage of his life

Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, Richardson said, “New Beginnings.” “I am in the ‘Entrepreneur’ chapter of my life,” he admitted. “I am putting a lot of energy into that. It is my No. 1 thing right now, as well as discipline, whether that is faith or trying to be better.”

Success

On his definition of the word success, Richardson said, “Success can be physical, financial, and relationship. True success for me is being a follower of Jesus. Does my life replicate that in any way? No. Success for me is also peace of mind.”

To learn more about William Richardson, follow him on Instagram.

The post Meet William Richardson: Fitness coach, entrepreneur, and social influencer appeared first on Digital Journal.

He just returned home to England from a trip to Barbados. “Barbados was lovely,” he admitted. “It was just the break I needed after a very busy year. It was a great time to get away, get some sunshine, and to unwind a little bit.”

“Even though I was born in Great Britain, I haven’t spent much time here over the last 10 years,” he said. “I jumped around quite a lot. I lived in Milan, Italy, doing fashion there, and from there, I traveled throughout Asia, and New York was my main market. I always loved New York, I lived there for five years.”

Inspirations as a model and fitness professional

On his daily inspirations as a model and fitness professional, he said, “My own personal journey in fitness has made me want to help change others life in a similar way. The effect living a healthy lifestyle has had on me mentally and in terms of my attitude to life has been invaluable.”

“As a model, there is a lot of misconception about a need to be unhealthy and live an unsustainable lifestyle. For me it’s more about balance, and finding a way to practice discipline but also be able to enjoy simple pleasures,” he elaborated.

The digital age

On being a social influencer in the digital age, he said, “I found that there has been a lot of pressure to be constantly present online, and to keep up with whatever the newest trend is. I always find that very difficult.”

“For me, social media has been a game changer in my career, however, ensure I keep a level of privacy and intimacy that is reserved for only those close to me. I don’t want to have a share all approach,” he said.

“I feel very lucky with my mentality to social media, I don’t obsess or think it defines me. I try to avoid comparing myself to others, which helps. I’ve managed to keep most of my personal life private, so it’s a good balance,” he added.

Using technology in his daily routine

Regarding his use of technology in his daily routine, he said, “Technology is a bit part of everything that I do. From filming day to day things that I’m doing or sharing things online in terms of my coaching methods, and promoting myself, it is obviously a very valuable tool.”

“Social media has helped me find clients, and it has helped me with my modeling career quite a lot. Everything I’ve done is well-documented through social media, so that is valuable,” he said.

AI on the future of the industry

Rowley shared his thoughts on AI on the future of the industry. “In terms of modeling, I think AI is both a good and bad thing,” he acknowledged.

“AI benefits some, and severely impacts others. If you are a big name in the industry, then maybe they can create a digital AI of you, where you can get royalties out of it. Then, in that way, the amount of work you can do can be limitless,” he elaborated.

“AI does take away from the value of having that person and the face of a brand. AI can recreate a lot of things, but there is no soul or emotion behind it. AI can never replace the personal side and relationship side of things,” he added.

Future plans

On his plans for the future, Rowley said, “I recently signed with a new modeling agency in London and am keen to see what this brings.”

“With the fitness coaching, I want to maintain the incredible clients I already have, this is definitely the priority. That being said, I have some room to expand and am looking to grow what I have built both in terms of client base and increasing my offering,” he said.

“It is always about building relationships with people,” he admitted. “You become valuable to them, and people become important to you. I’m always looking to expand my knowledge and learn more, especially in such a constantly changing industry. I would like to do some more online stuff for flexibility too.”

“I have been through times where I considered acting. Obviously, withing modeling, there are a lot of acting elements. When I lived in Asia, I did a lot of TV commercials, and it was sink or swim with that as well,” he added.

Career-defining moments

On his career-defining moments, he said, “I have a few. I think the fact I started modelling worldwide at such a young age is something that had a massive effect on my career and my mentality. Not only did my view of the world change, largely for the better, but it also opened my eyes to a lot of opportunities.”

Rowley continued, “Creating my own success and working for myself is something I am really proud of, I feel I have definitely learnt to trust myself and trust my ability to find work I enjoy.”

“I would also say COVID played a massive part in defining my path career wise, after being a successful model for many years, suddenly I needed to re-strategize. Shoots were cancelled, budgets were tighter, and my lifestyle had changed. I noticed a need for people wanting to be healthy and as an online trainer I really felt I could take my passion for fitness and help others,” he explained.

Best advice that he was ever given

On the best advice that he was ever given, he shared, “Probably to do what I love, and that the money will follow. I would also say to remain humble.”

“At a young age being in the fashion world can push a lot of people into compromising themselves and their values. While there’s been times in my career where I could have made more money by being passive, I’ve chosen to not ever do anything that I don’t fully support and feel proud of,” he said.

Advice for hopefuls that wish to get into shape

For hopefuls that wish to get into shape, Rowley said, “I would say that you get out what you put in, and to be patient. It’s about setting healthy habits in place and creating a sustainable lifestyle. Too many people chase unrealistic, quick hit style visual goals, instead of looking for long term mental and physical benefit.”

Proudest professional moments

On his proudest professional moments, he shared, “As a model, being photographed by Tom Ford or walking for Dolce and Gabbana.”

“Looking back, taking the leap of faith and moving round the world is something I am proud of, and I think I learnt the value of experience,” he reflected.

“In fitness, it’s more general,” he said.” The relationship I have with my clients, the improvements I see them make and the feedback I have from them is my proudest thing. Helping people feel more confident is an incredibly rewarding feeling.”

Stage of his life

Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “Transitional Growth.” “It has been a very transitory period,” he said. “I am working towards growing into what I want to be, and figuring out what the future looks like as a whole.”

Success

On his definition of the word success, Rowley said, “To me, success is about freedom, which is a very important thing,” he said. “Success is to find love and joy in everything that you do.”

“Freedom to do what you love, spend time with those who you love and be proud of what you have created. At this stage of my career, I am proud of the amazing clients I work with, as well as my slow improvement with regards to my work life balance,” he elaborated.

Closing thoughts for his fans and supporters

For his fans and supporters, Rowley expressed, “Thank you to everyone. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without everyone’s support and encouragement; that builds your self-belief. Knowing that a lot of people have been on this journey for me for a long time, has been really rewarding.”

To learn more about Harry Rowley, follow him on Instagram.

The post Meet Harry Rowley: Fitness model, nutrition coach, and personal trainer appeared first on Digital Journal.

Matvey also opened up about the importance of mental health in this digital age, his fitness journey, and he furnished his definition of the word success.

Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to Vlad Matvey. 

He was born Vladyslav “Vlad” Matviychuk in the Ukraine, but he lives in Vienna, Austria. “Originally, I’m from the Ukraine, but I moved to Vienna in 2017,” he said.

Daily motivations: helping people reach their full potential

On his daily motivations as a fitness professional, he said, “I love helping other people. I have been doing this for eight years. I just love doing this. I just came from the gym. Literally, every day I go to the gym and I just feel better.”

“I transition from helping myself getting results to helping other people lose weight and getting in shape. There is no main motivation for me. I just love this so much that I can’t envision myself doing anything else. This is my calling,” he exclaimed.

“Going to the gym helps my mental, physical, and emotional stage,” he said.

Matvey is a weight loss coach, and he shared that he works with busy professionals and entrepreneurs lose weight, most of which are over the age of 30. “My goal is to help spread my love for fitness to as many people as I can, help them lose weight and get in shape, he acknowledged.

The digital age

On being a fitness professional in the digital age, at a time when streaming, technology, and social media are so prevalent, Matvey said, “I started posting content in 2019, and it took some while to get some traction. In the beginning, it was very slow and nobody would see my content, but I knew that at some point, it was going to happen.”

“Then, fast-forward to 2022, it started to grow, and from that point on, the rest is history. I knew that I could help people even with posting free content and free workouts. This is my passions,” he said.

The importance of mental health in the digital age

Matvey addressed the significance of mental health in this digital world. “First of all, the digital age, gives us a lot of opportunities, that’s the way that I look at it,” he said.

“In anything that you talk about, there are advantages and disadvantages,” he said. “With social media, obviously you can influence a lot of people so it’s important to post things that are right, correct, and important to spread knowledge, love, and positivity.”

“At the same time, there are a lot of comparisons taking place,” he admitted. “This is really bad and way worse than it used to be. Don’t compare yourself to other people, and focus on the bright side of social media to influence people in a positive, great and hopeful way. That way, you can progress through that.”

“I truly enjoy posting my free workout videos on YouTube,” he said. “The workouts are a stepping stone, to help get your foot in the door. Obviously, nutrition matters, and I remind them to be in a calorie deficit diet.”

Career-defining moments

On his career-defining moments, he remarked, “The first moment happened when I actually got in shape. The identity shift was defining. I was out of shape and skinny. I wanted to be the type of person to be in great shape. It was all about how people perceived me. Starting this fitness journey was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made.”

“Also, when I help other people get in shape, I feel way better when my clients get results than in my personal case,” he said.

Stage of his life

Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, Matvey said, “Chapter 2… and that is helping other people.”

“I am trying to help as many people as I can, especially working with busy professionals (mostly over 40 years old). My first chapter was getting in shape and figuring out the fitness and nutrition game,” he explained.

Advice for people that wish to get fit

For people that wish to get fit, he encouraged them to get in a calorie deficit diet. “Take a step back and realize that the most important aspect to lose weight is to get into a calorie deficit. Nutrition is the most important thing and 80 percent of results. Workouts are 20 percent of results, and they make things easier on nutrition because they burn calories,” he said.

“Start simple… Literally, move more and start taking the stairs instead of the elevator. You need to understand the energy balance and be in a calorie deficit. That way, you will be good to go,” he said.

“Find something sustainable that you can do, and find a way to get in that calorie deficit in a sustainable way,” he added.

Reflecting over the past five years

Looking back and reflecting over the last five years, he noted that he sees a lot of growth and maturity. “Before i go to the gym, I have a ritual that I do, where I have a shake and sit down in a room and I isolate myself and I am just grateful for a couple of things in my life.”

“I remember myself as a 16 or 18 year old dreaming of the person that I wanted to be who I am today This transformation that I achieved truly makes me happy. I am grateful for the impact in the weightless world,” he said.

Track and field and aquatic event of choice

If he were to do any track and field event, Matvey shared that he would love the run the sprints or a marathon. In the swimming world, he listed the breaststroke as his personal favorite stroke.

Success

On his definition of the word success, Matvey said, “When you set a goal, take steps, and you achieve it over a period of time. Success is about looking back and seeing that you’ve progressed so much and experienced growth and are a completely different person.”

“Also, when I wake up and I am really happy, then I consider that as a success,” he added.

Matvey thanks the fans and supporters

For his supporters and fans, Matvey expressed, “It is nice to have people that appreciate what you do. When I first started, nobody knew who I was. Now, I get so much emotion from the warm comments of people appreciating what I do. That drives me to keep going.”

To learn more about fitness coach and social influencer Vlad Matvey, follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and check out his official website.

The post Meet Vlad Matvey: Fitness coach, content creator, and social influencer appeared first on Digital Journal.

Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to Wesley Whaley.

The digital age

On being a life coach, social influencer and model in the digital age, he said, “I love it. I love helping people get healthier. A lot of people lose their way during the times, especially when COVID happened. I want to promote healthy solutions for people, to motivate them, and to bring positivity.”

“Social media is great, but it can tear somebody really quick, especially from a mental health standpoint,” he said. “It’s all about balance.”

“Right now, I am actually trying to create my own workouts so people can use them,” he said.

“I never thought I would ever be a social influencer,” he admitted. “I made one video on TikTok and it didn’t get any views. Then, I made one transitional video, and that’s when my account started going off. I just took it as a joke but then it just skyrocketed, so I starting using my platform to help motivate people,” he elaborated.

Best advice that he was ever given

On the best advice that he was ever given, he responded, “Never take anything for granted. Always stay grateful for whatever you get in life. I never take life for granted.”

“A defining moment for me was when I stepped on stage for my first bodybuilding show,” he said. “I won my overall in men’s physique, so I was very grateful for that. From then on, I want to help people, especially with cutting bad habits from eating.”

Advice for people that wish to get into shape and fitness

For young people that want to get into shape and fitness, Whaley encouraged them to “not get too focused on young influencers.” “A lot of them don’t speak the truth and they don’t want to tell people,” he said.

“My advice is trust the process, stay calm and patient, and progress will come. It might take time but it will happen. Stay consistent; the progress is going to come.”

Favorite mottos to live by

His favorite mottos to live by include “the early bird gets the worm,” respect others, and treat others how you wish to be treated.

Reflecting over the last five years

Looking back in a rearview mirror, he reflected that he sees a lot of accomplishments. “I’ve traveled so much for modeling, and right now, I am trying to get into acting. I’ve been to New York multiple times,” he said.

Favorite country artists

Whaley revealed some of his favorite country music artists: Jon Langston, Cody Johnson, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Darius Rucker, Rodney Atkins, and Alexandra Kay.

Superpower of choice

If he were to have any superpower, it would be “to fly” since that would allow him to get anywhere he wants without having to worry about the traffic.

Success

Regarding his definition of the word success, Whaley said, “Success to me means just getting up every day, that is being successful. Striving to be better than you were the day before because each day you are growing as a person. Success is contentment and having peace of mind.”

Whaley thanks his fans and supporters

For his fans and supporters, he said, “I appreciate each and every one of them; if it weren’t for them, I would have all of these great opportunities.”

To learn more about Wesley Whaley, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.

The post Meet Wesley Whaley: Motivational coach, model, and life coach appeared first on Digital Journal.

Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to Austin Whitworth.

Fitness journey

On his fitness journey, he said, “I was always into sports growing up. I played basketball my whole life. I started lifting weights and getting in better shape because I wanted to get better at basketball.”

“When I started lifting weights, I didn’t feel confident in myself, I had bad acne, and I had a stuttering problem. As a result, I felt unimportant in the world but I used that as a motivation to better myself and to improve my life,” he said.

Faith in his life

He also spoke about the role of his faith in his life. “I would go to church with my parents, but I wasn’t super into it. Recently, I have been going consistently to church and I am trying to learn and explore the Bible more,” he said.

Daily motivations

Each day, he is motivated simply by wanting to become the best version of himself. “I wake up wanting to improve myself and my life each day,” he said. “There are many days when I don’t feel motivated but I am still at the gym, and I am still publishing my content.”

Austin Whitworth: The content creator

When asked how he get into content creation, he said, “When I was in high school, I used to post physique photos on Snapchat, and one of my friends inspired me to start an Instagram account. Then, I made it on the same day, and it has really taken off. I have two businesses out of it.”

The digital age

On being a part of the digital age, he explained, “I think the digital age has helped my business because it is through social media. I am able to inspire a lot more people through social media because of the platform, and those are two pluses right there. A lot of my followers are not even from the U.S.”

Social media and mental health

He shared his thoughts on social media and mental health. “I don’t think social media has helped mental health at all,” he said. “Everyone is addicted to their phones. Social media can lead to isolation and loneliness because we are not building any real connections anymore. We are trapped in our phones.”

“I feel that building human connections is the reason why we are here,” he added.

Future plans

Regarding his future plans, he said, “I want to keep doing what I am doing. I want to keep growing my coaching business, my clothing brand, and to keep inspiring people.”

He also revealed that he has his “Sausome” clothing brand. “Sausome is my very own brand, and I am sponsored as an athlete for Rawgear and Legion as well,” he said.

His superpower of choice would be flying or teleportation. “Teleportation would be nice,” he admitted.

Defining moments

On his defining moments, he shared, “I spoke at graduation and that was a huge moment that allowed me to show myself, especially in terms of accomplishing anything that I set my mind to.”

Advice for hopefuls that wish to get fit

For beginners that wish to go into fitness, he said, “I think you should take it one day at a time. Don’t be scared and ask people for advice on how to do certain exercises. Try out different routines.”

“The most important thing is consistency… that is a huge part of fitness, business, and life in general,” he underscored.

If he were to do any track and field event, he revealed that it would be the “high jump.”

Success

On his definition of the word success, he said, “Fulfilling my purpose, which is to inspire and help as many people as I can. If I am doing that, I feel like I found my purpose and that would make me feel good about myself.”

For his fans and followers, Whitworth concluded, “Thank you for the support, this is just the beginning. It is only up from here. Work hard every single day of your life. Don’t let any naysayers ruin your confidence; go out and chase your dreams, whatever they are.”

To learn more about Austin Whitworth, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.

The post Austin Whitworth talks about his fitness journey, and the digital age appeared first on Digital Journal.

Disclaimer: Conrad’s story and results are unique. Results with the V Shred program vary. For typical results, please see the testimonial support page.

Here’s how this online weight loss and fitness program completely transformed this dad’s life. 

Conrad was  living the typical life of a busy, hardworking dad and paid little attention to his weight, let alone the amount he was gaining. But after seeing  photos of himself, for the first time, Conrad understood just how serious his situation was. 

He was saddened by what he saw in the photos and no longer recognized the person he’d become in the mirror. At his highest weight, Conrad weighed in at 460 pounds. 

Doctors classified him as obese, and with the lingering fatigue following him everywhere – an indicator of the chronic disease – it didn’t come as much of a surprise. But hearing the words aloud quickly set in the harsh reality, and he knew a change had to be made. 

And that change was with V Shred, one of the fastest-growing fitness brands online. Since serving their first client in 2016, they’ve helped over 5 million people to date and counting, and it’s all thanks to their mission: to make health and fitness more accessible to people. 

For Conrad, V Shred was the North Star he needed for his health and fitness journey. And his story is one of inspiration and hope. 

“I decided I wanted to do something for myself…and for my boys. I knew I needed to set a good example for them,” he shares. That was his “big why.”

Before Conrad decided to take his fitness journey more seriously, he had forced himself into a restrictive diet, and successfully dropped around 20 pounds over 2 months. But the results didn’t last. The diet just wasn’t sustainable and the scale shot back up quickly.

That’s when Conrad saw an ad for a men’s weight loss program that didn’t promote countless hours at the gym or forced you to sacrifice the food you love. The ad was for V Shred, a simple program that would soon be the answer to Conrad’s battle with his weight. 

“Since elementary school, it’s been a challenging roller coaster of trying to find something for myself that’s sustainable,” Conrad notes. “I saw it, and it was a light bulb moment that said, ‘This is it. This is going to be a lifestyle change. [They] give you the tools that I needed to succeed,’ and I was fully on board.” 

Once Conrad committed to join the V Shred Fat Loss Extreme program, his life as he knew it would never be the same again. 

He joined the program aimed at helping men lose fat and build muscle. After consistent work, the weight started falling off. This time around, it didn’t come back.

“I wanted to make sure I was doing the exercises right,” Conrad emphasizes. And after discovering the option to work with a personal trainer and Certified Coach, it was full steam ahead. And the number on the scale dropped even faster. For the first time in a long time, he led his life with confidence – a complete 180 from his former self. 

The beautiful thing about losing weight? You gain yourself back in return. 

By choosing to prioritize his health not just for himself but for his boys, Conrad’s relationships flourished, and along the way, he found a lasting partnership – and not just with V Shred. 

As the months passed, so did his weight, and he filled his cup with love, friendship, and enjoyment of life. But that’s not to say he didn’t experience bumps in the road. Even on the days when his weight wasn’t budging, he stayed the course and lost nearly 200 pounds thanks to his dedication and his V Shred Coach, Adam. 

After almost 2 years, Conrad lost a total of 186 pounds. Now, his reflection brings a smile to his face.  

To commemorate Conrad’s journey, his coach Adam invited Conrad to the V Shred Gym in Las Vegas. Vince Sant, one of the Co-Founders of V Shred, even came out to get a workout in with them.

“When you’re overweight, you already feel that everyone’s looking at you,” Conrad says. “But the program gave me the tools I needed to do my workouts in the comfort of my own home, without the added feelings of being in public.” 

This is one of the many V Shred transformation stories, and it’s people like Conrad who prove no matter your situation, with the right help, your weight loss journey is possible. Watch Conrad’s transformation video here.

To learn more, take the V Shred Body Type Quiz here. 

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This new (32nd) season of “Dancing with the Stars” will premiere on ABC and Disney+ on September 26. “I love it,” he exclaimed. “I’m excited, and I can’t wait. Rehearsals are going strong. I’m tired but we are working hard.”

Jamie Lynn Spears

His celebrity partner this season is Jamie Lynn Spears, the younger sister of pop star Britney Spears. “Jamie Lynn is great. She is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met, and I am very lucky,” he said.

Gleb Savchenko

Bersten had great words about his fellow professional dancer Gleb Savchenko. “Gleb is great. I love him,” he exclaimed.

The digital age

On being a dancer in the digital age, Bersten said, “I think there is a lot of pressure and I think with social media, there is a lot of negativity. It is important to use things in moderation and it’s also important to take time for yourself.”

Founder of Berst10 Fitness

He is also the founder of Berst10 Fitness. “I am very excited about that, it’s a fitness program that I launched, and it is only 10 minutes a day,” he admitted.

“You can use it to start your day right and it’s for every single person, whether you’ve never worked out before or if you work out every day. It’s all bodyweight… it’s just really about going out there, pushing yourself, and moving. I really think that moving is so important for good health,” he elaborated.

“This is something that I created to encourage people to get moving… even if it’s only for 10 minutes,” he added.

Daily motivations as a dancer

On his daily motivations as a dancer, he shared, “I’m very lucky that I get to do what I do every single day. I am very grateful… everything I’ve ever done, I have done full force and with a lot of passion.”

“I’m motivated by my happiness. I want to do a lot of things for myself, and this is what makes me happy. I am very lucky,” he expressed.

Advice for hopefuls in dancing

For young and aspiring dancers, he said, “Follow your dreams and do it because you love it. Don’t do it for the fame or for wanting to make a lot of money. If you dance because you truly love dancing, then you will have a lot of success.”

“I love dancing, I love being on the show and being on tour, as well as performing for people. I love the rehearsal process as well. If you really want to be a dancer, do it because you truly want it,” he explained.

Neck tumor

He opened up about his cancer diagnosis from 2018. “I had a benign tumor a few years ago on my neck and I got it cut open. Health is one of the most precious things we have in life,” he said.

“If you feel good, wake up, and just be grateful for it. I wake up and I write down 10 things that I am grateful for each day, and health is one of them. We are so lucky to wake up every day,” he added.

Stage of his life

On the title of the current chapter of his life, he exclaimed, “Go get it.”

“If you believe in something, you can truly make it special,” he said. “I believe in myself, I believe in dancing, and I believe in my fitness program… I am really going to push it, and make sure everyone has a chance to feel good.”

2019 ‘Dancing with the Stars’ champ

In November of 2019, Bersten won the 28^th season of “Dancing with the Stars” with his partner Hannah Brown of “The Bachelorette.”

“There is no better feeling than winning that mirrorball trophy,” he said. “Being a part of this show is a dream come true. Winning that competition was just an even bigger dream come true.”

Bersten continued, “Now, it’s mixed pressure… less pressure because I already won, but more pressure in the sense that I love the feeling of achieving such a great goal and working with somebody.”

“It really is about taking your celebrity partner with you on this journey and watching them grow. When you have the right partner, the show is a lot more about dancing, it’s about growing in life, trusting, and making new relationships,” he elaborated.

“Winning that mirrorball trophy was the cherry on top,” he acknowledged.

Remembering Len Goodman

He fondly remembered the late but great “Dancing with the Stars” judge Len Goodman. “I did see that they are renaming the mirrorball trophy in his honor,” he said. “I think that’s awesome. I think he was the heart and soul of ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ We will always have ‘Len’ in the ballroom with us.”

Success

On his definition of the word success, he said, “I think success is different for everybody. For me, it is waking up and being in a position to do what I want that day. Being on the show is a success for me and being physically active.”

“Success means freedom,” he said. “Everyone is successful in their own right… for me, it happens to be when I dance every day. Being able to live out my dream is a success for me.”

Fans

For his fans and supporters, Bersten said, “Thank you. I think that gratitude is the most magical thing in the world. I think it’s very important to be grateful. I am very well aware that without amazing fans, I would not be half the person that I am.”

“I am grateful for the incredible support that the fans show me,” he concluded.

To learn more about professional dancer Alan Bersten, follow him on Instagram.

The post Meet Alan Bersten: Professional dancer of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ appeared first on Digital Journal.

In an ever-evolving landscape, Silke Hensel stands as a pillar of the fitness and wellness industry. With a remarkable career trajectory, Hensel has shown the industry what it truly means to build a brand from the ground up. As Chief Marketing Officer of the RSG Group NA and the woman behind multimillion-dollar brands such as Gold’s Gym and John Reed, her journey is one marked by resilience, foresight, and unparalleled expertise.

Shaping an industry involves more than simply existing within it, and Hensel, a brand and communication expert,  intrinsically understands this fact. Her career began in the entertainment and advertising industries, where she honed her skills in brand strategy and development. This foundation was established while working for some of the world’s top advertising and marketing organizations. What she gained from these experiences was not just a solid foundation but a set of structured and efficient work practices that would carry her forward.

Hensel’s transition into the fitness and wellness sector was not simply a career pivot but a calculated leap backed by cross-industry insights. She perceived an evolution in the fitness and wellness sector, one shifting from a product-centric model to a more lifestyle-centric, purpose-driven approach. This foresight allowed her to guide brands successfully through the industry’s change and uniquely positioned her as an industry authority.

One of her monumental achievements was leading Gold’s Gym out of bankruptcy and toward EBITDA breakeven within ten months, which was only made possible through her strategic brand positioning. Additionally, she successfully launched two new brands in the North American market, one of which was created entirely from scratch. Each feat was a testament to her ability to leverage market research, creative ideation, and deep market expertise.

Hensel’s approach to brand relevance is more than just a business strategy; it’s a philosophy. She believes in fostering a deep understanding of specific target audiences and using that to drive brand growth. But she does not just stop at achieving visibility and success for companies; she goes a step further to educate and inspire. As a testament to her commitment, she shares her expertise at conferences and collaborates with fitness and wellness companies eager for change and relevance.

She believes that knowledge and skills are essential tools for success in today’s rapidly changing world. For Hensel, traveling is more than a passion; it is a method for cultivating a broader mindset, a deeper understanding of different cultures, and a crucial aspect of effective marketing.

As she continues to make strides in the industry, her focus is on the future, specifically, the young professionals destined to shape it. She is eager to pass on her extensive knowledge and empower the next generation to thrive within the ever-evolving fitness and wellness sector.

Silke Hensel’s journey is far from over. Her quest for constant learning and growth persists, and she is eager to share her expertise with those ready to make a mark in the industry. To connect with her and learn more, visit her LinkedIn and Instagram pages. Embrace the opportunity to learn from a true industry luminary, and chart your own course in the dynamic landscape of fitness and wellness.

The post Silke Hensel: charting the evolution of fitness & wellness branding appeared first on Digital Journal.

Diet fads have been popular for decades and don’t seem to be slowing down as the go-to option for weight loss. Now that social media has cultivated entire communities of people sharing health and wellness advice, many of them not qualified to do so, more and more information about losing weight quickly has circulated. Unfortunately, following the popular tips and tricks is often far more detrimental than it is beneficial.

Some of the more common myths floating around are that you don’t have to limit what you eat as long as you exercise daily, or, on the flip side, that you can cut hundreds of calories without exercising at all and get the toned body of your dreams. The fact of the matter is that science doesn’t support either claim.

“If you’re trying to lose weight, the most efficient way is to do both — leverage some form of physical training including weight lifting as well as a well designed nutrition plan.”

Exercise is good for you, but it can’t do everything on its own. Our nutrition plays a key role in our overall fitness journey, and a healthy, nutrient-dense diet is necessary to fuel the workouts our bodies need to get stronger. To find the guidance we need in order to approach fitness correctly, we need to look for someone qualified and experienced, and when it comes to women’s fitness, you don’t get more qualified than Tatiana Debique.

Debique is a former bikini competitor with a passion for fitness. She is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, as well as a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach, and the head coach of The Bikini Prep Coach Co. Her vast experience in the fitness space paired with her education background has provided her with a unique take on wellness, and it could be what makes all the difference when it comes to sustainably reaching your fitness goals.

Debique’s Approach to Nutrition

Debique’s expertise in nutrition complements her fitness coaching, allowing her to take a comprehensive and holistic approach to helping clients achieve their fitness goals.

She recognizes that each individual has unique dietary needs and preferences; thus, she creates personalized meal plans that consider factors such as body composition, activity levels, and dietary restrictions.

She emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet that includes nutrient-dense foods, ensuring clients receive a wide range of essential nutrients to support their overall health and fitness.

Educating Others

With a focus on macronutrient balance, Debique educates clients on the roles of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and how to optimize their intake based on their specific goals and body composition.

“Just because you see it on Instagram doesn’t mean you are going to be successful that way,” she said. “It is all about what is attainable for you. There needs to be realistic conversations and expectations. There needs to be a good relationship with food, with your body, with your hormones. Doing it the wrong way can negatively impact your future.”

As clients progress in their fitness journeys, Debique adjusts their meal plans and macronutrient ratios to align with their changing goals, whether those goals are to transition from weight loss to muscle gain or prepare for a fitness competition.

Beyond providing meal plans, she educates clients more fully about portion control, food quality, and mindful eating, empowering them to make informed choices and develop a sustainable relationship with food.

“A lot of coaches go to high starvation diets for their clients, but I refuse to do that. I give the women I work with a lot of food to eat. They are usually surprised,” she said. “It’s all about that healthy balance and sustainable relationship with food.”

Her goal is to equip her clients with the knowledge and tools for long-term success, ensuring they have the skills to maintain their achievements and sustain a healthy lifestyle independently. She doesn’t use diet fads or simply tell people what they want to hear, she uses science-backed information and her own personal experience to help others reach their fitness goals.

About Tatiana Debique

Tatiana Debique, President and Head Coach of The Bikini Prep Coach Co. is dedicated to helping women achieve their fitness aspirations. She is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach. To learn more about Tatiana and to discover how you can attain your fitness goals, visit: https://bikiniprepcoach.com/

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