Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia McIntosh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alicia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?
I had no idea what was next after graduating from university, but I knew after three years of babysitting that it was time to move on. I was on LinkedIn searching for career opportunities, and there was an open house for Equinox Personal Trainers. A hiring manager contacted me the year before and told me to stay tuned in after graduating, so I followed every Equinox manager I knew. The open house was the next day, so I went. They were hiring a handful of people for the four locations. I was so nervous for so many reasons. I didn’t feel prepared or as adequate as the other candidates. That morning I played DR Eric Thomas and got myself in the frame of mind to be HIRED! I showed up confidently when it was time to introduce myself to the group. I stood up nervously. After the meeting, a few of us stayed behind to walk the gym floor. The Personal Training Manager was so enthusiastic at the time, and I walked to the front with him and asked any question that came to mind. He was great! I sent a follow-up email and thanked both managers for their time and received a response from the head manager to come in for an interview. I GOT HIRED! Working there helped change my life. It helped me identify parts of myself that needed personal development, which was also great! Working with so many amazing people in the industry helped create a compass for me, and I showed up no matter what and how I felt, even though it was something so far out of my comfort level.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
After many years of body extremes which led to two knee surgeries, I decided to seek a degree in Exercise Science. Shortly after graduation, I was hired at a high-end gym here in Miami. It gave me so much insight as a “female” trainer. Working in that specific environment helped set the foundation for me to build myself and connect with what health and fitness truly meant to me.
My work is to build confidence in others. I remind my clients that health and fitness is more than looking a certain way and that it all works together the mind-body and spirit. My work is very much physical, but it is also about mental and emotional health. Serving the women in my community started with learning how to operate and discover myself.
I am a health coach, and I love pushing my clients in their fitness journey self-acceptance is a significant part of my work as my clients shed and create new behavioral patterns physically and mentally. My goal is to create a space for my clients to feel confident as they continue the journey of self-discovery. Life has many dimensions, and I believe it’s essential to accept who we are in each season. Movement is a way to be aligned with ourselves. There is no perfect formula for health and fitness, so I encourage my clients to trust themselves because trusting ourselves is a skill needed to elevate in life.
I’m most proud of the confidence the women I work with gain while working with me. I feel honored to witness my client’s transformation. To see their bodies transform is one thing, but to see their lives change is a feeling beyond what I can put into words. I am a “professional cheerleader,” lol!
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Yes, my work is very fulfilling, and I believe it’s God’s gift to me, and my work is a gift to others. I wouldn’t change anything about following my intuition. I always knew I wanted to help others when I was younger, and life guided me into this profession. I feel blessed to have found my purpose. One-one coaching is very intimate, and I am grateful to be trusted with sensitive information I never take what I do for granted.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Self-belief in what you give to others is vital. In every profession, many others will do what you do, but understanding that you have value to offer the community around you by being your authentic self will help your business grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: trainingbyali.com
- Instagram: trainingbyali
Image Credits
PANAMERA PHOTOS