We were lucky to catch up with Dylan Sides recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dylan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

My first paid gig in the fitness industry was the 10p-6a overnight cardio cleaner at Planet Fitness in North Charleston. My mindset at the time was getting my foot in the door at any means possible! A few years previously, I hustled the Herbalife Nutrition and Fitness, but that wasn’t a steady or Fitness Training based source of income. Letting management and every one know very often that I wished to step into the Fitness Trainer Position at the gym. However, they already had a great trainer locked in. Eventually she had to call out of work and I was eager to step in for a few days.This gave me a chance to show the members and managers that I was well capable to lead, instruct, and have high energy levels through the classes that created a Fun Environment that members raved about! One month later the Planet Fitness in West Ashley had a Trainer Position opening, and I accepted… Now, i have two feet, two hands, and my whole heart in the Charleston Fitness Industry!..2017

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

What separates me apart from others is the fact that my Fitness Training Career began from the very bottom! I started out training clients for literally $5 a workout in my bedroom of my tiny ass apartment in North Charleston. From there, there is only one way to go … UP! This was back in 2017, a few years later, and millions.. not exaggerating.. millions of calories burned from Epic Fitness Classes and Personal Training.. I was named Charleston’s Choice Best Personal Trainer in 2020. And again in 2021, Back to Back! I felt on top of the world. The thing about being on top of the world though, is that the fall to the bottom hurts like a son of a gun.. And that’s exactly where I found myself after years of letting my ego crowd my thoughts, affect my friendships, and ultimately take me away from who I was at the core. Obtaining success in a relatively short amount of time, happened a little too fast and I was no where near mentally prepared to handle all that came with that. Now, reminder that I’m 21-25 in this span of time living in Downtown Charleston, partying was the normalcy and it did not matter what day of the week it was. Ultimately I am very grateful for my downfall at this stage of my career because, when looking at the bright side of things, it gave me great sight on what “Not to Do”, lessons and stories to tell my peers/successors so they don’t fall victim to the same mistakes I did, and most importantly HOPE. Because when you can scratch your way back to the top after being on the bottom, Impossible is Nothing.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe being kind, positive, and actively listening/present in all conversations and classes with my members and clients is the biggest way to spread good reputation in the Fitness Industry. And, high quality/ well thought out fitness training of course! The thing with Fitness is the knowledge is out there, trainers all study it, and have an understanding of how the body works and how to get their clients the desired results with no injury or setbacks. Being a great trainer is much more than just comprehending and retaining fitness and wellness information. To build a solid reputation and success in the industry, you must have the passsion, love of your people, and take the extra step… always… to ensure everyone is having great workouts and enjoying their time doing so. Training is so much more enjoyable when you’re having Fun while doing it.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Hell no I wouldn’t! I truly believe that Fitness Training is my purpose in this world and it’s the reason I get up and out of bed daily with a smile on my face at 5:30am! Let’s be honest, it’s never easy waking up that early, but it is much more manageable knowing I am going to work, which is, a place of growth, effort, progress, and friendships. My dad always told me “if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life.” My name is Dylan Sides, I am a Fitness Trainer, and I love what I do! Thank You Dad for encouraging me to follow my passion and pursue it daily, with diligence, and to not sweat the setbacks, because that is only a brief chapter in the Story of Life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Dylansides6
• Facebook: Dylan Sides
• Linkedin: Dylan Sides

Image Credits
@natalie.feola