We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alec Gladwell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alec, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.
My journey into the fitness industry began somewhat unexpectedly while I was still in high school. A nearby town called Ottawa needed someone to help run a high school track practice for the after-school throwers. That’s when I was approached by Denny Marsh of the Bad Dog Fit Club. He asked if I could lend a hand, and without fully realizing it at the time, that opportunity would pivot my path toward a career I am deeply passionate about today.
I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Being into fitness throughout high school, I had my share of challenges, including being nicknamed ‘Fat Well.’ These experiences, while tough, ignited a personal commitment to fitness and well-being. So, when I was asked to help and provide guidance, it wasn’t just an opportunity; it was a moment of transformation. For the first time, I wasn’t the one seeking advice; I was the one providing it.
Working with Denny and the athletes was a pivotal experience. I loved being able to help and guide others without judgment, knowing what it was like to be on the receiving end of that. It taught me empathy and the importance of a supportive environment. This experience wasn’t just about teaching fitness; it was about creating a space where everyone, regardless of their journey, could feel competent and encouraged.
Reflecting on it now, I realize how this first job wasn’t just a job; it was the starting point of a mission to empower others through fitness. It shaped my approach as a personal trainer and nutrition coach, instilling in me the importance of understanding, empathy, and support in this field. And yes, I am incredibly happy and grateful for where that first opportunity led me. It’s a reminder of how a single moment of trust and responsibility can lead you down an extraordinary path.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Alec Gladwell, a dedicated personal trainer, nutrition coach, and group fitness instructor from Hamilton, Ohio. My path into the fitness industry wasn’t just a career choice; it was a personal crusade. Known as ‘Fat Well’ in high school, I faced my own battles with weight and self-image. This struggle wasn’t in vain; it sparked a profound commitment to transform my life and subsequently the lives of others through fitness and wellness.
At the Spooky Nook Fitness Center in Hamilton, where I teach a class called Nook RX, and at MyFitness Suites, I offer more than just exercise routines. My services are about creating a supportive, empathetic environment where clients feel empowered to embark on their health and wellness journey. I understand the challenges many face when it comes to fitness, and I’m here not just to guide but also to push you into realms of strength and confidence you may not have explored before.
Whether it’s through a high-energy class at the Spooky Nook or a tailored session at MyFitness Suites, my classes are designed to meet you where you are. They are fundamentally functional fitness classes, but with a keen understanding that everyone’s abilities and goals are unique. Can’t squat? No problem. We’ll find ways to strengthen your legs and whole body, ensuring you’re not just working hard but also working smart.
Beyond group classes, I offer individualized programming, one-on-one training, and detailed nutrition coaching. Everything is trackable through my app, providing an integrated, accessible way to monitor your progress. You’ll also find recipe guides and various templates to support you on your journey toward strength, weight loss, and overall wellness.
In essence, my brand is about transformation — not just of the body but of the spirit and mind. It’s about pushing past the ‘I can’t’ to discover the ‘I can and I will.’ So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of transformation and triumph, I’m here to lead the way, one empowered step at a time.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that ‘more is always better’ in the context of fitness and training. Early in my career and personal fitness journey, fueled by the desire to distance myself from the ‘Fat Well’ days, I adopted the belief that the more I pushed my body, the more I worked out, and the harder I trained, every single day, the better and faster my results would be. This mindset was backed by a mix of personal insecurity and a misinterpretation of what true fitness meant.
The backstory to this is rooted in my initial transformation. After being mocked for my weight, I dove headfirst into fitness. I thought relentless, intense workouts without adequate rest were the key to proving myself and achieving my goals. However, this led to burnout, injuries, and, ironically, hindered progress. It wasn’t until I started to educate myself more deeply, listening to experts and through my own certification processes, that I realized the importance of balance, rest, and recovery in a fitness regimen.
Unlearning this took time, reflection, and education. It involved shifting my perspective from fitness as a form of punishment or proof of worth to fitness as a form of self-care and respect for my body. This shift didn’t just improve my physical health; it enhanced my ability to coach and empathize with others facing similar misconceptions.
The unlearning process taught me that true strength isn’t about pushing to the point of breaking; it’s about understanding your body, listening to it, and balancing challenge with recovery. This lesson has become a cornerstone of my philosophy as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. It’s something I emphasize with all my clients, ensuring they understand that while hard work is essential, so is rest and self-compassion.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Recently, I’ve encountered one of the most significant and unexpected pivots in both my personal life and professional career due to long COVID. This condition didn’t just bring the usual fatigue and health complications; it led to seizures, profoundly affecting my daily life and ability to work. This wasn’t just a pivot; it was a moment that forced me to stop, reassess, and fundamentally change how I live and operate.
Before this, I was always the one pushing others — and myself — to be stronger, healthier, and more resilient. But suddenly, I found myself in a position where the basic activities I took for granted became challenging. This experience has been humbling and eye-opening. It made me realize that while I’ve been teaching and advocating for health and balance, I wasn’t fully applying these principles to my own life, especially in terms of rest and recovery.
The necessity to step back wasn’t a choice; it was a mandate from my body. I had to reduce my workload, delegate more, and most importantly, learn to take the advice I’d been giving others for years. I started focusing more on my recovery, integrating practices I often recommended but never fully embraced for myself, like deep rest, stress management, and holistic wellness approaches.
This pivot has been challenging, both emotionally and professionally. It’s tough to go from being the one people rely on for strength to being the one who needs support. But it’s also been a profoundly educational journey. I’ve learned the true meaning of resilience, not just as a concept to teach but as a practice to live by. I’ve gained a deeper, more empathetic understanding of what many of my clients go through, and it’s reshaped how I approach coaching and life.
I’m still in the midst of this pivot, working through the complications of long COVID, but I’m also building a stronger, more resilient, and empathetic version of myself and my brand. This experience has reinforced the importance of health as a holistic balance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As I navigate this journey, I want my clients, followers, and peers to know that it’s okay to step back, reassess, and take care of yourself. True strength isn’t just about pushing forward; it’s also about knowing when to rest and how to rise again with newfound wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Website: alecgladwell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yolked_thoughts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChatWithAlec/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1HOXIGYqyghAuVtFy2VIRw
Image Credits
Alec Gladwell