Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernai Brown-Holman.

Hi Bernai, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My journey has been anything but straightforward, marked by unexpected twists and turns. I began my career as a second-grade teacher, where I found joy in inspiring young minds full of potential, love, and curiosity. I initially envisioned a long-term career in education, possibly as a reading specialist, which aligned with my academic background.

However, my path took a significant turn when I developed an interest in fitness. This spark was ignited by a fitness magazine my husband bought me, featuring the inspiring Alicia Harris on the cover. I drastically changed my diet, embraced the true meaning of fitness training and exercise, and soon found success in figure competitions. Encouraged by friends and family, I began helping others achieve their fitness goals, which led me to pursue certification in this field.

Through this process, I realized the profound impact that fitness and nutrition have on our lives. I had an epiphany: had my grandparents known what I now know about exercise and nutrition, they might have avoided their premature deaths. This realization fueled my mission to spread the message of health and wellness to my family, communities similar to mine, and even my students. I believe that health is generational; educating children can lead to fuller lives, while educating elders can extend and enhance their lives.

Amid my journey, I faced significant challenges with anxiety and depression. In my search for alternatives to medication, I discovered the powerful benefits of mindfulness and movement on my overall well-being.

A few years ago, I made the bold decision to leave teaching and dedicate myself full-time to my fitness business. I felt a profound need to invest my time and energy into what I now consider my mission. Currently, I run my personally developed program at schools, organizations, and businesses that focus on harnessing the power of mindfulness and movement to help individuals live life to the fullest and become their strongest selves, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I am incredibly grateful for how my diverse experiences have converged to shape my current path.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I often wish my journey had been smooth and easy, but I recognize that the challenges I’ve faced have shaped me into the person I am today. One of the biggest obstacles has been dealing with change. The uncertainty and unfamiliarity of new situations can take a toll on your hope, faith, and self-esteem. Leaving my job was the most significant risk I’ve ever taken, but it wasn’t the only major leap of faith. After making that initial decision, I found myself constantly taking small steps, hops, or leaps, trusting that each one would eventually lead me to the next level, even though I couldn’t see the entire staircase.

Balancing all the responsibilities that come with being a wife, mom, and entrepreneur has also been challenging. However, time has shown me that resources are available and that I have what it takes to continue making my mark on the world. The journey has been anything but smooth, but it has taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
GoStrong Fitness, LLC (GSF) is dedicated to reducing health disparities in marginalized communities, with a primary focus on women and children. What sets GSF apart is our commitment to generational health. We work with children through school programs that promote healthy habits, social-emotional strategies, and overall wellness. Simultaneously, we support adults in building toolkits to manage stress, break unhealthy habits, and establish new, life-extending practices. By educating, equipping, and empowering diverse age groups, we foster healthy generational cycles that combat the current health epidemics affecting our communities.

GSF collaborates with clients, schools, and organizations to provide tailored programming and coaching aimed at setting and achieving realistic fitness and health goals. We offer fitness, health, and nutrition classes, professional development sessions, workshops, and conferences. Our holistic approach ensures that we address the unique needs of each individual and group we work with, creating sustainable, positive health outcomes.
We take pride in our ability to create lasting impacts on the lives of those we serve, fostering healthy futures for generations to come.

What were you like growing up?
I’ve never quite fit into a mold. I loved wearing dresses but also enjoyed climbing trees and riding my bike down hills at top speed. I was passionate about playing basketball and equally excited about ballet because of the pink tutu.

From a young age, I was very health-conscious. I gave up red meat around the age of seven or eight, believing that vegetables were healthier, and I made sure to walk often for heart health. Despite my thrill-seeking nature, which often kept my parents on their toes, I was also a stickler for getting good grades. This commitment to academics continued throughout my schooling, including my master’s program.

I’ve always had a big heart and a strong desire to help others, including animals. It’s core to my being to want to see people at their best, and it deeply affects me when I see or hear of someone struggling.

Just as it was then, it is now—I can’t be defined by a single interest or activity. I am multifaceted, and at this point in my life, I have learned to appreciate and embrace that fact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gostrongfitness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernai_gostrong_holman/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernai-holman-fit/
• Other: linktr.ee/Bernai_GoStrong_Holman