We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandon Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brandon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
The Unbreakable Bond Between Family and Fitness: How My Mother Shaped My Journey
As I reflect on my journey to becoming a fitness enthusiast, I am reminded of the countless individuals who have played a significant role in shaping my values, work ethic, and passion for health and wellness. But there’s one person who stands out from the rest – my mother. She’s the unsung hero who laid the foundation for my love of fitness, and I’m forever grateful for the lessons she taught me.
Growing up, my mother was the epitome of discipline, character, and grit. She instilled in me the importance of being studious, hard-working, intentional, and respectful. These qualities not only helped me navigate the challenges of childhood but also opened doors to opportunities that I never thought possible. My mother’s influence extended far beyond the classroom, though. She was also instrumental in introducing my brothers and me to the world of fitness.
Laying the Foundation: Bodyweight Exercises and Nutrition
I vividly remember the countless hours my mother spent with us, doing fitness videos. We’d spend hours in the living room, doing push-ups, squats, and lunges, laughing and competing with each other. These early workouts not only helped us build strength and endurance but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition that has stayed with me to this day.
But my mother’s approach to fitness wasn’t just about exercise; it was also about nutrition. She made sure we ate balanced meals that fueled our active lifestyle, and she taught us the importance of moderation when it came to indulging in treats. We’d have our fair share of cakes, candies, and other sweet treats, but my mother always made sure we had a healthy foundation to fall back on.
The Power of Parental Influence
Looking back, I realize just how significant my mother’s influence was on my fitness journey. She showed me that exercise and nutrition weren’t just about physical health; they were also about mental toughness, discipline, and self-care. By introducing me to fitness at a young age, my mother helped me develop a lifelong passion for health and wellness that has stayed with me to this day.
Passing on the Legacy
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of passing on the lessons I learned from my mother to others. Whether it’s through writing, coaching, or simply being a role model, I believe that we all have a responsibility to share our knowledge and experience with others. By doing so, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that inspires others to embark on their own fitness journey.
Takeaways and Tips
So, what can you take away from my story? Here are a few key lessons that I’ve learned from my mother:
1. **Start early**: Introduce your kids to fitness and nutrition at a young age, and make it a family affair.
2. Focus on bodyweight exercises: You don’t need a gym to get started with fitness. Bodyweight exercises are a great way to build strength and endurance.
3. Practice moderation: It’s okay to indulge in treats every now and then, but make sure you have a healthy foundation to fall back on.
4. Find your passion: Fitness is a journey, not a destination. Find activities that you enjoy, and make them a sustainable part of your lifestyle.
5. Pass it on: Share your knowledge and experience with others, and inspire them to embark on their own fitness journey.
In conclusion, my mother’s influence on my fitness journey has been profound. She taught me the importance of discipline, hard work, and moderation, and she helped me develop a lifelong passion for health and wellness. As I continue on my own fitness journey, I’m reminded of the power of parental influence and the importance of passing on the lessons I’ve learned to others.
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.
My Journey to Becoming BGreat: From Athletic Training to Holistic Wellness
As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the twists and turns that have led me to where I am today. My name is Brandon Taylor, but my friends and clients know me as BGreat, or BGr8 for short. My passion for fitness and wellness began during my college days at Cumberland University, where I initially majored in Athletic Training. As a football player on scholarship, I thought I had found the perfect combination of academics and athletics. However, I soon realized that balancing the demands of football with the rigorous clinical hours required for athletic training was a challenge I couldn’t overcome.
A New Path Unfolds
I made the decision to switch my major to Exercise and Sports Science with an emphasis on Human Health and Performance. This new path allowed me to delve deeper into the world of exercise and nutrition, and I thrived in this area of expertise. My passion for helping others achieve their health and wellness goals was ignited, and I became determined to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me.
The Power of Ambassadorship
As I continued to learn and grow, I became an ambassador for a sports nutrition marketing company. This opportunity allowed me to work with individuals who were seeking to lose weight and improve their overall health. I was amazed by the results we achieved together, with some clients losing over 100 pounds in just a few months. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the human body but also instilled in me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
A Shift in Perspective
As I continued on my journey, I began to develop my own views on what it takes to truly thrive as a person. I was exposed to a documentary called Game Changer, which had a profound impact on my perspective. The film’s message about the benefits of a plant-based diet resonated with me, and I decided to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. This decision was not only driven by health reasons but also by a desire to live in greater harmony with the natural world.
The Discovery of Holistic Medicine
As I delved deeper into the world of holistic medicine, I began to appreciate the intricate relationships between the human mind, body, and spirit. I realized that even the simplest actions and food choices can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. I started to make changes in my own life, and the results were nothing short of remarkable. I felt more energized, more focused, and more at peace. I knew that I had to share this knowledge with others, and so I began to recommend these changes to my clients and friends.
The Rise of Calisthenics
After my football days were behind me, I discovered a new passion for calisthenics. I was drawn to the idea that true strength and fitness come not from mastering barbells and metal weights, but from mastering one’s own body. I realized that the stronger our joints, ligaments, and other connective tissues are, the better equipped we are to handle the demands of life and athletics. This understanding led me to focus on helping young athletes and children develop a strong foundation in bodyweight exercises, giving them the best possible chance of success in their respective sports.
My Business: Empowering Others to Thrive
Today, my business is dedicated to providing guidance, impact, and structure to help individuals of all ages and backgrounds achieve their health and wellness goals. Whether it’s in the kitchen, in the gym, or in the comfort of their own homes, I believe that making simple changes to our lifestyle and food choices can have a profound impact on our overall function and well-being. My mission is to empower others to take control of their health, to educate them on the importance of holistic wellness, and to provide them with the tools and support they need to thrive.
The BGreat Philosophy
At the heart of my business is a simple yet powerful philosophy: that the simplest actions and food choices can have a profound impact on our lives. I believe that by making conscious choices about what we eat, how we move, and how we live, we can unlock our full potential and achieve a state of optimal wellness. My goal is to inspire and empower others to join me on this journey, to take control of their health, and to live a life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Being a welcoming, friendly person is the most helpful quality in succeeding in my field. It is a requirement to be a light in this industry. The more you are willing to pour into others to help them feel empowered to become the best version of themselves, the greater your business will become. Word of mouth travels faster than any marketing strategy in the world. How you treat others matters tremendously. In this field, it is of utmost importance with it being a business driven by relationships.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The Unbreakable Bond of Fatherhood: My Journey as a Young Parent
As I reflect on my journey as a young parent, I am reminded of the countless challenges and triumphs that have shaped me into the person I am today. Becoming a father as a junior in college was a life-altering experience that tested my resolve, discipline, and perseverance. My son, Amir Rahshad Taylor, was born amidst a whirlwind of activity, as I juggled my responsibilities as a leader in my fraternity, a member of the campus community, a student, and a football player.
The Early Days: Balancing Parenting and College Life
Those early days were a blur of sleepless nights, early morning diaper changes, and frantic attempts to balance my college life with the demands of parenthood. I vividly remember taking my son to lunch with me, strolling around campus, and even bringing him to class when his mother was busy. The Cumberland University campus became a second home to my son, and he grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of academic and athletic pursuits.
The Power of Community and Support
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the incredible support system that helped me navigate the challenges of young parenthood. My family, friends, the campus community, and my son’s mother were all instrumental in providing a safety net of love, care, and guidance. However, as a man, I knew that it was my responsibility to answer the call daily, to be a present and involved father, and to ensure that my son witnessed his father being the best version of himself.
The Lessons of Resilience
Raising a child amidst the chaos of college life was a baptism by fire, but it taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, discipline, and accountability. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, when the weight of responsibility seemed crushing, and when I doubted my ability to be a good father. But through it all, I knew that I had to persevere, for my son’s sake and for my own.
A New Chapter: Co-Parenting and Personal Growth
Fast-forward to the present, and my son is now a bright and curious 5-year-old, thriving in school and bringing joy to all those around him. His mother and I may not be together, but we remain committed to co-parenting and providing a stable, loving environment for our child. As I prepare to graduate with my master’s degree in the spring, I am reminded of the power of education and the importance of continuous learning. My son’s mother, a certified teacher, is also pursuing her master’s degree, and together, we are modeling the value of hard work and determination for our child.
A Message of Hope
As I reflect on my journey, I hope that my story can serve as a source of inspiration and hope for others who may be facing similar challenges. Becoming a young parent can be daunting, but it can also be a catalyst for growth, resilience, and transformation. To all the young parents out there, I want to say that you are not alone, that you are capable of overcoming any obstacle, and that your child is worth every sacrifice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, to lean on your support system, and to trust in your own abilities. And most importantly, remember that being a good parent is not about being perfect; it’s about being present, loving, and committed to your child’s well-being.
The Legacy of Fatherhood
As I look to the future, I am reminded of the profound impact that fatherhood has had on my life. Being a father has taught me the value of selflessness, the importance of role-modeling, and the power of unconditional love. As I continue to navigate the ups and downs of parenthood, I am committed to being a source of guidance, support, and inspiration for my son, and to leaving a lasting legacy that will shape his life for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https//www.instagram.com/bgr8teen
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-taylor-348043188/
