We were lucky to catch up with Heru Modern Monk Abdullah recently and have shared our conversation below.
Heru Modern Monk , 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 first introduction to understanding the physical body started when I entered college in 1994. I had a vision then—I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my high school wrestling coach, Coach Ritchie, who had inspired me to become a physical education teacher. Coach Ritchie wasn’t just about teaching sports; he was about teaching life lessons through discipline, hard work, and a deep understanding of the body’s capabilities. I admired him, and that inspiration stayed with me as I navigated my way through school, sports, and eventually into the fitness world.
Fast forward to 2000, and that’s when the real journey began. I landed a position as a personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness. I thought it was going to be my big break, the perfect stepping stone to a long career in fitness. But life, as it tends to do, threw me a curveball. Just one month into the job, the entire management team was fired. The atmosphere shifted overnight—uncertainty, chaos, and confusion filled the gym. It didn’t feel like the secure path I had envisioned, and I was left at a crossroads.
I remember standing in the middle of the weight room one evening, watching people hustle through their workouts, all while I felt the need to take a step back. There was this inner voice telling me, “This isn’t it. This is not how you’re going to fulfill your calling.” So, I made a decision that surprised even me at the time—I quit. I walked away from what many might have seen as a promising start in the fitness industry because I knew deep down it wasn’t aligned with my true purpose.
Looking back, I see that decision as one of the most pivotal moments in my life. It forced me to rethink my goals, reassess my aspirations, and figure out what I really wanted to offer the world. I knew I wanted to do more than just help people lift weights or lose a few pounds—I wanted to guide them toward a deeper understanding of their health, both physical and mental. That’s what led me toward holistic health and becoming a transformational life coach.
In the moment, I didn’t know exactly what was ahead, but I knew I had to create something that aligned with my values. It was a scary decision, leaving that first “official” fitness job, but it ended up being the best thing that could have happened. It laid the foundation for me to pursue a path that feels deeply authentic—helping people, especially men, not just train their bodies but transform their lives through holistic wellness. So, while that first job was short-lived, it was exactly the catalyst I needed to build a career that truly resonates with who I am today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Heru Modern Monk, and I’ve been deeply involved in the health and wellness space for over 20+ years. My journey into this field began early, rooted in a passion for fitness and a desire to understand the human body. Growing up, I was heavily involved in sports, especially wrestling, which taught me discipline, strength, and resilience. But as I got older, I realized that true health wasn’t just about physical strength; it involved mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, too. That’s when my vision expanded from being just a personal trainer to becoming a holistic health life coach.
How I got into the industry
My first real step into the fitness world came in 2000 when I worked as a personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness. However, I quickly realized that the traditional fitness industry was missing something—particularly when it came to addressing the holistic needs of African American men. It wasn’t just about lifting weights or losing fat; it was about aligning the body, mind, and spirit. This realization sparked my desire to go deeper into holistic health, and that’s when I founded U Are The Gym & U Are Holistic.
What U Are Holistic is all about
U Are Holistic was born out of my desire to fill a gap I saw in the wellness industry. Too often, health is only discussed in terms of the physical body, especially for men. But for real transformation to happen, we have to look beyond that. U Are Holistic is about teaching men, particularly African American men, how to integrate emotional intelligence, mental health, and self-care into their wellness routines. My goal is to help brothers not only get fit but also take control of their emotional and mental well-being. Because when you align all parts of yourself—body, mind, and spirit—that’s when true transformation happens.
What sets U Are Holistic apart is that we go deeper than just fitness programs.
We focus on the whole person, teaching men how to build sustainable habits that impact their lives on multiple levels. My programs blend fitness, nutrition, emotional intelligence, and stress management, all tailored to the unique challenges that men, especially Black men, face in today’s world.
Transitioning in 2025
As we head into 2025, I’m excited to share that I’m expanding my focus to work with all men, not just African American men. The principles of holistic health transcend race and culture, and I want to help as many men as possible live fuller, healthier lives by addressing the root causes of stress, burnout, and imbalance.
Products and Services
Through U Are Holistic, I offer a variety of services:
One-on-One Holistic Health Coaching: Customized programs to help clients improve physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
Workshops and Courses: Covering everything from stress management, emotional intelligence, and fitness to holistic wellness techniques.
Fitness and Wellness Plans: Tailored for entrepreneurs and busy professionals who want quick, efficient workouts and stress-relief techniques that fit into their hectic schedules.
Digital Products: Including eBooks, workbooks, and audio companions that guide men toward a healthier, more balanced life.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the impact I’ve made in helping men take control of their health—both physically and emotionally. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be when men begin to prioritize their well-being and start aligning their physical health with their emotional and mental needs. Watching my clients gain confidence, improve their relationships, and become the best versions of themselves is what drives me every day.
What I Want People to Know About U Are Holistic
I want potential clients and followers to know that U Are Holistic is more than just a fitness brand. It’s a lifestyle, a mindset, and a journey toward wholeness. I’m here to support men in understanding that being healthy isn’t just about hitting the gym or going on a diet—it’s about taking care of your mind and emotions too. If you’re ready for real transformation, I’m here to help guide you on that journey.
Whether you’re looking to get fit, manage stress, or learn how to balance your emotional well-being, U Are Holistic provides the tools, guidance, and support to help you succeed.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge, self-awareness and emotional resilience are key to succeeding in my field. Working in holistic health isn’t just about understanding fitness and wellness—it’s about understanding people and meeting them where they are in their journey. The ability to connect with clients on a deeper level, listen to their needs, and help them navigate their emotional and mental blocks is crucial. For me, it’s also about practicing what I teach. If I’m not counterbalanced emotionally, mentally, and physically, I can’t expect my clients to follow my lead. So, leading by example and cultivating that counterbalance is essential.
What makes U Are Holistic unique is our focus on the whole person. We don’t just focus on getting physically fit—we emphasize emotional and mental fitness as well. I aim to show busy men how to use emotional intelligence to improve their overall well-being. This involves learning how to understand and manage their emotions, reduce stress, and build habits that support long-term success. It’s deeper than just workouts or meal plans—we’re teaching men how to navigate life’s challenges in a healthier, more counter-balanced way, and that’s what sets us apart from other health coaching programs.
When it comes to our free complementary program, it’s a way to introduce men to the power of the holistic approach. It offers a glimpse of how simple practices like emotional intelligence exercises, self-care routines, and bodyweight workouts can have a profound impact on both body and mind. The program shows how aligning mental, emotional, and physical health leads to long-term change. By offering this as a free experience, I want to remove any barriers and give brothers the chance to take that first step toward transformation and see what’s possible for them.
As for why my coaching is focused on men specifically, it’s because I understand the unique pressures that men face. Many of us are taught to suppress emotions, push through stress, and tough it out, which often leads to burnout, health problems, and emotional imbalances. U Are Holistic offers a space where men can break that cycle and begin healing from the inside out—addressing not just physical health, but emotional and mental well-being as well. My goal is to help men thrive in all aspects of life, creating a movement that emphasizes holistic success.
In the end, what I want men to take away from U Are Holistic is the understanding that transformation is within reach—and it’s not just about physical change. It’s about building a strong mind, understanding your emotions, and learning how to live a more counter-balanced, fulfilling life. My goal is to show men that they already have everything they need to grow and thrive within themselves. U Are Holistic is not just a program—it’s a lifestyle shift. It’s about realizing that you are the gym—everything you need to transform your life is already within you. You just need the right tools and guidance.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation within my market is consistency and a holistic approach that addresses not just fitness but the complete well-being of my clients. Through U Are Holistic and U Are The Gym Club Academy, I’ve laid a strong foundation by starting with a complementary program—giving people a chance to experience the benefits without any barriers to entry. This builds trust and allows potential clients to see the value firsthand. From there, I focus on leveling them up by offering more tools and resources that help streamline their personal development and health journeys.
A key aspect has been simplifying the process of adding new habits that lead to positive behaviors. By breaking down complex health and wellness goals into manageable steps, I help my clients build sustainable routines. I make it easier for them to integrate healthier habits into their daily lives, which results in long-term success. My reputation is built on being able to deliver tangible results while keeping the process practical and realistic for everyone, regardless of their starting point.
By focusing on progress rather than perfection, and offering continuous support as clients advance, I’ve created a system that not only attracts people but also keeps them engaged and committed to their journey. That’s been the foundation of my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uareholistic.com/home
- Instagram: heruamunuarethegym
- Facebook: U Are The Gym Club Academy
- Youtube: U Are The Gym
Image Credits
Heru Modern Monk