We recently connected with Joshua A. Kitto and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Joshua A. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
After earning a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) certification, I went headfirst into applying for jobs as a personal trainer. Common Stone Age lore in fitness states the only way to make it in the beginning stages is to work for a corporate gym. I applied for a position at two different facilities.
One of the companies actually brought me through all stages of the interview process. I was pretty certain I was hired. Happily ever after, right?! No, I wasn’t hired. This left me somewhat jaded and depressed for a few days. But, every great individual doesn’t allow rejection to stifle their progress.
For a number of years (not consecutive; wife and I moved a few times in 2020-2021) I had a strong relationship with the owners of a family owned gym. I told the owner about my struggles finding employment in the fitness industry. She suggested this: “Why don’t you just train people here!? You can keep whatever you make. Just get a few new members for us in the near future.”
Needless to say, sometimes the answer to our problem can be evident and plain as day. I decided to make an Instagram profile for marketing purposes. I started tagging the gym in my videos. The gym (Strength and Fitness Center) doesn’t have an instagram, but a location page exists.
Fast forward to now: I have a handful of wonderful clients. Most I coach with exercise programming, technique, general nutrition, and mindset. A lot of individuals in this world struggle mentally. I want my clients to be as sound or even more sound mentally as they are physically.
It’s kind of funny. I thought i would be most passionate about working with individuals who w ant to do physique competitions. Really, I like working with those who want to be better in all aspects; not just physically. Feel great, move great, and look great is the new trifecta, in that order. Being told “Before we started working together, I was depressed and my mobility was poor. Now, I feel confident and very mobile.”
From my years as a recreational bodybuilder,I became very knowledgeable in regards to gaining muscle, The bigger i became, the more insecure i became! Body dysmorphia was ruining my life. bUT, finding the love of helping others really changed my life. Bodybuilding is usually very self centered and selfish. I would prefer to share my wisdom with the world. I will not live forever, but my teachings may live on beyond me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Name: Joshua A. Kitto Business: Rational Wellness & Training
Instagram: @rationaljosh
Industry: Personal Training/In-Home Training/Coaching
Offerings: Personal Training (in a gym or in-home), Exercise Programming/Coaching (online), Nutritional Therapy (wife is certified to offer NT), Consultations (regarding supplementation,
How I got into PT: Since 2012, I’ve been very passionate about resistance training. I grew up with a learning disability and severe ADD. Usually, I was a few steps behind most in school (besides Language Arts and Psychology). So, i gravitated towards building a physique that demands respect. Foolish of me, i think while looking back. But, i was hurt and troubled. The weights were always there, even when others failed me. I didn’t need anyone besides myself. This was my own way of excelling.
This became an obssession, All of my free time was devoted to learning more about physique development. This eventually began to include development of character. Eventually, thr thought hit me: WHy don’t i actually offer my services and what i know to the world? I’ve spent years building knowledge and skills related to fitness.
Fast forward to 2022: I decided to get more into mobility training. I started to learn more about mindset optimization. Really, being a PT started to seem like a riskmi wanted to take. Obtained a CPT cert in Decemeber 2022
2023: Started Rational Wellness & Training with my lovely wife. She has been my rock, Always encouraging me, even though most individuals think i’m crazy by not working a “safe” job. But, I sold my soul to several companies. Where did it ever get me besides in a state of misery and lack of fulfillment?
I take an integrated approach with my clients. I’ve worked with individuals from all walks of life. All actually have a history of injuries.
My niche is making exercise accessible and fun for as many people as i can. Working hard doesn’t have to be terrible. I prefer to work with individuals with past injuries/limitations. My specialty is getting these individuals moving well, being confident, and busting down any labels/limits they have placed on themselves while prioritizing safety and effectiveness.
What sets me apart: I take time to get to know my clients: motives, desires, strengths, weaknesses, abilities, etc. No one has the same abilities, goals, or skeletal structure. Each and every person is much different than one another. As such, the programming such reflect this. The fitness industry is full of cookie cutter folks who treat people only as numbers. I treat each client as their own unique person. I even enjoy messaging my clients just to conversate. I can’t stress enough how important it is to build a strong relationship with my clients. This is a mutual relationship: 50/50.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Being an excellent listener with compassion is something I believe really elevated my business from others, starting at day one. Realizing everyone has a different perspective on life also helps. Being aware of each individual’s limitations (due to lack of mobility/stability/strength/past injuries) is also crucial. Also, I think taking the viewpoint of “We are working TOGETHER” really is understated. I don’t believe in the drill sergeant method.
Respect, empathy, awareness, kindness, and being a strong listener are crucial.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Busy and productive are two different things.
For example, I could be busy all day without anything to show for it (i.e. i live in a place with rough winters. I could shovel snow all day from the banks into the driveaway, then move it back.) What would this accomplish? basically nothing besides occupying time and expending effort.
Productivity yields results. Being productive is being efficient and effective with you time. Their is a goal in sight. Direction is present.
I can get more done in two hours if i utilize myself in a productive way, versus being busy and directionless for 12 hours.
It’s not purely how much time is spent; the way time is utilized can’t be overlooked.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=APwXEdfShEuCv9elhn1kfsrF8hx4oNAvCg%3A1680617156698&q=Rational%20Wellness%20%26%20Training&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgU1I1qEhMNkpOS0oyszRNS7NMMzS1MqgwMU-0NDU2STJLsbBItkgxX8QqE5RYkpmfl5ijEJ6ak5OXWlysoKYQUpSYmZeZlw4Ap0eNJkgAAAA&mat=CS6d_9zPZDDH&ved=2ahUKEwjYioPlspD-AhVHITQIHW29BLYQrMcEegQIcxAD
- Instagram: rationaljosh
- Other: Email: [email protected] Phone: 906-360-9850
Image Credits
Joshua A. Kitto (myself)