We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mayo Onakoya a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mayo, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

My journey began in 2013 during my sophomore year of college. I was playing junior college basketball at Southern Union State Community College in Wadley, Alabama— the middle of nowhere. While preparing for the upcoming season, I unfortunately suffered stress fractures in both of my legs. As a result, doctors told me I would be out for at least half of the season. I was extremely disappointed, but despite the adversity, I was able to cultivate strong relationships with athletic trainers and physical therapists. They encouraged me to look into kinesiology and exercise science as a major due to my background as an athlete. I pondered the thought but didn’t take it too seriously at that time. The following year, I transferred to Auburn University and enrolled as an engineering student. However, it didn’t take me long to realize that I wasn’t passionate about being an engineer and I was not enjoying the curriculum. After reaching out to a few mentors, I decided to switch majors and pursue a career in exercise science. I immediately fell in love with the field; exploring the in and outs of the human body and what it takes to maximize its potential amazed me. This was something I had attempted to do my whole life while being an athlete but this time, I was learning about it from a molecular level. The theory behind using science to manipulate the body into healing itself was something I found extremely fascinating. It also helped that I was blessed to go to a school that equipped students with numerous, helpful resources, like high-level biomechanics labs and access to sports science facilities. After graduating in 2017, I landed a job at Onelife Fitness in Perimeter-Atlanta where I began my personal training career. At the same time, I was also working as an Exercise Physiologist at Wellstar Health Systems in the cardiac rehab and cardiac diagnostics units. This opportunity was special. Here, I was able to see the correlation between modern medicine and fitness every single day and started developing my own ideas about health and fitness in general.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Myoathletix is a performance company dedicated to transforming lifestyles by taking holistic approaches to health, fitness & sports. The number one objective is to maximize the health, fitness and wellness of every individual. Achieving goals with smart, thoughtful program designs. Realizing that the body itself is a system, to maximize that system there are certain principles we as people should apply daily. Regardless of whether you’re an athlete, a person recovering from an illness/injury, or just someone wanting to be healthier or lose weight, there are specific principles that should be applied and my services are predicated on teaching people these techniques so they can be a better version of themselves, not for just a few months, but for life. I am a graduate from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science while earning a wellness & fitness certification with a specialization in cardiopulmonary functions. Possessing an advanced knowledge of human anatomy, human wellness and exercise physiology.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

In my experience, I emphasize to myself and clients that my business is and should be looked at as more of a lifestyle transformation. I pride myself in never going out of my way to sell or promote anything to anyone. Instead, I practice leading by example and allowing people to come to me after they’ve seen the results I’m able to produce and are fully committed in starting their own journey. I’ve learned that while advocating for people to choose a healthier way of living, it is important to never force the issue, and just let things flow naturally so that people WANT to keep going and be a part of the experience you’re offering. For me, it has always been about helping people truly commit to a long-term way of living that will change their lives for the better.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During my sophomore year of college. I was playing junior college basketball at Southern Union State Community College in Wadley, Alabama— the middle of nowhere. While preparing for the upcoming season, I unfortunately suffered stress fractures in both of my legs. As a result, doctors told me I would be out for pretty much the whole season. I was extremely disappointed, but despite the adversity, I was able to cultivate strong relationships with athletic trainers and physical therapists. They encouraged me to look into kinesiology and exercise science as a major due to my background as an athlete. I pondered the thought but didn’t take it too seriously at that time. The following year, I transferred to Auburn University and enrolled as an engineering student. However, it didn’t take me long to realize that I wasn’t passionate about being an engineer and I was not enjoying the curriculum. After reaching out to a few mentors, I decided to switch majors and pursue a career in exercise science. I immediately fell in love with the field. My parents were not to thrilled by my switch and I myself wondered if I made the correct decision. However after a few short months I realized I made a wonderful decision that changed the course of my future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myfitnesstrainingapp.com/myoathletix
• Instagram: mayo_wins
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayo-onakoya-205851101/

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