Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Bruce. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michael , appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
I wish I started ‘Whoa Fitness’ sooner. When I started Whoa Fitness it was back in February 2019. I had been in jail for 8 years. Through the time I spent being away, a huge part of how I spent my time was through fitness.When I was paroled home, I didn’t really have much confidence to chase my passion. I ended up doing construction for the most part. It wasn’t something I really happy about,though I knew it was going to be a steady income and input structure in my new chapter. I was in really bad in shape. From working everyday, along with consistently eating out,not having time for myself to focus on what I loved doing. I started to put myself first, by better myself from within. I noticed the lack of inactivity with the nutritional guidance. I wanted to share that with others. Which led me to pursue personal training to help others better themselves. I got my certification in, nutrition and fitness training. I began with classes, 1 on 1 training, and small group training as well. I made sure to emphasize biggest key, which was the nutrition. Which many of us, aren’t to knowledgeable about.
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.
Whoa Fitness is a brand that focuses on the betterment of each individual. From working on the internal to the external part of the body. We specialize in strength and resistance training. We have classes, where we lift, cardio, stretch/yoga and endurance training as well. These help to boost self-esteem and confidence. We are primarily nutritional driven, then secondary to the working out. We offer weekly meal plans to our community. This part of the program is where many of us struggle, and here are to help with that issue. We strive for transformations, whether you are on a weight loss, weight gain or maintenance journey. Our 3-month transformations is what I believe puts us out there. We have a very accountable and strong community amongst ourselves, which I feel like is very important on a fitness journey. We love to have fun while working out as well. It makes it more enjoyable.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
It was a point, my biggest decision was giving up my current job at construction to pursue my passion as a full time trainer. I was 100% sure that I wanted to fulfill my passion, just didn’t know what the outcome would be. I had to take a risk on myself, that once I decided to focus on scaling my business/clientele, I would make it work no matter what. It wasn’t easy because, where I was became a comfortable place for me. In order for it to work, I had to make myself uncomfortable. Which became a mantra I believed in, “in order for you to change you have to make yourself uncomfortable.” If I didn’t take that leap of faith, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
How’d you meet your business partner?
I met my business partner,Belba (Bee), when she first started training with me. She was on the beginning of her fitness journey and became really consistent. Belba, became curious about the workouts, how to teach/train. Always asking questions. We talked about the idea of her becoming a trainer. I taught her everything I know. To conducting classes, how to correct form, going step by step demonstrating the workouts, as well as, the science behind the art of fitness. We did our due diligence on the biggest challenge many people have,nutrition. She later became certified as well. She initially was in nursing school and found fitness to be a greater passion/dream. Together, we’re an unstoppable team. We work really well together, because of the dynamic of teacher to student role, vice versa. She’s relatable to the women we train, because she went through the process of starting her fitness journey. Belba exudes great energy to Whoa Fitness.
Contact Info:
- Website: whoafitnessnyc.com
- Instagram: @whoafitness
- Other: Tiktok- Whoafitness