We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Myrie Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Myrie below.
Myrie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?
I moved to Atlanta Georgia from Tennessee a couple years after graduating from college. I had a background in retail sales and customer service so decided to sell something I believed in, which was training and exercise.
I interviewed at a Bally Total Fitness and an Athletic Club in Buckhead. The Bally’s interview went really well but the gym environment didn’t look too promising but I would’ve gotten my foot in the door. The Athletic Club interview was in three stages and I seemed to have aced them all. After accepting the job at Athletic Club I felt I was in over my head!
Here I am, this 25 year old aspiring physique model trying to sell health and fitness to people 2-3 times my age with physical ailments and previous injuries. I definitely was in the deep end of the pool. Luckily, I had a great mentor and gym culture that allowed me to grow and experience another side of fitness and training.
I worked there from 2008 to 2014 and that gym was a tremendous learning opportunity for a new trainer like me. I currently run my own personal training business out of Urban Body Fitness in Atlanta.
Myrie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As a kid I was into comic books and action movies similar to a lot of 80’s babies. I admire the human physique and martial arts. So at an early age I wanted to know how to develop my body into that of a super hero! My body developed through sports in grade school and high school, as I was known for being in excellent aesthetic shape.
Upon accepting my first job as a trainer I learned about how the body adapts and heals from sports injury, wear and tear, and bad nutritional habits. It was a wake up call! Not everyone has the capacity or the desire to train for looks. Lots of folks just want to feel capable and be out of pain. An older generation of people just want to be able to pick up and chase their grandkids.
There are different reasons to exercise and each individual has their own why. As a strength and conditioning coach it’s important to understand why and how to help your clients, using the same passion that you have for you own fitness goals.
I will always see myself as a student in this industry since there is so much knowledge to learn, retain, and practice. The learning never ends, and how to apply the science to your clients is an art form. My brand as a strength and conditioning coach is to engage, instruct, and inspire all individuals through the fundamental principals of strength, conditioning, and human movement.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Having a passion for learning, humility, and communication are very important. Continuous learning and communication with your clients and peers in the fitness industry allow you to network and grow. Knowing how to “deal” with various types of clients can make one very resilient.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My personal knowledge of training and marketing. Looking the part as a trainer is very important, it’s the first marketing you can do. As potential clients ask questions and see the passion and knowledge you have for your craft, the word gets out that you are a strong source of knowledge and are trustworthy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.myriejackson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrie_jackson/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mjstrengthandconditioning23
