Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wendel Galdamez . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Wendel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

I became a trainer after quitting my job at Citibank. During my time at Citibank, I was in charge of biometrics and fingerprint analysis for all the midtown Manhattan. Working for Citibank required a ton of sitting eating at my desk, long work hours. I got to a point in my life where I wasn’t even going outside for a walk. This ultimately lead to me gaining over 120 pounds and losing weight became crucial. I ended up at a staggering 298lbs and 36% body fat. I felt uncomfortable within my own skin. I was consistently out of breath and needed a way out. So, I decided to get a gym membership.

Stepping into the gym for the first time was terrifying. I thought everyone was looking at me and judging my body. After a few months I gained a few friends in the gym that were personal trainers. This made things a lot more manageable and less intimidating for me. These new friends taught me a few things about training and the freedom that came with it. They also encouraged me to learn more about the human body and eventually become a trainer. But, at that time I felt that no one would take me seriously as a trainer because I was overweight.

The thought of quitting my job, losing my insurance and benefits was by far the scariest feeling ever. I also knew that if things continued down this path of living an unhealthy sedentary lifestyle it was probably going to kill me. One day on my way to work I ran for the bus and missed it. I arrived at work late got into a small argument with my supervisor at the time. This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I had enough. That very day I proceeded to empty out my desk and remove my belongings from the locker room. I packed my bags and walked out of Citibank and never looked back.

I couldn’t see myself there for one more day. After this I spoke to the trainers that I was friends with. I convinced myself that being a personal trainer was something I wanted to do. I saw the benefits first hand and thought maybe one day I’d be able help someone else achieve their goals. After quitting my job i created a meal plan for myself, stopped drinking alcohol and hit the gym 7 days a week. After a year of doing this I went from 298lbs and 36% Bf to 181lbs and 3% Bf. I was amazed at the progress that I made and wanted to show everyone how to do it.

As I was in the process of losing the weight. I became a personal trainer at my first big box gym. I didn’t know anyone and didn’t really know what I was doing either. But I knew I had a passion and a drive to help others. In order to get clients, I decided to work from opening to closing almost 7 days a week for six months and introduced myself to every single member, handout towels, bottles of water, as well as my business cards and informed every member that I was there as the new trainer and wanted to help them achieve their goals. I went from zero clients and no sessions to 280 sessions a month and 32 clients under my belt. I held the top spot at the gym for 5 years in a row.

I knew my time was up at this current gym when it started feeling like I wasn’t learning enough. I decided to take all 31 clients and business to a high end location. That’s where things flourished and I gained more confidence. I became the top trainer at this location as well as being named top 25 trainer out of 3,000 in the company. This was due to client retention, sales, success stories etc.

I never in a million years thought I could make a living from personal training. Looking back at my life I would do it all over again.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those that don’t know me. My name is Wendel Galdamez I’m a personal trainer based out of New York City. My mom came to this country from Honduras without knowing a word of English and worked multiple jobs for years in order to provide a better life for her kids. She knew that we had no hope for success if we stayed in Honduras.

My goal as a trainer is to guide others through this difficult process and provide them with the resources in order to change their mindset so they can become a better version of themselves. For most of my clients I’ve been in their shoes and made it out. I’m here as a prime example that even if the odds are stacked against you there is always hope. Throughout the years I’ve gained a few certifications like TRX, Vipr, Kettlebell, Total body conditioning, Pre-natal and Post-natal, Nutritional coaching, Strength and Conditioning etc. and personal training certs NASM.
ACE, ISSA etc. I’m here to educate, motivate and inspire others

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I feel that my honesty, integrity, empathy and professionalism have gotten me to where I am today. My number one priority has always been getting clients to shift their focus and mindset towards a more positive outlook. I’m here to help others understand that there is no such thing as one size fits all approach to Fitness. Everyone has a different starting point. We have to meet people where they’re at and go from there.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

After leaving my day job I’ve never been happier in my entire life

Contact Info:

• Website: Workoutwithwendel365
• Instagram: Workoutwithwendel365@gmail.com