Leading the way with Cortez Leshon Wallace | Personal Trainer | Chicago, IL
Posted on June 03 2019
What’s inspired you to enter into the world of health & fitness? What’s your story?
I wanted to teach others on how fitness can change your life mentally, physically and spiritually. I discovered fitness back in high school. I was always active as a kid. I and friends would ride bikes, play king ball(it’s Tag but with a football),play sports, race, and just live the kid dream. I got intrigued with fitness when I graduated the 8th grade. I played football for Lafollette Park District team – Wildcats. I also played flag football in middle school which only got more interested in fitness once I hit high school. I was 5’5, 100-110 lbs., and just little as can be. I wanted to play football so I decided to put some size on. I came to a conclusion that just drinking my milk and eating my veggies won’t make me 6 feet. I decided since it didn’t seem like I was growing anymore, to get wider. I decided to put some size on. I started getting bigger, and I noticed all the benefits that fitness has to bring. I played football all 4 years, ran track 2 years, wrestled for a year (went 20-1) and played baseball for a year. I was in the best shape of my LIFE. It was then time to head off to college. However, now I and fitness were like BF/GF. My first year of school at Marietta College, I went from 120 pounds to 140. I was amazed. I fall in love with fitness instantly. I loved everything about it. I loved how it changed my life and I wanted to spread the knowledge about fitness. I wanted to help others reach their fitness goals, but also help them in life. Fitness is more to it than just making gains. FITNESS IS A LIFESTYLE. Year after year I saw myself getting more and more involved with fitness. Now I am a personal trainer, author, and a plant based — soon to be alkaline chef. I am even thinking about opening a gym. Fitness has open so many doors for me and has introduced me to a new world. In 2016, I competed in my first NPC (National Physique Committee) show and I didn’t place, but I still loved every moment of it. I would have never thought that one day, I would be so involved with fitness & also competing on a national level. Recently, I left my corporate job and pursued my passion full throttle. It was difficult at first because I recently graduated college May 6, 2018. So I took a big pay cut, but I love the freedom I have now. Plus, I am able to do what I love. Now, I am an transitioning alkaline chef, personal trainer for Prestige Personal Fitness & Title Boxing Club, assistant track coach and assistant flag football coach for my former middle school.
What’s Your Training Style? (bootcamp, one-on-one, group?)
Group and One-on-One
What are some of the barriers (if any) that you face as an African-American in the fitness community? How do you overcome them?
Barriers you face are people not wanting to work with you, others trying to use you or not getting the opportunities you deserve. You overcome them by staying true to yourself and chasing your dreams no matter what. You will always have obstacles; because the universe is trying to see how bad you want it
Spark A Change
What’s your primary vision and mission as a trainer? How does this translate in your work with current or potential clients?
I want to make people aware of the benefits of fitness, aware of the benefits of nutrition, and how fitness can help you obtain a healthy mind, body and soul. This translates into my work by how I interact with clients. I pour my all into my clients so they have everything they need so they can obtain their goal. I also lead by example. I don't request my clients to do things that I can't do. I practice what I preach.
What impact do you desire to make in your community?
I want to help everyone with their fitness and health goals. I want to change the food stores in my community
Where do you see your business in the next 5-10 years?
Globally impacting lives.
Where can people best reach you and learn more about the impact you’re making in your business?
https://tezfitness.com/
My website: Tezfitness.com Instagram: Tezfitness/ Tezthechef/ Whatsontheback Twitter: Tezfitness Facebook: Tezfitness21 Youtube Channel: TezFitness
https://www.instagram.com/tezfitness/
https://www.facebook.com/tezfitness21
https://twitter.com/TezFitness
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