Leading the way with Crystal Williams | Personal Trainer | New York, New York
Posted on June 05 2019
What’s inspired you to enter into the world of health & fitness? What’s your story?
It's actually a long story, but those who take my classes know it very well. The first 27 years of my life were very sedentary (aside from my "crunch-til-i-die" rampage I went on in Senior Year of high school to get ready for the prom!). Contrary to this fact, I grew up in a household filled with exercise equipment as my father was very fit - he had a physical job (construction worker) and still got his workouts in. I, however, didn't take to the fit lifestyle after losing both of my parents to cancer - my Dad when I was 24, my Mom when I was 27. I took losing my mother particularly hard, and spent the remainder of that year in a deep depression, filled with self-sabotage and loss of direction (I also decided I no longer wanted to pursue the field I was in; I was the editor-in-chief of a very popular hip-hop news site). About nine months after losing her, I decided that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life being a victim, and that I wanted to lead a healthier lifestyle. I joined a bootcamp lead by an amazing instructor, and I started taking healthy eating and nutrition seriously. I began not only shedding weight (70 lbs!), but regaining my sense of self. I started posting about my journey on Facebook, and then the craziest thing happened - random folks began dropping in my private messages, asking for fitness advice - to the point where I was spending copious amounts of time speaking to people about starting their own fitness journey. I then thought to myself, "you've been looking for your purpose in life, maybe this is it." The fire was lit after that! I went on my mission to become a group fitness instructor, and here I am today!
What’s Your Training Style? (bootcamp, one-on-one, group?)
I do it all! My background prior to fitness is in hip-hop, and as such, I see myself s as a fitness emcee - I move the crowd! In simpler terms, I teach many different group fitness modalities - bootcamps/cardio, strength training, beat-based/choreographed strength training, TRX, Urban Rebounding and my specialty - Indoor Cycling!
What are some of the barriers (if any) that you face as an African-American in the fitness community? How do you overcome them?
The main barrier I experience as an African-American woman in the fitness industry is that no one expects me to be the instructor! Even when they see me adjusting music at the stereo, setting up equipment for the class about to take place, I still get asked "do you know when the instructor is coming in?" Black women don't always fit the image of what fitness looks like. It used to offend me, but now I take it in stride whenever I'm answered that question. I identify myself politely with a smile that says "I'm about to kick your ass into gear in this class!" But it is a major issue as a whole. If you look at the demographics of instructors at gyms, African-American women are the least represented, especially in boutique fitness. Shout out to the gyms I currently work at though; as I am very happy to report that I am not the only Black female trainer there.
"Start strong, finish STRONGER! Your attitude determines your latitude!"
What’s your primary vision and mission as a trainer? How does this translate in your work with current or potential clients?
Fitness, especially via social media, can be shoved down our throats as a mandory task we all have to do in order to not die. Although that very well may be true, it starts to get on the same level of completing your homework as a kid - its a requirement to graduate school and puts on a track to future success, but that doesn't ignite our desire to do it. I try to present working out to my clients as fun experience to look forward to - it's either your social hour (which can happen once like-minded clients start coming to classes and begin friendships with each other), or your hour to focus on nothing but yourself. I strive to take the chore out of working out by creating an atmosphere of catchy music and good vibes in the studio - I run around making jokes and slapping fives. If that doesn't work, then I encourage clients to see working out as a blessing. Not everyone is blessed with the means to afford a trainer or a gym membership, but even more, not everyone is physically able to work out. You have a body that can move - honor it. Respect it. Nurture it. And it will never betray you.
What impact do you desire to make in your community?
I want to instill in my community especially with Black women) that fitness is for EVERY person, everybody and EVERY BODY. You don't have to own a pair of $120 leggings to go to the gym, and you don't have to be a former D1 competitor to consider yourself an athlete. Too many women have come up to me after class expressing not only having enjoyed the workout, but relief that they felt comfortable being themselves in the space. That response delights and saddens me at the same time. Although it has gotten better in the past few years, the NYC fitness scene (and its advertising/messaging can come off as intimidating and exclusive, and it shouldn't be. I'm doing my part to crush that stigma, for the sake of folks everywhere who need or desire to embrace a healthier lifestyle but are afraid to.
Where do you see your business in the next 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years I plan to own my own gym - which will see the return of HIIT Hop Cycle, my live DJed, rooftop indoor cycling class! Everyone will want to #GetTheirFitLife!
Where can people best reach you and learn more about the impact you’re making in your business?
http://cryswillfitlife.com
To find my teaching schedule, client services and blog, you can check out my website, CrysWillFitLife.com. To see me wax poetic on everything fitness, music and beyond, head over to my Instagram account, @CrysWillFitLife. And I follow back!
cryswillfitlife
http://facebook.com/cryswillfitlife
###.
0 comments