Leading the way with Sharita Jennings | Personal Trainer | Washington, DC
Posted on June 10 2019
What’s inspired you to enter into the world of health & fitness? What’s your story?
I have been infatuated with health and fitness since I was a child. I started watching and following along with TV fitness shows and videos like "Body Electric" (and all its leotard + tights glory), TaeBo, and anything my Jillian Michaels. It has always been fun for me to challenge my body and find new ways to build strength and feel powerful. This naturally translated into me making up workouts for my friends and I and sharing my favorite moves with anyone who would listen. I feed off that high that comes when I'm able to help my clients discover their untapped strength and gain crazy confidence in doing so!
What’s Your Training Style? (bootcamp, one-on-one, group?)
I love leading groups in workouts. We are able to feed off of each other's energy and motivate each other to keep pushing through those last remaining reps. Now I am able to bring my classes to my online audience, which is such an honor to help people who may not live where I do.
What are some of the barriers (if any) that you face as an African-American in the fitness community? How do you overcome them?
I would say making contacts with brands which would offer the greatest financial stability in this brand. It's easy to be overshadowed by the "barbie-like" fitness influencers and coaches out there, when I just look like a "real" woman with some guns. I just have to be a lot more persistent to be noticed, as we do in most industries. But, it's a challenge I face proudly, and hope lessens for fitness professionals who come after me.
Keep Sweating. This is a reminder to not only be active, but to push yourself to break a sweat (literally and figuratively). Everything we want is right on the other side of our most challenging moments. Finishing those reps, making a deadline, or going after a seemingly impossible goal. Keep sweating, and you'll reap the rewards.
What’s your primary vision and mission as a trainer? How does this translate in your work with current or potential clients?
My primary mission to make fitness feel fun and make it more accessible. "Fun" is a cliche word, but I hope to find more ways to help people treat being active like something they get to do, rather than something they HAVE to do. We're blessed if we can move around and break a sweat, and we should celebrate that as often as possible! As for work with future clients, this mission drives my diligence to simplify exercise and eliminate as many barriers to exercising as I can. I do this with more flexible coaching options, workouts that can be done with or without a gym and just being an example in how I live my life. The more examples we can see of "regular" people being active and healthy, the less impossible it will seem for us to accomplish.
What impact do you desire to make in your community?
I want to help change the stereotype of what a fit person is supposed to look like. I am not skinny, I have muscle, and I don't starve myself. People just like me have everything they need to take control of their health, and I hope to share reminders and expertise on just how to accomplish this. I also hope that overtime, I can help to reduce the cases of chronic disease that plague my community.
Where do you see your business in the next 5-10 years?
I see my business becoming a resource of on-the-go workouts, accountability, and education on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As an avid traveler and nomad, I look forward collaborating with brands to show people just how to align their health goals with their desire to live their best life and see the world. You can do both!
Where can people best reach you and learn more about the impact you’re making in your business?
www.getfitlikethat.com
You can reach me on Instagram @getfitlikethat, and of course on my site: www.getfitlikethat.com!
www.instagram.com/getfitlikethat
www.facebook.com/getfitlikethat
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