Leading the way with Thai James | Personal Trainer | Brooklyn, New York
Posted on July 22 2019
What’s inspired you to enter into the world of health & fitness? What’s your story?
Yoga came naturally to me, with a background in dance, I truly found my happy place. I soon noticed that others could see a change in me as well and teaching became an outlet to share yoga with others. It was not fair to keep the benefits of yoga to myself, so I knew that I had to pay it forward in my community.
What’s Your Training Style? (bootcamp, one-on-one, group?)
I provide alignment centric yoga classes tailored to the group or person in front of me creating a practice that is authentic to them. Also, providing private, group and corporate instruction.
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 quickly noticed that I would be the only African American in trainings and most of the time also the only male. I have learned to embraced being the only one and have used it as a marketing strategy. If I'm teaching a class or taking a class I will stand out and be memorable. My practice then becomes my business card.
Practice what you teach. I have come to understand the importance of finding your own practice creating space for me as the teacher to reset giving me the ability to give myself fully to my students.
What’s your primary vision and mission as a trainer? How does this translate in your work with current or potential clients?
If my students feel empowered to make the right choices in their practice then I have done my job. Yoga is the union between mind and body and once that line of communication is clear, that is yoga. When a student chooses child's pose during their flow they are listening to what their body needs at that moment.
What impact do you desire to make in your community?
Being seen, in the fitness community as a gay black male is a huge part of creating awareness and acceptance and ultimately replace just awareness and acceptance with love and compassion.
Where do you see your business in the next 5-10 years?
I have fallen in love with international retreats and taking my practice all over the world would be my dream. I have no expectations but hope to connect with others internationally to better myself and continue making an impact on a global scale with no borders, no barriers and no limitations.
Where can people best reach you and learn more about the impact you’re making in your business?
Website: www.YogawithThai.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/YogawithThai
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogawithThai
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