I recently had the opportunity to interview coach Brown of Jump Start Fitness and to navigate the thoughts, emotions, and craft of the man who is integral to providing fitness training after classes on Mondays and Wednesdays to the clients here at the JKRC. With me in my flip flop slippers and Coach in his fitness sneakers, we sat in conference on the luxury of a life dedicated to what one loves.
In general, when Coach Brown is analyzed, the first thought to mind is how handsome he is. The second thought would be that he is he a fitness trainer by design. Who could possibly imagine him doing something else? But, hey! Looks can be very deceiving. Coach originally worked in a printing company for years after he completed school. While working in printing he began working part time with fitness training. Gradually, he found himself focusing more of his time on fitness and learning more about fitness techniques. His ability to engage with all kinds of people also became a natural part of his fitness routine. From Coach Brown's experience, fitness training was not an expectation, nor did he intend on pursuing it full time. And yet in the words of Coach Brown, "I believe it was my calling to be able to assure others that fitness is not intimidating.”
Considering the fact that Coach Brown has no visual challenges, I inquired about his preparation for working with a visually impaired/blind person. He replied that he was always acclimated to hands on techniques; this was in part due to his father’s experiences in the United States Marine Corps. He explained how he and his two brothers took part in their father's practice with hand to hand combat. These experiences resulted in his involvement with the United States Judo Federation.
Coach Brown speaks firmly on his desire to help both disabled and visually-impaired persons. In his words, "I've always looked forward to doing something above the norm.” He loves working with those who are intimidated by the gym. This gives him patience, motivation, and assurance to accept the challenge of helping those of us at JKRC who find the gym a daunting place.
Along with the other challenges of fitness, results are what entertain Coach the most. He loves to see his trainees begin to move improve in various exercises and overall fitness. The coach feels that the first little step to weight loss or fitness is independence and confidence within yourself. The rapidity of results shouldn't be a main priority; something as little as taking a routine walk will help a person succeed in his or her goal of physical improvement. Little things are what count the most, because to start little is to begin to succeed.
I inquired about the drama that might take place in being a fitness
trainer, but Coach didn't have much to say on that topic. I compared this drama to a scene in a soap opera or work setting. He replied, "Yes, there's
drama. When dealing with different people each day there will always be
drama, depending on their state of mind and where they happen to come from before class and what goals they have set for themselves.” As I traveled to the destination of my inquiry he flat out giggled,"Yes, drama's a part of it!”
Coach Brown believes if he weren’t a physical trainer he would definitely not be one to sit behind a desk. Maybe being a physical education teacher or physical therapist would be an option for him. Hey, it's his calling, people! The key to being a trainer, according to Coach, is the desire to be around people, to feel content and to be open and prepared for anything.
My nosey little Gemini personality asked Coach Brown about his challenges and dramatic experiences. But you know I couldn't end this article without asking who he thinks needs the most work with fitness in JKRC. As I sat with two Lays potato chip bags, my tape recorder in one hand and a chip in the other heading for my mouth, he responded, “I think the one who is interviewing me now with the two bags of chips.” Yeah folks, I'm the one who has to lose the pounds!
Although I am the roughest he's not going to give up on me. With that being said here's another statement from Coach Brown on his love for what he does. "I believe I'm working in my calling as we speak by being a physical trainer. I love what I do, and I'm only looking for greater things as far as working with individuals who are disabled and visually impaired.”
