Today we’d like to introduce you to Dedrick Brooks Jr.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dedrick. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Diana… a small town in East Texas where I grew up, one intersection and you’ve passed through the town. Diana, Texas is vilified as a racist town; however, that did not impede my growth mentally, physically, or spiritually. When I was younger, I was not the fastest nor the strongest – but I had heart and was tough. I fought to keep abreast with my older cousins and peers in the neighborhood. I was very competitive whether it was a race down the street, arm wrestling, or a pick-up sporting game. Although, I was like the runt with limited talent compared to the rest of my relatives. I was eager to become better. Many times, I would do hundreds of push-ups and sit-ups daily. One of my elder cousins had a weight room in his back yard, and I yearned to get access to begin lifting. At the age of 9 or 10, he finally allowed me to begin my weight lifting journey. I would also seek information from “community legends” regarding how they achieved success. I was all ears to acquire knowledge on how to gain strength and build muscle. I immediately implemented the tactics they shared, such as, wearing ankle weights and pulling tires with weights in them. Often times, I overtrained which created a monster mentally. Absurdly, I later learned that the majority of the things I was advised to do was either harmful or obsolete.
Junior college/community college was deemed the best route for me by my high school counselor. But I had a bigger vision, and thankfully I sought out my own plans. I researched how to apply to colleges, and applied to several. I was accepted to quite a few universities, but I chose to attend Sam Houston State University. They offered me the best opportunity which leads to me becoming a dual-sport athlete, where I would play football as well as the run track. Our football team won two Conference Championships with National Championship appearances during my time with the team, and as a track runner I won a Conference Championship, All-Conference Honors, and had multiple Preliminary Championship appearances. Most importantly, in 2015, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a Minor in Business. In 2017, I obtained a master’s degree in Sport and Human Performance. Meanwhile, I interned at IX Innovations for three years under the advisement of Abdul Foster, Firdose Khan, and Leo Johnson. Also, I interned for a year at Mo-City Fitness with Tony Jones. Currently, I am an independent trainer at LJ Performance Training, Leo Johnson’s new training facility.
Has it been a smooth road?
“Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations” (Goldsmith). Without a doubt, my path has not been traveled with ease. I have faced many trials including unemployment, financial hardships, and death. Just after graduate school, I lost my job. Then I began training at LJ Performance Training in April 2018 with only two clients. By the end of the month, I was up to roughly about six clients. As a newcomer to the fitness industry, every month my clientele would fluctuate. My expenses did not stop just because I was unemployed. Tragically, I also had to deal with the death of my best friend, Andre Moseley Jr. Which I still hadn’t gotten over the death of my cousin that happened a couple of years back, Demetra Carter-Lewis. They were both really close to me. Sadly, I was struggling with balancing my emotions, finances and a new career. On the bright side, the road I was traveling became smoother. I was learning to cope and adjust. In August, my clientele grew and it has continued to flourish. I look forward to what life brings in 2019!
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6KJV
A bible verse my grandfather gave me during some rough times in life that has guided me till this day.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with DB Performance Training – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
DB Performance Training, LLC independently trains out of LJ Performance Training facility. I am a Performance Specialist/Strength and Conditioning Coach emphasizing on functional movements and mobility. I truly love what I do, and whether I am training an elite professional athlete, preteens, teenagers, women, or men I provide each individual with exceptional service. I desire to help my clients achieve whatever goals they have set. ALL of my clients are able to experience training like pro athletes. My satisfaction comes from the lives I am able to impact through the industry. Being innovative in my training system and providing a wide range of affordable services without compromising the quality of training is one of the many things that set me apart from the rest. Scheduling is very flexible and makes it easy on an individual who needs flexibility but also accountability. The approach I bring to the table allows me to bridge the gap between the everyday athlete with a 9-5 job, to professional athletes.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What is there not to like about such a unique city with so much culture and diversity. This city provides opportunities that a kid from the country like myself dreams of their entire life. I would say if there is anything I dislike, it’d be the traffic and nonstop construction that seems like it takes years to finish.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5717 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77057 - Phone: 9034248187
- Email: dbperformancetraining@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dedrickbrooksjr?igshid=mxms7xfux1be
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dedrickbrooksjr/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dedrickbrooksjr
Image Credit:
Samuel Ray IG: @samuelrayy and @samuel.visual
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
