Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Buckner.
Hi Brandon , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Be Lifted By Brandon: The Story Behind the Mission
My story has always been written in sweat, discipline, and second chances. From the time I could walk, movement was my language — athletics, competition, pushing limits. I always knew I wanted a career that was fast-paced, rooted in science, and made a real difference in people’s lives. But before I could help others rebuild their health, I had to rebuild my own.
For nearly eight years, addiction and alcoholism had me in a chokehold. I lost direction, drive, and purpose — but not permanently. That darkness became the soil where the seeds of transformation were planted. I decided to fight my way out, not just to live, but to live fully — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. That awakening became the foundation for everything I do today.
I stayed committed to growth even in my toughest years. At Albion College, I studied Kinesiology and played D3 football as a place kicker — the perfect blend of body and mind. My grandma, one of my biggest inspirations, encouraged me to become a certified personal trainer during my junior year, setting the stage for the career that would define my future.
After college, I spent two years working in a physical therapy clinic, honing my understanding of rehabilitation, anatomy, and injury prevention. But something inside me kept whispering that I was meant for more. So I took a leap of faith — one I can only describe as divinely led — and pursued personal training full-time.
That leap was terrifying. Self-doubt, fear of failure, and uncertainty were daily battles. But I pushed through and grew into a head trainer role at Burn Boot Camp in Northville, Michigan. Over the next three years, I built confidence, changed lives, and connected with people in a way that reminded me why I was called to this path in the first place.
Then came a new chapter — marriage to my incredible wife, Melanie, and a move to Houston, Texas. There, I joined F45, climbing from coach to performance manager, then to studio and district manager. Each role sharpened my leadership, business acumen, and understanding of what people truly need to thrive.
Eventually, the calling grew louder: it was time to build something of my own. After months of brainstorming, prayer, and countless conversations with mentors and loved ones, Be Lifted By Brandon was born — a mobile personal training business built on convenience, accountability, and empowerment. I bring the gym to my clients, equipped with everything needed to deliver safe, effective, and transformative workouts anywhere.
But the brand is about far more than exercise. It’s about elevation. I’ve been to the bottom — and I’ve been lifted out. My mission is to help others rise too. Be Lifted By Brandon exists to guide people out of the dark, to help them find strength, confidence, and a higher quality of life — from the feet up.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Addiction brought me to my knees in every sense. I won’t dive into the gritty details, but the hardest battles weren’t always external — they were the wars happening in my own mind. Overcoming destructive thought patterns and learning to rebuild belief in myself was like rewiring my entire operating system.
Beyond sobriety, I had to discover my dream — not just what I was good at, but what gave me meaning. Like most people, I wrestled with the tension between purpose and paycheck: How do you do work you love without losing control of your time, your peace, or your family?
For a while, I felt trapped on the hamster wheel — working hard, giving my best, but never feeling fully aligned. Eventually, I realized freedom wasn’t something to find; it was something to build. My business became that vehicle — a way to serve others, live with purpose, and still give the best of myself to my wife and family.
Because at the end of the day, success means nothing if the people you love never get to see you live it.
We’ve been impressed with Be Lifted By Brandon , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Be Lifted By Brandon is more than a fitness service — it’s a movement built on transformation, trust, and convenience. I created it to make health and confidence accessible for everyone, no matter their schedule or starting point. I bring the workout to you — your home, apartment gym, or outdoor space — with all the equipment needed for a complete, effective session.
My specialty is resistance and strength training, with expertise in modifying exercises for all fitness levels, ages, and injury histories. Every workout is designed to be safe, personalized, and — most importantly — enjoyable. You’ll never get bored, and you’ll always leave feeling stronger.
I offer flexible scheduling, affordable session rates, and an initial complimentary consultation so we can get to know each other. That first session helps me understand your goals — and helps you see if I’m the right person to guide you there.
What sets Be Lifted By Brandon apart is the personal connection. I’m not just training bodies; I’m building confidence from the ground up. My brand stands for more than lifting weights — it’s about lifting lives, one rep at a time.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Start before you feel ready — because you’ll never feel fully ready. Clarity comes through action, not hesitation. You’ll stumble, second-guess yourself, and fail a few times, but consistency beats perfection every single time.
Work on your interpersonal skills — be empathetic, outgoing, and genuinely care about people. Fitness is as much about connection as it is about movement. Clients don’t just remember your workouts; they remember how you made them feel.
And study. Then study again. Know anatomy, muscle origins, and insertions like the back of your hand. Understanding how the body functions separates an average trainer from a great one.
Most of all, stay true to your “why.” When your mission to help others grows stronger than your fear of failure, success becomes inevitable.
Pricing:
- Starting at $75 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Brandonspersonaltraining.org
Image Credits
Photos provided by LO Photography
