Today we’d like to introduce you to James Atatah.
Hi James, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started this fitness journey after the passing of my father in 2018, I have always been athletic and have done athletic challenges (5k, 10k, half marathon, triathlons, and endurance Competitions).
In early 2019, I went in for my physical and thought it would go the same as it always does however the results from the doctor showed that my cholesterol was out of tolerance and my blood pressure was high. My doctor wanted to put me on medication to bring it done and control my tolerance. This was a day of awakening as it scared me as to know that my life could change forever and even shorten. I went to get the prescription and after reading all the effects it could do on my body, I called my doctor and asked her if she would give me a year to change my health. I began to question what change in me that caused this health issue. When I reflected, what I realized is that I got complacent on what I was putting in my body. That same year I began a new role that required heavy travel, and that travel came with a nice food allowance.
I worked out the same but my diet changed and I was eating a lot of pork and red meat. The ah-ha moment hit me and I immediately cut the pork and greatly reduced the red meat. I went for a 6 month follow up and the tolerance was trending down to normal levels and by January 2020 my results from the physical were the total opposite. My doctor told me everything was in the proper level for my age. I told her that a good workout and diet program goes a long way.
I decided after that that that I wanted to change lives. Not just for the short-term gain for appearance and heath but I want to help people create better habits to help them sustain a healthier lifestyle. I went on to obtain my personal training certification and started Elite Zone Fitness. Now I am using my story to help others all around the country.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I do not think any road is quite smooth. Some of the challenges I faced were barriers to entry from getting into a gym. Typically big box gyms do not allow independent trainers to use the facility as we are seen a threat to their trainers. Independent gyms allow for some training but the proses are very high and typically very difficult for trainers to make a decent income.
I was very fortunate that my brother started up a warehouse and added a nice size gym. I was about to get a low rate to access his gym and have been using that facility to train clients and change lives.
Another barrier is clients who need the service but cannot afford a top-tier program or clients who have the financial resources but very little time. I decided to make a program that would help subsidize costs by creating a hybrid platform. My clients can work with me remotely and in person.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Elite Zone Fitness?
Elite Zone Fitness offers in-person, online and hybrid personal training programs to meet various clients’ needs. Our philosophy is creating healthy habits change life for the long term. We are known for our ability to adapt to our client’s needs.
We live in a face pace world and our business model directly aligns to constant change with environments and real-life obstacles.
We specialize in functional training, cross-fit, strength and conditioning and diet support.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, you have to learn to adapt and being able to hold clients accountable for their milestones. You also need to celebrate wins consistently no matter how big.
Pricing:
- $50 per session for in person training
- remote sessions start at $99.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elitezonefitness.com/
- Instagram: elitezonefitness.ezf
Image Credits
PhotobyOaks
