Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Hamil.
Brandon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Wow, this may take a minute. Health and wellness have been a top priority for me my entire life. Throughout high school, I was tall and always referred to as skinny. I hated that!!! Now, hear me out, having a problem with self-image is the same regardless if we weigh 350 lbs. or 85 lbs. In my teenage years, I did what most still do to this day. Cling to what garbage is being spouted out by the least authoritative source. Needless to say, I learned lessons the hard way.
As I aged and educated myself, so did the desire to help and educate others. I received my first Personal Training Certification at the age of 18. Working the front desk at 17, and studying every chance I got, my fascination with how we function grew. This was back in 1998, so yes, I do have a little applicable experience.
While in college, my life took a little detour as I chased the dream of a Deep-Sea Diver. That story is for another day. I always did everything in my power to challenge myself, all be it physical toughness or mental fortitude. At this time, I finished my Associates in Paramedicine Specializing in Dive Medicine & Hyperbaric Treatments. Fancy sounding title to be the ship’s medic and working diver. Basically, I was there for when things got bad, to minimize loss of life or limb. All the while continuing to further my education obtaining a degree in Physiology.
As life would have it, what began my adulthood, is now what brings joy to my life. I’m glad that my trials and tribulations can be used to help others navigate the pitfalls, as I use them for examples of what NOT to do.
Though my job title is that of a personal trainer, I feel a closer resemblance with a coach, as I go beyond the physical transformation. Every opportunity is taken to educate, even while we train. No cards held close to the chest nor secret diet myths hidden, NOPE!!! My focus is to make such an impact, I work myself out of a job. The great thing is there’s always someone else in need of help.
How I started is why I’m where I am today.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
During my over decade-long journey diving, I never lost the passion towards health. I would rally the other divers for some early morning pt on the bow of our ship. We didn’t have a weight room, so I learned to make the best with what you’ve got. After suffering a career-ending Type II DCS (Decompression Sickness) affecting my central nervous system. Things we do daily, most of the time take for granted, became arduous, to say the least. Things as simple as tying my tie or buttoning my shirt, I had to relearn. I say these not out of pity, but to show you must never give in. Excuses are dangerous because they’re valid. I received my associates while in the middle of the ocean. From crawling, quite literally some days, to peak physical condition. No challenge has stopped me yet.
Truth be told, I’m glad it’s been challenging. Makes you appreciate the small successes that much more.
Please tell us about Fitt Life Fitness.
I was given the great opportunity to join Fitt Life at the turn of 2016 and have considered it home ever since. We are far from the cookie cutter gym. What makes us so unique is something you must experience, as putting it to a word does no justice. There’s so much energy in the air, sorry to sound infomercial-like, it will better your day. Fitt Life has been my outlet to help others make alterations in their life for a better future. From pulling a client from the brink of diabetes to not even notable or taking over patient care to further rehabilitate a knee.
The best thing about being the US, being surrounded by like minds whom all want to better themselves.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
We had a small farm as a child where we raised cattle for a butcher. I idolized my father and thought he was and still do, a superhero. One late afternoon while re-tagging (that’s the act of putting your identification on the cow’s ear, a bull got out of the pen).
I remember my father chasing this bull down and by all definition bull-dogging this animal to the ground. It’s quite reminiscent of a stature on the grounds of a castle in Germany. It depicts Hercules wrestling a bull.
As children we all believe our parents to be super-human, the only difference for me is I never stopped believing.
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