Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Collier, Jr.
Hi Robert, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It was during my pre-teen period that my story began. I have always wanted to accomplish something that would make me different from the crowd. I searched for that in different athletic areas such as track, football, and powerlifting but there was one area that I fell in love with, which was, and still is, powerlifting.
During the summer months, I noticed my uncle, T-Mac, and one of my older cousins, Billy, Jr. frequenting the gym often; they were both so swole. As an impressionable pre-teen, around 12 years old, I looked forward to the summertime that year because I decided to ask my uncle if I could go with them to the gym to observe what they were doing. He immediately responded, “Come on, hop in the truck.” That was the day that changed my life forever. As we walked into the gym, which would end up being my high school field house, I vividly remember how dusty, smelly, and hot (no AC) it was in there. The weights looked as though they had been there for at least 50 years but for some reason, I fell in love with it all, I didn’t mind any of that. I watched my uncle and cousin throw around weight that was two to three times their body weight; I was hooked. It was at that very moment, I knew weightlifting was going to be my thing.
Fast forward a few years later and it was my turn. My cousin went off to play college football and I was next in line to take his place at the gym with my uncle. I remember my uncle asking me, “Are you ready to start lifting?” Of course, I replied, “Yes!” So, the training began. I remember day after day, putting in nothing but hard work, with some days just me and him in the gym. As a result of being consistent and working hard, I started getting stronger and stronger. Not only was weight training helping me physically but also mentally. The stronger, and more confident I became in the weight room, the stronger and more confident I was in life. One day my coach asked me if I wanted to join the powerlifting team. I didn’t know too much about the sport but I knew weights were involved so I immediately said, “Yes!” My uncle T-Mac kicked up our training, and by the time I was 17 years old, I was able to bench 500 lbs. In 2002, I went on to hold the THSPA State Record in powerlifting for bench press.
After high school, my plans included playing college football and retiring from the NFL but God had other plans for my life. After enduring a couple of years of doubting myself, and feeling down about life, and what my situation had become, I decided to go back to my first love. It may sound cliché, but I am so glad I have a praying family that stuck by my side and forced me to keep my head up. Weight training, working out, exercising, going to the gym, whatever resonates with you about fitness, I wanted to know all things fitness. I decided to go back to school to learn the intricate details of fitness with a focus in personal training. I was eager to help others feel strong and confident, just like I felt in the gym and outside of the gym.
I came across a dude I call, the Guru, Dave B. with National Personal Training Institute (NPTI). He sparked a fire in me that has yet to go out. I learned so much from him and I’m still learning from him. I continue to call Dave anytime with any questions I may have and he is still as knowledgeable as ever. Once I graduated from NPTI, I set out to not be the best personal trainer but the best personal trainer that I, myself, can be. I have worked at several big box gyms, and corporate gyms, and though I loved the people I was training, working for the different big box gyms just wasn’t for me. The majority of the time the client was not a priority which goes against what my values are in business. I don’t count those experiences as losses but I view them as necessary lessons that shaped me into a better personal trainer and a better person.
The positive and the negative experiences, led me to this very chapter of my life today, which is REC Performance Training. In October of 2022, I was Blessed to have recently relocated my business to a spot I can call my own. It has definitely been a journey. My brand continues to reflect what I believe in, what I stand for, and definitely what I have worked hard to represent. I like to Train Hard, have fun, and use fitness, in general, to help myself and others conquer this thing called life. The harder we push ourselves in the gym the better we are able to handle things outside of the gym.
When you train with REC Performance Training, you are working with a trainer who is totally invested in your well-being and your fitness goals. I don’t send you on a journey alone, I tag along for the ride because we are a team and together we will succeed! As I often say, “TRAIN REC!!”
Alright, 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?
Starting a business was definitely not easy. The moment I decided to branch out on my own a little over 9 years ago leaving a “secure” job that paid me a guaranteed salary, had me filled with mixed emotions. It has been even scarier relocating my business just 10 minutes down the street in October of this year.
Those same feelings when I started the business, came rushing back. It was super scary, extremely exciting, really busy, and riddled with setbacks, disappointments, and nervousness all at the same time. I would say the unknown is the scariest part. I didn’t know if what I was getting ready to embark on would be accepted or even liked, nor did I have a clue as to if my current clients would follow me, or how they would even perceive the new location. All of those things ran swiftly through my head just about every day.
What you eventually realize is that if you are genuine and knowledgeable, your motives are pure and you are helping clients reach their goals, everything will work out just fine.
We’ve been impressed with REC Performance Training, 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?
REC Performance Training has recently relocated 10 minutes from its former location now closer to I-10 and Katy Mills Mall. A Private Training Facility located at 26077 Nelson Way, STE 1408 Katy, Tx 77494. COME. TRAIN. CONQUER.
At REC Performance Training, our mission is to help you learn to enjoy using your body to achieve your fitness and life goals. We want to help you reach new heights you didn’t think possible through engaging, innovative training and development techniques of the highest caliber. Our assignment is to work together, not only to better ourselves but to inspire those around us every day.
I am not only the owner, but I am also a personal trainer with REC Performance Training. I received my first certification with the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI), and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), plus I am a Certified Applied Performance Enhancement Coach (CAPEC), and Precision Nutrition (PN1) certified. Lastly, I have also received the Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification (PPSC). I believe myself to be loyal, and always available to answer questions or clarify any uncertainties that may arise. Simply put, I just believe in serving others which means being available for my clients’ fitness needs!
REC Performance Training offers the following services:
~ 1-on-1 Personal Training
~ Partner Personal Training
~ Small Group Training
~ Recovery
~ Nutritional Guidance
~ InBody Testing
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I won’t speculate but I can speak on what I have noticed and that is a lot of personal trainers come and go. My belief is that those personal trainers were in it solely for the money and what they felt was a “plush” gig. What people fail to realize is that it’s more than getting clients in the door, “tiring” them out, putting them all on the same meal plan, and just essentially taking their money.
As a trainer, you have to be knowledgeable of the inner and outer workings of the human body. One must understand at least the origin and insertion points of muscles, the meaning of anterior, and posterior, know the adductor/abductor muscles and be able to recognize and teach proper form. In conjunction with all of that, ultimately, the biggest goal is how to prevent or work around an injury or multiple injuries, even some contraindications. These things, and more, work in harmony to achieve set goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.recperformancetx.com/locations
- Instagram: @trainrecgym
Image Credits
Coby Rich of Get Rich Productions
