Today we’d like to introduce you to Chavona Hawk.
Hi Chavona, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My passion for fitness started when I was a small child. My older and only sibling, my brother, began lifting weights when he was 12 years old (7 years my elder). I watched him compete in powerlifting and bodybuilding competitions throughout his life and I soon fell in love with the fitness world. I became serious about weight training in my 20s and it has been a love affair ever since.
I have always trained people on the side while I worked other jobs throughout my life. After some encouragement from my husband, I decided on quarantine, that I was going to pursue my passion and open Survival of the Fittest. The doors opened in July 2020.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
You find out what you’re made of when you open a business and build it from the ground up. I think one of the scariest moments for me was deciding to open my business during a pandemic. It was a very unpredictable time that brought new challenges to everyone let alone a new business!
The struggles: There were struggles with time management and all of the hours involved in getting a new business off the ground. Financial challenges. Figuring out how to transition from the job I was currently working into full-time personal training. The lack of financials during that time. The ability to get equipment during a time everything was shut down. Weight equipment was in hot demand for everyone’s home gyms they were creating.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a certified personal trainer who specializes in strength/conditioning training and nutritional coaching. My clients will tell you that they don’t come in and do the same ole exercise over and over. I’m not like other trainers. I love creating and developing new exercises of my own that help you build muscle mass.
The more muscle you build, the more fat you burn. Isn’t it awesome that you will burn more calories and fat at rest because of the muscle you are growing?! I am most proud of my clients! I am so thankful for everyone and the results they have achieved from their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the process.
It is not easy to get up every day, look in the mirror, and decide to physically change yourself knowing that it will take time, sweat, hard work, consistency, and determination. It’s not instantaneous and it doesn’t happen overnight. At the end of every day, I can say that I truly want my client’s success in their fitness journey…sometimes I want it more than they do but that is part of the process as well.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
I would encourage anyone starting in the personal training business to follow your version!! Then there are to be challenges along the way but are you going to dig your heels in and fight for your dream or are you going to give up?! I would encourage anyone starting by becoming physically fit the same way as above! There are going to be challenges but how badly do you want it?!
Are you willing to put in the hard work, the time, the sweat equity, and have the determination? I will say that you only have one body and it deserves the very best you can give it so it can get you through this life. It’s NEVER too late!! My 80-year-old mother is also one of my clients. I am thankful for all of the experiences I had starting. I wouldn’t change one. Those experiences helped me grow as a person and gave me valuable wisdom.
I can truly say that it has been worth every adversity, every challenge, and every struggle to be able to help others transform into the best version of themselves they can be not only physically but mentally. They go hand in hand. When I lay my head down at night, I am beyond grateful God has allowed me to help others create positive life changes.
Pricing:
- Varies from $190-$400 dependent on package choice and fitness goals.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Taylynn Ball
