Life & Work with Robert Thomas of Antioch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Thomas

Hi Robert, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“My fitness journey began at a young age, around nine or ten, when I was introduced to weightlifting by my father, who was a bodybuilder. Accompanying him to the gym and watching him train for bodybuilding competitions sparked my interest in strength training and set the foundation for my future in fitness.

In 2010, I attended college, where I developed my skills further by training teammates and friends. My experience and knowledge in weightlifting allowed me to guide others, teaching them proper form and technique. Although I graduated in 2016 and pursued a different career path, I continued to train people occasionally, keeping my passion for fitness alive.

In 2022, after my previous career concluded, I decided to return to my true calling: personal training. I committed myself fully to this path and have been dedicated to helping clients achieve their fitness goals ever since. Today, I’m training at The Lab Studio Training in Antioch, Tennessee, where I finally have a home gym that allows me to make a lasting impact within my community.”

I also have a clothing brand incorporated with my personal training. My clothing brand includes various fitness gear wear.

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?

“The journey hasn’t been smooth; it’s had its ups and downs, particularly due to the inherent challenges in the fitness field. Some clients are highly motivated to make a change, while others may be uncertain or face financial limitations that prevent them from continuing their training. Beyond client dynamics, navigating the path of entrepreneurship has presented its own obstacles. Building a business has required significant personal investment, especially as I work toward establishing business credit and securing funding. Until I reach that level, I’ve been covering most of the expenses out of pocket. Despite these challenges, each step has been a valuable learning experience, and I’m committed to pushing forward.”

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

“My previous career was in juvenile justice, where I spent eight years in leadership roles. With a master’s degree in leadership and a natural inclination toward guiding others, I’ve always been the go-to person for problem-solving, whether as a team captain in sports or in professional settings. These experiences developed my skills in communication, motivation, and conflict resolution, which I now apply to personal training.

Currently, I am focused on personal training, where I specialize in helping clients reach their fitness goals through personalized programs and support. Additionally, I work in the trucking industry to gain experience and a deeper understanding of logistics, with plans to eventually start my own trucking business. This dual career path allows me to apply my leadership skills and expand my knowledge.

What sets me apart is my commitment to consistent, responsible leadership. From a young age, I’ve been seen as mature beyond my years, often making decisions that prioritize long-term goals over short-term impulses. Many in my age group struggle to find this balance, but I’ve always been someone who stands by my word and makes careful, impactful choices.

I’m most proud of the obstacles I’ve overcome and the challenges I’ve faced along the way. These experiences have made me resilient and have fueled my passion to help others. Throughout my career, I’ve held roles where I was able to help people succeed, train them in essential skills, and offer guidance that truly benefited them. Knowing that people have looked to me for advice and respected my leadership is incredibly rewarding, and it drives me to keep building on this foundation.”

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?

“My advice to anyone starting out is to stay focused and committed to your goals, no matter the obstacles. Early on, I had a clear vision of becoming a personal trainer, but I got distracted and ventured into a completely different career path. In hindsight, it sometimes feels like I’m playing catch-up, but I don’t regret it. That detour taught me valuable lessons and skills that have shaped who I am today. However, I’m grateful to be back in my true niche, doing what I’m passionate about.

Additionally, I would recommend anyone with an EIN or LLC to seek out a mentor who can teach you the ins and outs of business development. Understanding how to write grants and secure funding can make a huge difference, so you don’t have to rely solely on personal finances to sustain your business. Having the right guidance and resources is key to long-term success.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.4thqtrpressure.fitness/home#64b95bdb52e53c6aa73e68eb
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robtdagreat20/profilecard/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15TYQjpNuA/
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/158fWPcGqF/