For some gym goers, having a friend to workout with usually helps to keep moving and motivated. But, what about a trained professional to assist you with workouts and provide that extra push needed to see results?
On military installations, many patrons venture off-post to receive personal training. But Fort Bragg sets itself apart from the rest by offering personal training on post. Servicemembers, Family members and others have the ability to reach individual fitness goals with custom-tailored workouts right where they live, work and play. In addition to general personal training, bodybuilding training and competition preparation is available.
Dedicated personal trainer and Fort Bragg personal training program manager, Brad Willis has been in his current position for four years at Hercules Fitness Center on Pope Field. Some of his duties include management of all trainers post wide, hiring, training and marketing while still training a group of clients.
"Even though I end up doing a lot of administrative work, I still make the time to train clients," said Willis."
Willis, a native of Fayetteville, previously worked as an Army contractor on post. He has great knowledge of military life, making it easier for him to relate to his clients and environment.
"I have always been into fitness," said Willis. "I would train friends until I began pursuing personal training professionally four years ago."
A chance encounter in the gym and attention to detail, led to meeting one of his current clients, Jacqueline Gomez, a youth coordinator assistant at Stout Child Development Center. Gomez is currently an amateur competitor in the Women's bikini category and training for the North Carolina National Physique Committee's 2014 Mid-Atlantic Classic on Oct. 25 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Only four short months ago the two met. Since then, Gomez has already begun competing with hopes of placing high enough to become nationally qualified.
"I was just going to the gym and one day Brad came over to talk to me, asking if I was training for a competition," said Gomez. "I told him I was just working out, but that I was interested in competing professionally. Brad coming to talk with me, kick started my motivation to compete.
Competing was something that Gomez always wanted to do, but she had no idea how to get started.
All personal training sessions, regardless of type begin, with an assessment. Getting to know clients, keeping a positive attitude and building trust are also an important part to the training plan. After all, it is called 'personal training.'
"The number one thing you have to do to be successful as a personal trainer is to take a personal interest in your client," said Willis. "You have to care about your clients. If you're in it for the money, you will not have a rapport with your clients, which will be noticeable," he said.
"Small gestures such as spending extra time to talk with your clients can make personal training more successful."
Gomez credits Willis for keeping her focused on her goals.
"Once I started working out with Brad, everything was different," she said. "The workouts were shorter, different and I began to see results sooner. Now that I have actually begun competing, I'm hooked."
Gomez plans to continue working with Willis to meet her goal of becoming a professional bodybuilder.
Those interested in becoming a professional personal trainer can speak with Willis directly. He can be reached at Hercules Fitness Center on 763 Armistead St., Pope Field and by phone at 916-0718.
Personal Training is also contacted in all of the physical fitness centers on post. There is a cost associated with personal training, but initial assessments are free of charge. The training program is endorsed by NUCO Fitness, a local company contracted through the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. For more information on NUCO Fitness, visit: www.nucofitness.com.
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