Get to Know Derrick

Get to know Derrick, our wonderful and dedicated Saturday morning trainer! When he’s not motivating and inspiring clients, you can find him teaching kids as a Health and Physical Education teacher. This month, he’s answering some health and fitness related questions.  

What inspired you to become a personal trainer? 

I was inspired to become a personal trainer thanks to my sister and brother-in-law. Back in the 1990s, they worked as personal trainers and taught aerobics classes at a health club called Woody’s Workout, and watching their passion for fitness had a lasting impact on me. 

What’s your favorite part of training clients? 

My favorite part of training clients is motivating others to become healthy and fit. I love making a positive difference in people’s lives and building strong relationships with my clients along the way. 

What was your fitness journey like? 

My fitness journey started with a strong passion for sports, where fitness was always an important part of my life. In school, I became especially interested in learning how the human body works. That curiosity inspired me to pursue a career focused on health and movement, such as athletic training, personal training, or physical therapy. 

How do you balance fitness with the rest of your life? 

Right now, I’m a full-time health education teacher and I also do personal training on the weekends while raising a family, so life can definitely get busy at times. However, good time management and having a structured routine really help me balance fitness with work, social life, and rest. 

What are your current personal fitness goals? 

My current personal fitness goals are to maintain overall strength and endurance, stay consistent with my workouts, and continue improving my health so I can set a positive example for my clients and family. 

What’s your favorite exercise? 

 My favorite exercise is probably the power clean and press because it’s a total-body workout that builds strength, power, and coordination. 

What’s your least favorite exercise? 

 My least favorite exercise is probably long-distance running. While I understand its benefits, it’s not something I personally enjoy as much as strength and power-based movements. 

What type of workouts do you enjoy most (e.g., weightlifting, cardio, yoga, HIIT)? 

I enjoy weightlifting the most, with cardio workouts mixed in on opposite days to keep my routine balanced and effective.