Today we’d like to introduce you to Coach Ekong.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I would say my fitness journey officially started in high school. Growing up, I was blessed to have the supervision of militant Nigerian parents. They provided me everything I needed and some of what I wanted, including the gift and curse of helping me stay out of trouble while also making sure I was prohibited from engaging in most normal teenage pastimes-like sports. Surprisingly, in my childhood my parents actually wanting me to stop barricading myself in my room playing video games and actually get out of the house to play, opened up the opportunity to them seeing an ad in the newspaper for kids to play football in our area. Eventually, they would end up signing me and my brother up to play Pee-Wee football that summer. This is where I found my love for athletics. In their minds surely, they were just thinking I would just enjoy the summer experience and once the season was over, be done with it. They were wrong, instead, football provided the outlet I needed to express myself, but more importantly, began the road to me learning the process of improving the body and mind.
Over time, I slowly started to notice how these weekly football practices were helping to transform my then 12-year-old frame, which really got me excited. I was seeing changes I never knew existed. Shredded abs, bicep and tricep muscle separation, even calf muscle definition. It was like playing my Madden Football video games and going into the “Create-A-Player” Mode.
As I continued to work out and get more serious, it seemed others began to take notice. Frequently, I would start to get questions about what gym I went to (even though I was just working out in my room), then I would be asked recommendations for what exercises I thought would work best for certain trouble areas people claimed they were struggling with. Me, being so passionate about fitness, would deliver each answer with a child-like exuberance, and energy would leave a lasting impression on most. Explaining all the things that were working for me in my own training, even what I was eating before and after was really helpful to people. This proved to many that my passion was something they could trust in.
Soon after, I would receive multiple offers asking how much I would charge to train them. At the time, I was only in my early 20s, so it was shocking at first, but I accepted. After a few weeks of clients seeing great results and word-of-mouth spreading, I put my LLC together and started my business. And well… as they say, the rest is history.
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?
Personal training, like most businesses, does transition with seasons. The early part of the year will see peaks and then the drop-off right around school time and holidays, and then back up again. Keeping clients motivated can also be challenging at times, and the amount of energy it takes to really customize workouts, meal plans, etc. requires you to truly love every aspect of health and wellness. At least if you’re a trainer worth your salt, in my opinion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I am most proud of my children’s book I just finished last year which recently hit #1 on the Amazon’s Best Sellers list in the travel category. My children’s coloring book is entitled “The Gospel Activity Book of Bible Stories. As a follower of Jesus and someone who loves to give back to our youth, it just made sense. What makes my book different, and so well received in my personal opinion, is that it identifies stories which open up the idea of characters that looked like the people of Africa which is not seen with most children’s story books covering parables in the Bible. I think the opportunity for some minorities who have been misinformed on the history of who they are, and how much they matter, felt like an important narrative to influence for the better. It was important for me to tap into the communities I likely would have grown up in, myself, and really give them the love they deserve. Making sure they know they are attached to images of themselves doing miracles and wonders, which I believe holds immense value and really adds to the fabric of our country!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The industry of fitness will likely add more technology which I believe was improved upon during the pandemic. I can also see that there is room for different ways to cut time on cooking high-quality and nutritious meals. So, whether that be delivery services or affordable in-home chefs that would be similar to like an Uber service, speed will add more acceptance to healthier living. Lastly, I can predict that the virtual fitness option won’t be something that gets too expansive. It’s my belief that the personal connection with your trainer physically is still something people prefer.
Pricing:
- Adults 5 sessions – $220.00
- Couples 5 sessions – $370.00
- Teens 5 sessions – $270.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lifechanginc.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/coachekong
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/coachekong
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/thalifechanga
- Youtube: www.Youtube.com/thalifechanga
- Other: www.instagram.com/the_gospel_activity_book
