Today we’d like to introduce you to Ukay Ekong.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My fitness journey began at age 12. At the time, my family and I were residing in Irving, TX, which was the home of IBFA Football. This was an organized youth football league similar to that of the very popular Pop Warner Youth Football Association. Pop Warner, then and even now, has always been known for bringing together some of the most talented youth the city for football.
Early on, football became my passion. Not only the sport but the discipline. The challenge and strategy of the game, as well as the idea that just one executed plan could somehow transfer towards success, was something I began to embrace whole-heartedly. It wasn’t long after joining the team that I could tell that my hard work was finally paying off. We were winning game after game, and my play on the field was getting noticed by even the opposing teams. Soon enough, I found more and more conversations with my coaches surrounding my mental and physical gifts. Each coach was detailed on explaining how not everyone was born with natural talent, and how continual work will make me unstoppable not only in sports, but in life. Great mentors and adults surrounding me those early years really gave that rare wisdom I needed. Looking back at that time in my life, those conversations truly helped in the foundation of my growth into my teenage years.
Fast forward a few years, and I enrolled into high school. Quickly I found things seemed to get a bit more challenging. Especially when you factor in that I was an American male, that just happened to also be of Nigerian descent. If I’m honest, my freshmen and sophomore years in high school were dark times. From getting on the school bus in the morning, not knowing what projectile would be thrown at me, to sometimes even walking home hoping to avoid a certain group of guys possibly hanging around, off school premises. If I was lucky I would actually make it home unscaved, only to wake up the next day, and go through the anxiety again, it always started with jokes, then grew to stereotyping Nigerians as a whole, to just flat out racist comparisons to animals commonly found in jungles. On good days, it would just be using my name and creating all jumbled parts of the alphabet with it in a confused tone when I would ignore them. Now, if that wasn’t bad enough, the majority of the insults were actually, for the most part, from those who sounded and looked, just like me.
Dark as those years were, I wouldn’t trade that time in my life for anything. In hindsight, as tough as it was to keep my grades up and be subject to torment, it did begin my path to building my physique. Those negative thoughts, turned positive by me fueling ideas in my head as I would do hundreds of push-ups, sit-ups, and calf-raises towards my journey in creating in my mind, the strongest, most intimidating physique possible. From innovative workouts and circuit training exercises, to making programs that balanced endurance, with speed and agility I actually started feeling empowered and began to see what a great outlet this could be, from that point, I was on my way. Soon enough, I found myself enrolled at DeVry University where I was able to study Telecommunications/Business Management. The combination of understanding business as well as my passion for fitness made for a perfect marriage. I felt that with the high school experience I was able to endure, I surely could mentor and shine light towards issues youth may be dealing with. I found great delight in finding local school programs where I could come in and speak to kids about careers, as well as serious epidemic of bullying. My voice was helping to really reach and transform so many hurt, to finally find strength and confidence.
It was at that point when I knew it was bigger than me, and from that gumbo of life and fitness grew, LifeChangINC, a mobile fitness company specializing in training youth ages 9 to 17 who are current athletes or simply young adults needing to drop some weight and get healthier. The unique brand of LifeChangINC is that I come to the living rooms, back yards and or local parks for training. Therefore, there training comes to you! In addition to youth, I train adults, couples, business professionals and even host boot camps.
The goal for me and my company, is to educate and motivate how to balance life and health, while adding the convenience and privacy of working within your schedule. Basically invest, in the same manner my coaches and mentors growing up, did for me. I feel like I’ve been through enough tough times to really provide an organic understanding that youth and adults alike may not expect from someone who’s physique may be misleading to what life dished out. As soon as they realize it’s not necessarily how you start, or the hand you may be dealt, but rather, how you finish. I believe it will truly change some lives. My hope, duty and belief is to be part of the assembly that adds value to our next generation, for years to come!
Has it been a smooth road?
As I speak about often, most of my high school years I was bullied, physically assaulted at times, and spent a lot of time to myself as a youth. Being of Nigerian descent was hard in social groups as well. Business, as most people will tell you has its own number of challenges. I lost my father my graduation year to a heart attack and he didn’t have a will and testament, which really caused friction within the family.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with LifeChangInc – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
LifeChangInc specializes in youth training ages 9 to 17. We also train adults, couples, business professionals and or their company employees. I have recently included boot camps on the weekends for those looking to get a boost before the upcoming week. What makes my company unique is the fact that I’m mobile. My clients constantly reminded me how some of them feel like a “Kardashian” because even as a celebrity they also have a fitness instructor/trainer that works them out inside their home, or wherever’s convenient. LifeChangInc does training in homes, company offices, backyards and even parks in the local and surrounding areas. I have been training for over 10 years, and even assist with nutrition/meal plans through my company website.
LifeChangInc is known for the highest level of training the in the most convenient way possible. With costs well below your local gym’s specialized training package and adding more value than most of your teens youth coach programs costing thousands of dollars, there is no better place to invest into yourself, spouse, or family.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The Plano, TX area hold a great fitness culture. You can always likely find a jogger no matter how the weather looks outside. Sometimes if you get too close to the mall area you may be stuck for a few hours, but I guess that’s expected.
Pricing:
- Women’s Lucky 7’s Workout DVD – Physical Copy $8.00 / Download – $5.00
- Meal Plans – 2 Months – $65.00 / 4 Month – $120.00
- Youth Fitness Packages Starting under $300.00 for 4 sessions (45 min ea)
- Adults Fitness Packages Starting under $500.00 for 6 sessions ( 45 min ea)
- Couples Fitness Packages – 3 session (45 min) – $300.00
Contact Info:
- Website: Lifechanginc.com
- Instagram: Coach Ekong
- Facebook: Coach Ekong
- Twitter: Thalifechanga
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
