Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalen McDonald.
Hi Jalen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My start in fitness comes from humble beginnings. My dad took me to the local YMCA to get ready for JFL in Peoria, IL. My first workout was the barbell bench press. At first, I was confused and frustrated with the movements – I struggled for about three months trying to keep the bar straight. Later I learned this was the perfect opportunity to prove how resilient and focused I can be. With consistent practice and focused determination, I not only was able to finally properly perform a bench a press, but I’d gained confidence in myself and a passion was ignited within me. My dad helped me begin a lifetime habit that I am forever grateful for.
While working with my dad, I learned the patience, technique, and discipline it takes to reach your fitness goals.
I became addicted to the feeling of challenging myself. I love that the key factor for success is the ability to respond to the potential failures and pressures of weight training.
When I’m in the gym – for a quick 30-minute session or grinding it out for close to two hours – I am in total control and can determine the outcome. Through fitness, I have been able to cultivate a level of discipline and consistency that transfers to my everyday life. I feel like the gym is a metaphor for everyday life. For there will always be distractions, it’s whether or not we decide to acknowledge the distractions that determines the outcome, and ultimately determines our success.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I originally came to Dallas to be an English teacher. Unfortunately, I was let go after a short 3-month stint at a local Uplift Charter School. I felt utterly devastated. This was my opportunity to leave my small town and prove to myself I could make something of myself. Through this setback, I was forced to have to redefine myself and not let external forces deter me from my goals.
My girlfriend (Bonnie Wilt) recognized the potential in me as a trainer and challenged me to commit to fitness as a full-time career. I was all in and that is how Mack Attack Fitness was born, in March of 2020. As we all know, in March of 2020, everything started shutting down – including the gyms.
I was disappointed at first, but I was determined and remained resolute for my new decision of being a full-time fitness trainer. Lucky, I was fortunate to form a connection with a recent client at LA fitness from when I worked there part-time. I was not going to make excuses for myself. My client and I agreed to keep training over Zoom, and I was able to keep moving forward.
During this time, Bonnie also introduced to a new mode of fitness – the group fitness scene. In Peoria, the fitness scene is rather limited and mostly composed of big-box gyms like YMCA and Planet Fitness. I ended up applying for a role at a popular local fitness studio, Class Studios, and the rest is history. Her belief in me gave me the confidence I needed to get the job done.
Coming from an educator background, I felt an instant connection to group fitness. I was able to translate my skills from the classroom to the group fitness class seamlessly. I have a great feel for all class members and what they need in any given moment – more of a challenge, more instructional help, more positive reinforcement. I am able to read the room and show up for each class every time with a smile on my face, doing what I love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My business is Mack Attack Fitness. It’s a service-based business specializing in personal training and group fitness.
I have an extreme passion for overall fitness, health, and wellness, and it shows in the work that I do. It’s everything I’m about – I live by the rules and principles I instill in my clients.
When working with a client, I make sure to tailor my workouts to my client’s needs and desires. I make it my priority to make sure I am doing everything I can to instill confidence, self-efficacy, and good habits within my clients. Fitness is more than just working out in the gym – it’s about the mind, the body, the brain, the gut, and beyond all working together.
I offer 1:1 training, small and large private group training, and also currently coach at a local Dallas fitness studio, Class Studios.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think what is required for finding a mentor is a desire to learn and improve in your craft. It takes a level of humility to receive mentorship because you are admitting to yourself that you do not know everything about your craft.
Anytime I see someone in a position of success or doing something I have not seen before; I am quick to ask engaging questions about the steps and lessons it took to reach their success.
There is also a level of self-accountability in terms of mentorship. You take the time to evaluate where you are vs. where you want to be. Then you take intentional time to pour into yourself and access resources to learn and grow and level up.
Contact Info:
- Email: mackattackfitness20@gmail.com
- Website: www.mackattackfit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalen_mcdonald94/
