Training Mentality

Jamar Robinson knows that a successful fitness regimen always starts with the right mentality

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Jamar Robinson, 36 year old performance trainer from Atlanta has a goal for each of his clients.  “My overall goal is to increase your ability to perform mentally and physically. I like to take a spiritual approach when training. Actually getting into who the person is, what they are about, and most importantly why are they here” Jamar says.  Jamar feels that if he can find a common ground with his clients or some point of relatability, they’ll be more open to receive direction from him.

“Everything starts in the mind. Get to the mind and the body will follow.”

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The Beginning

“I have always been an active person, my mother planted that seed in us at a very young age” Jamar tells me, “My siblings and I played all type of sports coming up and the thirst for activity stayed with me. I was a basketball fanatic, but do to poor guidance my basketball career was cut short.   One thing I did carry with me going forward was that basketball helped me fall in love with the weight room.   My older sister, who was quite active, fed my hunger.  I’ve been all in since.”

Jamar first started training when he was in college. “I was always the fit guy in the crew” says Jamar.   When  a long time friend expressed his interest in embracing a healthy lifestyle, Jamar was more then happy to take him under his wing. After he lost an substantial amount of weight, Jamar knew he was on to something.   “After that, I felt like I had a unique skill set but still wasn’t interested in taking personal training serious.”  

Fast forward a few years….. Jamar was entering his 8th year then as a college chemistry major and he found that he was growing tired of the classroom. Around that same time he met guy in the gym that owned his on personal training company.  “After seeing me in the gym several times he asked would I like to join his team. I figured it had to be a sign from above.  I was looking for a way out of the rut I was in.”

With that personal training company is where Jamar confirmed his love for helping other people reach their fitness and health goals. “For me it was the best of both worlds because I was  able to teach while doing something I enjoyed. The business venture itself wasn’t a good experience, but it did help me figure out where I wanted to direct my energy.”  From there Jamar started his own business, and he hasn’t looked back since.

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Process

Jamar’s oldest sister was a big inspiration and a big part of his methods today because she is the one that introduced him to meditation, the power of positive thought, and holistic healing. “I apply all of those methods to my training.  My years as a chemistry instructor also play a major role in my methods. I like to educate my clients on what we are doing and why. That way when they workout on their own they are prepared and when people understand why they’re doing what they’re doing they are more likely to own it.

Owning it, is the beginning of successful training regimen.

“You have to crawl before you can walk. Some form of struggle is part of all growing processes.  It’s such so much a mental undertaking.”

Training Clients

“When I left my first company, I had to start over from scratch” Jamar tells me, “It was tough because I had such a big vision for the company I had left. The situation really put a bad taste in mouth, but looking back it was something I needed.  I went from having clients, a training facility, steady income to almost nothing. When I left, a couple clients decided they felt most comfortable with me and I was able to solidify one in my apartment complex and one through a friend. I was down, but I wasn’t out.  I knew I had to roll up sleeves and get out there in the  streets and let people know I existed.”

Jamar had to barter services with a friend who is a photographer/graphic designer, get business cards and t-shirts made and hit the streets to get his initial client base. “One day when I was making my rounds, I noticed a gym was opening about 3 minutes from house! I stopped by a couple times a week, and developed a relationship with the owner. When the gym opened  the owner gave me the opportunity to make the gym my home base and 3 years later I’m still there.”  It wasn’t long after that when Jamar partnered with Nike and joined their NTC program.  That’s when I knew I was on the right path. His business has been building and growing ever since.

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Nike

“Establishing a partnership with Nike is a accomplishment I’m proud of. It was a milestone in the building of our business” Jamar says.  “What’s crazy is when I went to the audition to be a Nike trainer, I really didn’t know what I was going for.   A couple of people had tagged me in an advertisement on Instagram. I knew it was for Nike, but I still questioned how legitimate the opportunity was. I submitted my headshot and resume thinking that I had nothing to lose. A day or so later I got a call for an audition.”

The audition consisted of leading a 5 minute group workout and interview.  “I literally made my workout up on a receipt and went to bed. The next day I went to the audition and I saw people in line in full panic mode. There were people studying books and kinds of stuff.  At that point I was thinking “What did I get myself into?  I don’t know if I’m prepared.”  Well, it was too late to turn back at that point. “I was already pretty comfortable selling myself, so I just went in and did my thing. 2 days later, I got the call that I was one of the trainers chosen.”

What advice would you give others that want to have success doing what you do?

 They should follow people that are doing things similar to what they want to do. Read everything in the field they can get their hands on. Become a master of your field and never stop learning. Always remain a student. Stop learning and you stop growing. Focus your energy on increasing the quality of life for others and serving others.  When you do good to others, good will come to you.

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Typical Day

Morning

I typically start my first at 6am. After my first session I prepare my son for school and sometimes breakfast for the family. After breakfast drop my son off to school. Then I train from 9am to about 1030am.  Workout myself from 1030 to noon.

Afternoon

Next training session typically starts at noon. Do administration work/ take a break until 430 and train to 630.

Night

After that, it’s all about the family.

Training Regimen

My personal training regimen consist of a combination of strength training and I mix in some speed and agility. I’m all about functional fitness.

Diet

I don’t have a diet. I believe in eating healthy and clean. Moderation is key.

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Jamar Robinson

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Snapchat: @PlayHrdTrainHrd