Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tracie Thompson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tracie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I have been in the fitness industry for over 20 years and have never looked like a typical personal trainer. I worked in big box gyms before opening my own studio, and it was evident that the staff and some members thought I was too fat to be a trainer. I wished this was a feeling in my head, but it wasn’t. One manager told me that since I wasn’t skinny, the members needed to at least see me trying and that my late-night workouts weren’t public enough. I should move my workouts to a busier time in the gym. I have had gym members ask me how I can help people when I look like I do. I have taken continuing education courses and had the instructor tell me that if I couldn’t keep up with the physical part of a class, I wouldn’t get the credits. I never struggled to keep up!
Initially, I thought about how some of the best athletic coaches were not the best athletes and that some coaches, typically in basketball and football, never played the sport. Later, as I started becoming more comfortable with myself, I would focus on the idea that the size of my body has no bearing on the knowledge in my brain. That helped some. To the surprise of many, I had no problem sustaining a full-time job/income as a larger personal trainer. I knew I was doing something right. I think the most significant leap came from my clients. I would sit down with women who would say, “I am so relieved you aren’t some skinny girl who is going to tell me how to lose weight.” Clients would express that I was “real” and that they felt “heard and understood.” I was relatable to clients and helped them achieve their goals, not my goals for them or the industry goal of weight loss, but their goal. The feedback that came from my clients over the years made me realize if I didn’t continue to fight for my place in the fitness world, who would they have?
I wanted to create a space where people of all sizes, ages, and abilities would feel welcome and encouraged to exercise. A place that wouldn’t judge them and would encourage them to keep going on their journey even if it was slow. Unique exercise experiences are a fun, safe way that allows everybody to make exercise a part of their life. Honestly, I think it was coping with the stigma of working in the fitness industry in a larger, heavier body that led to the concepts behind 4Fitness.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I own 4Fitness, a boutique fitness studio just south of downtown St. Petersburg. My studio specializes in one-on-one personal training and small group fitness classes of 6 people or less. I provide unique exercise experiences like FLY Bungee, Flying Pilates, Surfset, Aerial Yoga, and more in a body-positive, joint-friendly, non-judgemental environment. 4Fitness is a no-membership model; clients pay for the services they want, reserve their classes or training sessions, and use the service as often as they wish.
The newest edition to 4Fitness is a once-month event, Raw Fitness Chat. This event is an open and honest conversation about fitness-related topics like loving our bodies, our relationship with food and exercise, and how language affects our health and fitness. After a round table conversation, I provide strategies to assist with the journey.
I love guiding people to a place where exercise, movement, and self-care are a more comfortable part of their lives.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most important qualities or skills are education, dedication, and trust.
Get the education you need, not just in the beginning but all along the way. Learning is critical to growth as a person and as a business. Remember, not all education is formal; talk to other business owners, industry leaders, great salespeople, customers, and clients; so much can be learned from listening to others.
Dedication: if you want to succeed, you must dedicate yourself to the journey. Make commitments, make goals, make plans, and give it the time, effort, and rest needed to put all the pieces together.
Trust is my favorite; trust yourself, trust the process. Trust can be challenging, especially when people around you don’t see your vision. Trust your vision, test it, refine it, and trust it will all work out.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership was the book that I think caused the most change in my world and my developing business. Specifically the Law of The Inner Circle. This chapter set me on a mission to surround myself with intelligent, fun, supportive people. Although I am my business’s sole owner and provider, I didn’t get here alone. The support of my (inner circle) friends, family, and husband made this journey possible and more manageable.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.iam4fitness.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/4fitnessstpete
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iam4fitness
- Other: [email protected] text 727-674-5081 1433 4th St S St. Petersburg 33701
