Meet David Arakelian

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Arakelian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi David, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I developed my confidence and self-esteem over time by learning to trust myself and stop comparing my journey to others. It definitely didn’t happen overnight — it came from making mistakes, hitting low points, and realizing that my worth doesn’t depend on anyone else’s opinions. I started setting small goals, stepping out of my comfort zone, and celebrating every bit of progress, no matter how small. Honestly, it’s been about failing, learning, and proving to myself over and over again that I can handle more than I thought.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a Fitness Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Trainer, and my journey into this field is deeply personal. There was a time in my life when I had nothing — I was completely homeless and had to rebuild myself from the ground up. Fitness became my lifeline. It gave me strength, structure, and eventually, a purpose. What started as a way to survive turned into a passion for helping others transform their lives through movement, discipline, and self-belief.

What I love most about what I do is seeing people realize how strong they truly are — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Every client I train has their own story, their own battles, and being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding. I always aim to create an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and proud of their progress — no matter what level they start from.

Right now, I’m focused on growing my brand by offering both personal training and group fitness sessions, along with new online programs and challenges designed to reach more people wherever they are. My mission is to build a community centered on progress, confidence, and self-love — because fitness is so much more than the body. It’s about building the kind of strength that carries you through life.

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?

Looking back, I’d say the three most important qualities that shaped my journey are discipline, resilience, and empathy.

Discipline was the foundation. It taught me that motivation can come and go, but consistency is what truly changes you — in fitness and in life. For anyone starting out, I’d say don’t wait to “feel ready.” Start small, show up every day, and build momentum.

Resilience came from my lowest moments. I’ve faced times when I had nothing — no home, no stability — but those challenges taught me to never give up. Every setback was an opportunity to grow stronger, mentally and emotionally. My advice is to embrace failure as part of your progress; it’s how you build real strength.

And finally, empathy. Being able to connect with people and understand their struggles has made me a better trainer and a better person. Everyone’s journey is different, and when you approach others with kindness and understanding, you can truly make a difference in their lives.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone starting out, it would be this: focus on progress, not perfection. Keep learning, stay humble, and trust that your hard work will always pay off — maybe not right away, but always in time.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Honestly, the one who helped me the most in overcoming challenges was God. There were moments in my life when I had nothing — no home, no stability, no clear direction — and the only thing that kept me going was my faith. I truly believe that God gave me the strength, the opportunities, and the people I needed at exactly the right time.

Of course, I’ve also had amazing mentors, friends, and clients who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Every person who offered guidance, encouragement, or simply trusted me with their own journey has played an important role in shaping who I am today.

But at the core, it was God’s guidance and the faith He placed in my heart that helped me rise above everything. I’ve learned that when you trust His timing and keep working hard, He always leads you where you’re meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: davidarakelianfit

Image Credits

Photography by David Arakelian