joshua neal of Atlanta on Life, Lessons & Legacy

joshua neal shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

joshua, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
After 27 years in this industry and almost 15 at Life Time, I feel called now to step into something bigger—something I used to be a little afraid of. I feel called to lead with my instinct, to take risks, and to trust the voice inside me that’s always said, “You’re here to change lives.”

Fitness has always been more than reps and routines for me. It’s transformation. It’s watching someone realize they’re stronger than their doubt. It’s seeing confidence return, hope rebuild, and purpose reignite through movement.

Now, I feel called to pour that same belief into other fitness instructors—to help them grow, to help them find their voice, and to help them step into the kind of impact that goes far beyond the studio walls. Because when an instructor grows, a community grows. And when a community grows, lives change.

So what I’m being called to do now is step forward—bravely, boldly, and with heart—and use the experience of nearly three decades to lift others higher. That’s my purpose. And I’m ready to walk into it fully.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Studio Leader and Fitness Instructor at Life Time, and I’ve been in the fitness industry for more than 27 years. Almost 15 of those years have been with Life Time—a place whose mission aligns perfectly with my own purpose: to help people live healthier, happier, and more empowered lives.

What makes my work special is that I get to lead both members and instructors. I don’t just coach people through movement—I guide them through transformation. Whether someone is stepping into class for the first time or an instructor is stepping into their potential, I get to be part of that journey, and that is what fuels me every day.

My story is rooted in believing that fitness can change lives, and I’m now stepping even more boldly into helping others grow—especially our fitness professionals. I’m passionate about mentoring, developing talent, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to rise.

And one thing I want everyone to know is this: whether you’re part of Life Time or not, you can always reach out to me. My purpose has no ending. I’m here to help, to guide, and to connect with anyone who is striving to become healthier, stronger, or more confident.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that shaped how I see the world was when I first started teaching fitness classes. I realized very quickly that fitness wasn’t just about exercise—it was about connection, courage, and helping people discover strength they didn’t know they had. Watching someone transform through movement opened my eyes to the incredible impact we can have on another person’s life, simply by showing up with purpose.

But an even more defining moment came when I finally accepted myself fully as a Black gay man. That acceptance gave me a level of freedom I had never felt before. It changed the way I walked through the world. It taught me the power of authenticity, the beauty of owning your truth, and the importance of creating spaces where others feel safe to do the same.

Stepping into who I truly am allowed me to lead with more compassion, more confidence, and more purpose. It helped me understand that everyone carries a story, and that our greatest strength—whether in fitness or in life—is found when we embrace who we are and use that truth to uplift others.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
Something I miss—something most people don’t know—is the presence of a father I never got to meet. My dad passed away before I was born, and even though I’ve never seen his face or heard his voice, there’s an empty space there that I’ve felt my whole life. Navigating the world without a father is a quiet kind of hard. It’s the kind of missing that doesn’t go away, it just grows with you.

My mother, Gloria, did everything she could—and I’m grateful for her strength, her love, and her sacrifice. But there are moments, especially as a man, when I wonder what guidance, support, or reassurance I might have had if my dad were here. I imagine my life would have looked different in some ways.

What I miss is not a memory, but the possibility of what could’ve been: a father-son bond, someone to teach me certain things, someone to model manhood in a different way. And even though I never had that, it’s shaped me. It’s made me stronger, more self-reliant, more compassionate—and it’s part of why I strive to be a source of strength and support for others.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would tell you that what really matters to me is making sure people feel seen, supported, and celebrated. I care deeply about creating spaces where everyone feels like they belong—where they’re happy, valued, and uplifted. Whether it’s in the studio, at work, or in my personal life, I’m always trying to bring people together, encourage them, and remind them of their worth. Helping others feel included and appreciated isn’t just something I do—it’s part of who I am.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m near water. There’s something about the way it moves—steady, calm, unforced—that speaks to my spirit. The rhythm of waves reminds me to breathe, to slow down, and to trust the flow of life. Water grounds me. It’s where I can let go of the noise and hear myself clearly again.

Meditation gives me that same sense of clarity. When I sit in stillness, I reconnect with my purpose and with the why behind everything I do in this industry. It’s in those quiet moments that I remember who I am, what I’m called to do, and how I want to show up for others.

And then there’s dancing—the pure joy of movement, the freedom of expression, the lightness that comes from letting my body tell its own story. Dancing brings me back to my heart. It reminds me why I fell in love with fitness in the first place: because movement heals, restores, and transforms.

I also feel profound peace when I’m with my family. Being surrounded by the people who truly know me—their laughter, their love, their presence—reminds me of what matters most. They refuel me in a way nothing else can.

All of these moments—water, meditation, dancing, and time with family—balance and recharge me. They fill me back up so I can give wholeheartedly in the fitness world. They prepare me to lead, to inspire, and to show up with the energy and purpose that this work demands.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lifetime.life
• Instagram: joshuahdneal
• Facebook: joshua neal
• Other: Not a member with Life Time….download the app for a complimentary guest pass or DM Me,

Image Credits
Erika Krupansky: Krupansky Photography