Nov. 4 2020

November 2020 Trainer of the Month

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Brien began his career in the fitness industry back in 1991 at the age of 18. He has been the Strength & Conditioning Specialist for several colleges in the Bay area: College of San Mateo (CSM), University of Notre Dame-California, Santa Clara University and Menlo College. He now develops daily coaching programs online & in-person for students of all ages and abilities. Brien has written hundreds of articles on various health & fitness related topics.

Certifications/qualifications:
• BS, CMT, C.H.E.K. NLC II
• Personal Trainer
• Certified Massage Therapist
• C.H.E.K. Nutrition & Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level II
• Level 3 Nutrition Expert
• Master Fitness Trainer
• Master Supplementation Expert
• Advanced Metabolic Typing Advisor
• Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Spartan Group X Coach
• Dynamic Variable Resistance Trainer Level II

Studio/Business Name: Brien Shamp’s Coaching, Personal Training & Nutrition

What inspired you to start your business?
I have always loved fitness, sports and self-improvement. I was one of the few 12-year-olds at my neighborhood gym always looking to perform at a higher level. My constant and never-ending pursuit of improvement pushed me to help others who desire more from life also. My passion has remained the same for 30 years. It just looks different in 2020.

What is one hard lesson you’ve learned in business you believe has been most valuable?
Knowledge and expertise of fitness & nutrition are important, but that only goes so far. You must take the time to learn how to run a business. A business is sustainable. There are a lot of knowledgeable, broke trainers. I filed for bankruptcy in 2009, so I know firsthand. Going bankrupt was the hardest and best lesson I have experienced.

If I asked one of your clients why they choose you over other places/gyms/trainers, what would they likely say?
They would say that they appreciate how I am not just a fitness trainer, but a life coach. They would say they come to me because I have developed a comprehensive coaching approach that focuses on mindset, breathing, hydration, sleep, personalized nutrition, relationships, personal development and fitness (7 Daily Primal Needs).

Name one or two ways you are trying to raise the bar in the industry?
As soon as we went into lockdown in California for Covid, I immediately went to work to create the most comprehensive online coaching & fitness experience possible. It’s been a work in progress, but I feel proud of the new online model, and my clients are experiencing great results without stepping into a gym. I am now helping other trainers in collaboration with Nuvita to create an optimal environment for virtual training. Now more than ever we need to be coaches and enter-trainers, but we must also understand the technical side of running a virtual business and how to create an amazing experience for our coaching clients.