Interview with Beyleon

We at Formative Fitness pride ourselves on being the “go to” trainers in Traverse City.  We’re known for our professionalism, in depth knowledge of a wide variety of training techniques, and for always paying close attention to proper technique and form – every client, every exercise, every session. In order to help our clients get to know us a little better, we decided to feature a different trainer each week in our blog and answer a series of questions about both our personal and professional lives.  We hope you enjoy this series!

 

Name: Beyleon Alejandro

Age: 39

Where are you from originally?

Born in Quincy, CA; lived 45 minutes away in Greenville, CA (Plumas County)

Do you have a college degree? If so, what is your degree in?

I have an Associates of Science and currently working on my Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplanary Studies (K-8)

If you aren’t originally from Traverse City, why did you move here?

I moved here due to family and I was done living in San Diego (to expensive and overcrowded)

Tell us something interesting about you that most people don’t know.

I have climbed the 34th talles mount in the U.S.–Mount Shasta summit at 14, 179ft–the year between my junior and senior year. I was 17 yrs old.

I also love listening to jazz and learning about the history of jazz

What do you do in your spare time?

Right now, school work! I like to ride mtn bike with my son Jackson. I also like to garden with my wife and grow plants indoors during the winter months.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?

Coffee, favorite chair, book (or Golf Clash on my phone, bahaha), in front of the fire and listening to good soul jazz. Or, hanging with the family, cooking, playing games, watching movies.

What is the most memorable trip you’ve taken and what made it so memorable?

My honeymoon to Whitehall, Jamaica. It was at a Sandals resort…unbelieveable…and took a trip up some waterfalls through some jungle that was amazing. Was a great was to start a new begining

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I want to go to the “Ring of Fire” for 3 months on a yacht. Cool old-world islands, hidden beaches, jungles, great surfing, hot weather, and volcanoes. Seems like paradise.

What are a few items on your personal bucket list?

• 3 month yatch cruise with my wife Shelley around New Zealand, Tahiti, Australia, and Great Barrier Reef
• My son Jackson and I ride road bikes across the U.S. one summer
• Payoff my mortgage and own my house
• Drive a supercar around a city for at least one full day (24 hrs)

Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

Sadee- 9yr femal Maltepoo dog

Bella- 8 mo femal  Golden Retriever/ English Setter dog

Jax- 3 yr male mixed-breed cat

Thor- 6 mo male Bombay cat

Alli- 3 mo female Tabby cat

What is your favorite season, and why?

I like it hot, so, summer; however, I also like the spring, because I can start working outside landscaping and planting.

Why did you become a trainer? Any specific “ah ha” moment that influenced your decision?

I became a trainer because I wanted to help people realize the potential they have and teach them how to manage their own health through exercise and proper habits and food choices.

I also really enjoy exercise and sharing my knowledge of it is exciting

What fitness certifications do you have?

I am American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

How long have you been a certified personal trainer?

12 years

What are a few items on your professional bucket list?

I would like to become a strength and conditioning coach for a school and be a coach

How often do you attend/take continuing education courses or go to fitness conferences?

About 1-3 times a year

Why did you choose to pursue the continuing education courses that you’ve done?

I try to stay informed on the latest physical therapy strategies and protocals because it helps with my programs of clients who have different complications

What type of training are you most interested in/best at instructing? (ie weight lifting, functional strength, HIIT, TRX, bodybuilding, etc.)

To be honest….I am interested in all disciplines and utilize them all. I really like training myself and athletes in the Olympic lifts

Do you work with a diverse group of clients or specialize in a particular group?

I work with a diverse group of clients that range in all abilities from age 13 yrs to 88 yrs

What is your training philosophy?

Not all clients are the same, so approach each person with an open-mind and be willing to modify. Be present with clients and make them feel safe, comfortable, motivated, and empowered. Programming is important because it allows you to make adjustments so that the client can progress. Plus, it gives you data on what the client has accomplished.

In your opinion, why is form so important when working with clients?

Form is crucial because it keeps the client in potentially the most safest position to perform the exercise and the most efficient position to get the greatest benefit from the movement.

What makes you a great trainer?

I care about my client and I do my best to modify my programing to accomodate any complications that client is having. I also try to be present with the client when training them so that they feel they are taken care of.