Dionne Davis has been in the fitness industry for nearly a decade (she has been a NESTA certified Personal Fitness Trainer since 2017 and earned the Holistic Nutrition Coach certification in 2022) and loves helping clients reach new heights of fitness in their health journeys. She has had the pleasure of coaching and training thousands of people with their health and fitness goals.
“I want my clients to win. When they win I win.”
Dionne has been a lifelong athlete.
“I ran track and played basketball since I was five years old. During my second year of college, I had my son so sports and all athletic activities took a back burner and I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to come back to fitness again.”
In 2010, Dionne landed a role as an early childhood educator teaching at her son’s private school. She stayed in this role for six years.
“The director of the school offered for me to take over, but I politely declined because health and fitness have always been in my heart.”
In the midst of teaching, Dionne started leading fitness classes at 24 Hour Fitness subbing all over the Bay Area from San Mateo to Antioch.
“After I left teaching I ended up teaching at a boot-camp fitness center full-time for two and half years. I then had the opportunity to do personal training at Equinox. After my Equinox experience, I decided to partner with another fitness professional and we started the physique six-week body transformation challenge and that’s when I learned how to go into business for myself. I am now a business owner and have owned my own business for over a year. I’m so ecstatic to be in business for myself as Lift It Up Fitness. This last decade has been one heck of a ride and can’t believe I’ve made it this far in running my own business. I’m happy to see what’s to come.
Why did you decide to become a fitness/health/coaching professional?
“I’ve always enjoyed fitness and athletic activities and that has translated to a real calling to help others get in shape and improve their health and lives.”
How are you currently utilizing your NESTA and Spencer Institute certifications?
“I am currently training clients one-on-one. I coach at F45. I also sub at Crunch fitness. I’ve recently started my own virtual fitness and training business.”
What is the biggest challenge for you as a trainer/coach? What are you doing to overcome that challenge?
“Like many trainers and coaches, keeping clients coming back, especially in-person clients, is probably my biggest challenge right now. When “life” happens clients often fall off. It’s hard to keep them motivated sometimes.”
What makes you stand out from other trainers or coaches?
“I feel like my clients really respond to me being a well-rounded coach and trainer. I provide personal training, group training, and virtual coaching. All of this experience has gotten me noticed by potential clients and been a selling point for my services.”
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry? How did your certifications help reach this goal?
“My biggest accomplishment is owning my own business, Lift It Up Fitness, for a year now. I was able to train and coach at two different gyms because of my certifications.”
What has been your most rewarding experience as a trainer or coach?
“Helping and touching thousands of lives. Helping others reach their health and fitness goals. Seeing them move, happily and healthily is all worth it.”
How has social media played a role in your business?
“It has played a huge role. Instagram has given me a structure to be creative with my videos.”
Any advice for people thinking about a coaching/training career?
“If you feel in your heart this is something you want to do, you should do it. Helping others reach new heights of fitness is a rewarding experience.”
What are you most looking forward to in the future for yourself and your business?
“I’d love to continue to coach high-end clients and women. I’d love to own my own gym or studio too. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I was chosen to help others and that is what I intend to do.”
Want to connect with Dionne? You can follow her on IG @liftitupright, Linkedin or via her Facebook. You should also check out her website and business Lift It Up Fitness.
NESTA and Spencer Institute has been helping people like you since 1992. To date, over 65,000 people from around the world have benefited from our various certifications, programs, continuing education courses and business development systems. We are here for you now and in the future. Feel confident in your decision to work with us as you advance your knowledge and career. We are here for you each step of the way.
If you are a NESTA or Spencer Institute student and want to be featured on our Student Spotlight, please send an email to elizabeth@nestacertified.com
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