Today we’d like to introduce you to Meko Bowden.
Hi Meko, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a San Diego native with a great appreciation for the outdoors. As a young boy, I have always enjoyed playing outside and have spent most of my time engaging in various sports such as biking, rollerblading, and many more. Despite my size during my adolescent years, my fondness for athleticism motivated me to compete with my peers and contributed to my endurance today. Moreover, this became the catalyst I needed to confirm my newfound passion for fitness.
My family has been a prominent influence. In the 5th grade, I saw my brother bench press 200 lbs and I wanted to be strong, just like him. I witnessed my aunt become a professional international fitness bodybuilder, while my dad would simultaneously prompt me to complete my daily workouts. They have all played a significant role in my life by keeping me focused and committed to my goals. In the future, I aspire to become just as successful as them in my fitness journey.
When I first started college, I decided to major in mechanical engineering. However, my joy for fitness and nutrition exceeded my interest in engineering. I quickly enrolled in a weight lifting course at Grossmont Community College and started my gym membership at LA Fitness. Over time, my passion for wellness grew, and I knew at that moment that I had wanted to become a personal trainer and started my business MekoGainz. MekoGainz is about adversity, skill set, and experiences I gained when I started my fitness journey. I believe that health is an essential factor in life. As individuals, we tend to neglect our health because of our lack of knowledge. However, I would like to share that health is wealth within the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I had a difficult time trying to obtain my certification. I was a full-time student who also had to manage a full-time job. For example, I sacrificed a few things like social time with family and friends and sleep. I had zero experience in the field and wasn’t equipped with the knowledge or expertise needed to succeed as a personal trainer. Also, I had a hard time building my clientele because I did not know how to market myself. With little sales experience, closing deals with potential clients eventually failed because I did not know how to sell to the consumer. Nonetheless, I overcame those challenges and discovered my strengths as a trainer. Through the hardships, I have realized that this is what I want to do, and there is no stopping now because I have come too far to quit.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I create customized workout plans and nutritional guides tailored to each individual’s needs for one on one training. My methods include strength building, weight loss, core, and cardiovascular training. In addition, I coach group fitness classes at a private gym and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to train a group of individuals at F45 Gym, which has allowed me to gain some experience in this industry. I also offer online training for clients who cannot attend in person. At this time, I am building a strength program and vertical jump program for athletes who want to increase their strength in the gym and for athletes that want to increase their vertical in which an e-book will be available for purchase or offered for in-person training.
Pricing:
- In-Person Training Starting at $45 per session
- Group Training Starting at $120
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.mekogainz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mekogainz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mekogainz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPYCslt7-REC_oknHPX1Ag
Image Credits
RuthHickman Photography – for Photo #2
