Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Lay.
Mark Lay is a Master Trainer, Coach, & Athlete living in Miami Beach, Florida. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Mark received his Bachelors of Science from Howard University in Economics/Political Science, which started him down the path to financing/hospitality. The transition from finance to health/wellness began three years into a sedentary lifestyle behind a desk, where the only release was his daily trips to the gym. This was the beginning of “Lay Fit” & now, nearly a decade into personal training, his mission is to introduce the health & wellness industry to all walks of life, empowering them to create optimal solutions for long lasting general health, movement, & overall well-being. His vision is to lead the fitness industry in a way that all feel they are becoming their best selves one step at a time.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It most certainly hasn’t been a smooth road, as within any profession you have challenges.
I was blessed to start my health & wellness career here in Miami at higher end gyms so I was “protected” from most of the hardships when it comes to building a business. Building a strong clientele base is always a concern as the Miami market is flooded with “personal trainers” you have to find your values & the community that embraces them to truly be successful.
Becoming an independent trainer helped with that as it opened up more opportunities to find communities in health & wellness that embraced the values. However, independence comes with an entirely new set of obstacles to overcome. You are your brand & are wholly responsible for it, you are no longer “spoon fed” success.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Lay Fitness story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a full-time personal trainer & coach, 24/7/365.
I’d like to think I’m well rounded as I work with all ages, I’ve had clients as young as four to a client into their late 60s. I’ve worked with your housewife, your stock broker, your professional athletes & models. It’s about catering to your client’s wishes, I just try to do so at their ability level & at their highest intensity. I do however have some unconventional certifications through Onnit Academy & Reflexive Performance Reset, among others, I enjoy blending modalities to fit my client’s needs.
2018 was my first year of independence that was a big stepping stone for my brand, that same year I was brought on by Puma as one of their trainers. I’d like to say those accomplishments stood out the most.
What sets me apart from the rest of my peers would be my work ethic & ability to adapt to a person’s needs. When I say work ethic I mean my willingness to work, I wasn’t kidding when I said 24/7/365. I will work holidays, weekends, birthdays if you’re willing to put your health & wellness in my hands I’ll be there for you whenever you need me.
Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
I grew up in a small city outside of Pittsburgh called Aliquippa, Pennsylvania where sports was life. One childhood memory that is etched into my memory comes from the Pennsylvania Basketball State Playoffs & being a part of what is still called the greatest basketball game in western Pennsylvania history, sadly we lost by a point but to play on that stage in front of so many friends, family, & fans will always be remembered.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 3057645489
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/lay.fit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lay.Fit/
Image Credit:
Matt Roy (for the Puma shots)
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
