Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Buckley.
Tony, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always had a passion for health and fitness from a young age. I remember being active with my parents as I grew up. I also had an uncle who was a bodybuilder, and I wanted to grow up to be strong like them. As a kid, I had a goal to one day beat my dad in arm wrestling. I worked and worked, always challenging him to see if I could beat him until one day while in college, I finally did! I climbed trees, found the biggest rocks and logs and tried to lift them. This organic desire to become stronger grew into a passion.
As a teen, I started weightlifting and tried various sports, but always found myself most comfortable in the gym. As I learned more and continued to see results, people began to notice the changes and start to ask me for advice. I loved learning everything I could about the human body, including how it moved and worked. I genuinely enjoyed helping people become stronger.
Though I did not want to turn my passion into something I resented by turning it into my job, I studied to become a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, so that I could train clients on the side. I trained clients because it brought me joy, but I knew I needed to maintain other sources of income. For years, I worked in the insurance industry where I excelled but found no real satisfaction from what I did. I then moved from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania to be with my girlfriend and worked multiple jobs just to support myself. I once worked for a company that went bankrupt, as well as a company that downsized and got rid of my position, and in between chose to take on meaningless jobs so that I could make a living. After going through all the tumbles and falls of trying to make a living, and ultimately feeling defeated, I decided to pursue my passion for health and fitness because it was the most authentic role I had experienced. I then went on to study through the American Council on Exercise for my Orthopedic Exercise Specialization. I uprooted my life from Pennsylvania and moved to sunny Delray Beach, Florida where I was introduced to Christine King, CEO, and Founder of YourBestFit.
YourBestFit was founded in 1996 by Christine King after she was in a terrible jet ski accident that caused an explosion of her lower lumbar vertebrae. After months of rigorous rehabilitation, she was able to regain most of the movement in her lower body. She was able to do so because she was physically active before the accident ( she was training for a Miss Fitness USA Contest). Upon realization of the importance of staying physically fit, Christine dedicated her life to helping others get fit.
I started working with the company and immediately knew this was my true calling and where I needed to be. After working with YourBestFit for a few years, Christine took notice of my passion for the business. She was at a turning point in her life, where her weakened physical health became a priority over her work life, and rightfully so. We had numerous discussions of what the future of the company looked like and decided my energy, beliefs, and passion were the keys to keep the business moving forward so we could continue to help as many people as possible. Since I started with YourBestFit, I have never felt that it was “work.” My passion is to share my knowledge and help individuals live a healthier more enabled life, and I get to do that every day!
In 2017, I took over as the current CEO/owner, and have continued to provide the exceptional results and service YourBestFit is known for. I have always believed that exercise is one of the single best things you can do for your body’s health. I have seen first hand through years in the industry how devastating an injury or ailment can be in one’s ability to earn an income or to take part in the things you find the most happiness in.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, and I would have it no other way! It has all been tough, but it has only inspired me to learn and grow. These hurdles included being unsure of what I wanted for my career, worrying about taking the first steps to turn my passion into a career, financial instability of moving from job to job, and feeling a lack of pleasure, sense of fulfillment, and meaning in my work.
I lost my Insurance job after the company downsized and closed many offices, I lost another job after the company went bankrupt, and worked a series of hard laborious jobs with extended hours to make ends meet. No matter the role or position, I always put forth 100% effort and learned everything I could about the job. I was continually searching for lessons I could take away from it that would help me in my next chapter of life. From insurance, I learned how to run a business and professionally interact with individuals and companies. I learned to ask the right questions and listen more than talk. I developed skills such as loyalty and a strong work ethic throughout all of these jobs, and above all, I learned never to give up. I grew to understand that the most important thing you can do in life is to decide to do something and then do it! Still today, I come across struggles as I continue to learn more about the industry and the ever-changing landscape of health and fitness. It has helped tremendously to surround myself with experts in my field and those who feel just as passionately about health and wellness as I do.
Please tell us about YourBestFit.
YourBestFit believes that anyone can live a happier and healthier life through education, nutrition, and exercise. With YourBestFit’s commitment to helping people reach their goals, everyone can do the things they love without being held back by obstacles from their physical health.
In addition to general fitness and training, YourBestFit specializes in Medical and Orthopedic exercise, as well as Pre and Post-rehab. We offer custom Health Coaching, and the first of its kind bridal fitness program, “Rock The Dress,” to help all brides look and feel their best on their big day.
We offer Corporate wellness programs which incorporate fun and engaging challenges to promote wellness within a teamwork mentality. We provide informative lectures and facilitate both group and individual exercise on-premises. We also provide regular office chair massages to encourage relaxation in the work environment.
YourBestfit is most proud of its ability to maintain long-lasting relationships with clients while helping them accomplish things they never thought were possible.
What sets us apart is our belief that with the right guidance you too can do the impossible. We make it easy by providing nutritional guidance, training programs, personal training sessions, massage therapy, and health coaching. The best part is it can all be done from the comfort of your own home, as we can come to you!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I honestly would not do anything differently. It was my path and the obstacles I had to overcome which gave me the skills I have today and helped me realize what it is I truly wanted to do. It was my past and the culmination of many events which have led me to the position I am in.
Contact Info:
- Address: 562 E Woolbright Rd. Ste. 107
Boynton Beach, FL 33435 - Website: www.yourbestfit.com
- Phone: 561-866-9068
- Email: concierge@yourbestfit.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourbestfit_ybf/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LifeOnlyBetter/
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