• by Ray Schultz , September 11, 2022

Hearst titles Women’s Health and Men’s Health have announced eight fitness trainers who will take part in the fall 2022 Strength in Diversity program.

Selected by a committee of trainers, editors and fitness and nutrition pros, the eight trainers will be mentored by seasoned fitness pros and attend a 14-week series of weekly Zoom clinics on the business of training, content creation and other subjects. 

The program is designed to overcome lack of diversity in the fitness industry. 

Up to now, “systemic issues (racism, homophobia, ageism, sexism, to name a few) have consistently deprived trainers from marginalized communities of the tools they need to build a career in fitness.” Writes Amanda Lucci, deputy editor of content strategy at Women’s Health. 

“I know what it’s like not to see representation of myself in fitness, and to not have a roadmap for a career in the industry,” adds Men’s Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel. 

The goal of this program is to provide “resources and opportunities that will elevate others who feel under-represented, and to help them build successful careers in fitness—so that they can serve their own communities and beyond.”

The eight trainers include: 

Jaimar Brown, 30, better known as J. Malik, Brown has abackground in musical theatre, and offers silent disco workouts on YouTube featuring Black queer artists. 

Jadi Collado, 36 specializes in high-energy dance and cycling workouts, blending her fitness expertise and “Afro-Latina swag” to help women get back to moving and feeling like their full selves again.

Almoni Ellis, 25, strives to shatter glass ceilings  by “conducting research, writing stories, and creating fitness conferences that include more women and other minority groups."

Veronique Graves, 43, founder of The Wellness Cheerleader, helps women over 40 optimize their health, gain strength, and feel like their best selves.

Patricia Greaves, 55,  a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach and founder of StrongHer Personal Training, who helps women 40 become the best fit version” of themselves.”

Brittany Spencer, 33, became passionate about helping other mothers create holistic health after her own battle with post-partum depression. 

Jerry Saint Louis, 37, expresses his love for kettlebells, weight training, and calisthenics in each session, the goal being that his clients will be excited to learn and perform each movement.

Eric Sung, 28, hopes to provide accountability, accessibility and education, and to serve as a fitness role model for Asian Ameericans.

The selected trainers will have the chance to earn certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Precision Nutrition, and Functional Range Systems.