Here at ABC Trainerize, we’re celebrating Black History Month by highlighting the incredible Black trainers who are building not just the strength of their clients — but successful businesses and thriving communities too!
These coaches are not only passionate about fitness, but about inspiring change, empowering clients, and showing what it means to lead by example.
We’re proud to showcase their stories and to celebrate the challenges they have overcome and the impact they’ve had on their communities. Keep reading to learn more about some of these amazing trainers!
Rina Thomas | @rinathomaspop
Rina Thomas is the co-owner of Process Over Prize – a black, veteran and female-owned business that’s all about creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their starting point, can develop the mental and physical fortitude to achieve their goals.
“Drawing from our diverse backgrounds and experiences, we wanted to create a fitness approach that emphasizes long-term development, teamwork, and personal growth in a way that’s accessible and adaptable to everyone’s unique journey.”
On her journey toward building resilient communities through sustainable fitness practices, Rina has learned the valuable lesson that true transformation happens when you focus on building consistent, sustainable habits rather than chasing quick results.
“Through our community involvement and working with diverse clients, we’ve seen how this mindset shift not only leads to better physical results but also builds mental resilience that extends far beyond the gym. It’s the daily commitment to showing up and putting in the work that creates lasting change.”
Jamie Alexander | @livingwellwithjamie
Jamie is a certified online personal trainer who is driven by a deep passion for helping busy women reclaim their health, confidence, and energy without sacrificing their family or career.
“I started this business because I saw firsthand how hard it was for busy women to prioritize their health without guilt or overwhelm. After learning to create sustainable fitness solutions for myself, I knew I had to share that knowledge and help other women do the same.
“I believe that true wellness isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about feeling strong, vibrant, and in control of your life. Seeing my clients transform, not just physically but mentally and emotionally, keeps me inspired every single day.”
On her journey to success, Jamie has learned a lot – with the biggest lesson being that consistency beats perfection.
“Too many people give up because they’re aiming for an all-or-nothing approach. But true transformation happens when you focus on small, consistent actions—choosing movement daily, nourishing your body, and prioritizing self-care. Progress is never linear, but showing up for yourself, even in small ways, leads to life-changing results.”
Natasha Taylor | @blackstar_ptwellness
Natasha is a physical therapist and online fitness coach with a deep passion for helping people manage pain and move better.
“Helping people live pain free drives my business. I believe in preventative measures and want to encourage and educate the community at large why this is so important as we age, especially women over 40 when their bodies are changing. There are ways to combat the effects of ageing that are coming. If we know better, we (may) do better.”
After being a part of an online moms’ group that was doing fitness challenges, Natasha noticed a lot of women were complaining of pain and injuries. What started as some Instagram Lives on injury prevention grew to starting an online fitness business!
She says the most valuable lesson learned along the way is that you can’t save everyone and not everyone is your client. It can be hard describing your offer or niche, so it’s important to inform and educate first before conversion.
Kwame Asante | @kwam_asante
Kwame is an online performance coach who’s on a mission to empower individuals to achieve sustainable, long-term transformations through science-backed training, nutrition, and mindset coaching. He developed a passion for fitness as a kid, and it’s stuck with him ever since.
“My journey into fitness and coaching began when I started training for basketball at 11. My passion for the game was strong, but my parents couldn’t afford a personal trainer, so I took matters into my own hands. I dove into research, devouring books, training videos, and online resources to improve my athleticism and basketball skills. By the time I was 12, my peers began noticing my results, and I started training them initially just to help but quickly realizing that I had a natural knack for coaching.”
When Kwame was let go from his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to go all in on his fitness career, pouring his energy into building his brand and training business, making it his full-time focus. From there, he’s had the opportunity to work with both athletes and the general population, crafting tailored programs that help clients reach their specific goals.
“Ultimately, it’s about building programs that meet individuals where they are – whether they’re trying to break personal records or improve their overall fitness… The most valuable lesson I’ve learned along the way is the power of adaptability – not just in terms of adjusting training programs but in understanding that people’s lives, bodies, and needs are constantly evolving. In the beginning, I was focused on perfecting techniques and methodologies, believing there was one right way to achieve results. But over time, I realized that success in fitness is personal and that the most effective programs aren’t just about following a set structure – they’re about listening to individuals, adjusting based on feedback, and creating a dynamic approach that works for each person.”
Realizing that people don’t follow a linear path, so neither should their fitness plans, was a key lesson for Kwame. He believes that this has made him more compassionate and patient in helping others reach their goals, and ultimately becoming a better coach.
“The deeper I’ve gotten into coaching, the more I’ve seen that connection and empathy are just as important as knowledge and technique. Understanding people’s unique challenges and adjusting to those while still maintaining a strong foundation of evidence-based principles is what truly drives long-term success.”
Rasheeta Joy Fields | @rasheetajoy
Rasheeta is a women’s health and wellness coach who follows a plant-based approach to nutrition. Having lost her mother to colon cancer, she is passionate about using health and wellness for disease prevention, and helping women build muscle and burn fat to have access to a better-quality life.
Her wellness journey started with learning how to exercise, meal prep, and embrace healthy eating habits. Over time, this personal growth became a passion, leading her to become certified so she could help other women transform their own lives.
“I focus on teaching self-care, especially within the Black community, where the narrative often overlooks the importance of making time for ourselves. I guide women in carving out dedicated, intentional time for movement, whether at the gym or at home. This isn’t selfish, it’s essential. It’s a lesson we need to embrace and pass on to our children, showing them that prioritizing our well-being is a form of strength, not guilt.”
Rasheeta is constantly inspired by how Black women are incredibly resilient, strong, and deeply dedicated to growth and change. Along her own journey, she has learned that the most powerful transformations often come from the simplest changes.
“Small, consistent shifts have the greatest and most lasting impact, creating a ripple effect that can transform not just one life, but entire generations. Coaching women to embrace these small changes has shown me that wellness is not a quick fix, but a legacy we can build together.”
Sylvia Czerniak | @sylvia_czerniak
Sylvia is the founder of Fit & Faith Fitness, born from her own personal journey of resilience and transformation.
“After losing my daughter, I found myself in a deep place of grief, carrying not only the weight of my loss but also an extra 100 pounds. Depression felt overwhelming, but when I turned to fitness, everything began to change. Movement became my therapy, my way to heal – not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. As I rebuilt myself, I realized I wanted to help others do the same. I wanted to create a space where people could find strength in struggle, hope in hardship, and community in their journey.”
And that’s exactly what Fit & Faith Fitness provides, a space where people can grow stronger in body and mind while feeling supported spiritually – as well as training, group classes, and programs that cater to all fitness levels and ages, ensuring that everyone can find a place to thrive.
The most valuable lesson Sylvia has learned is that seasons change, people change, but prioritizing health and fitness should always remain constant.
“It’s the foundation that keeps everything else in life working and making sense. When you take care of your body, you gain the strength – physically, mentally, and emotionally to handle whatever life throws your way. No matter what shifts around you, staying committed to your well-being ensures that you can show up fully for yourself and those who depend on you. Health isn’t just a priority, it’s the key to thriving in every season of life.”
Troy Brown | @coach_troybrown
Trainer and online coach Troy Brown started his fitness journey with a love of sports and competition. A pro soccer player before transitioning into bodybuilding, he became a personal trainer in 1994 before taking his expertise online in 2007.
“Over the years, my mission has evolved, to not just build muscle, but to help men and women 35 and older train with purpose, stay strong for life, and take ownership of their fitness journey. My business is a reflection of my passion, experience, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.”
Troy’s coaching is rooted in his core pillars of faith, family, fitness, and finances. Whether through his online programs or personal training, his goal is to help clients push past their limits, embrace the work, and build a body that serves them for a lifetime.
“The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that success in fitness, and in life, comes down to taking full responsibility for your actions. No shortcuts, no excuses. The results you get are a direct reflection of the effort, patience, and consistency you put in. I’ve also learned that growth happens in discomfort. Whether it’s pushing through the last reps of a heavy set or overcoming setbacks, the real transformation happens when you embrace the challenge instead of running from it. Finally, fitness isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about longevity, confidence, and resilience. The work you put in today determines the strength and mobility you’ll have in the years to come. That’s why I train with intention and teach my clients to do the same.”
Omar Stinney | @omarstinney
Omar Stinney always knew sports would shape his life. At 19, while coaching his first basketball camp, he realized his calling—but financial struggles forced him to leave college and work as a Corrections Officer. For 21 years, he endured stressful shifts, sacrificing time with family while longing for his true passion.
A turning point came when he discovered the book As a Man Thinketh, reigniting his belief in his dreams. While working full-time, he launched sports training camps and became a Certified Personal Trainer in 2012, specializing in strength, speed, and agility for young athletes.
At 40, Omar took a leap, opening Drills for Skills Sports Training Oasis in 2016. That year, after losing his mother, father, and sister, he found strength in his “1% Better Everyday” mindset. In 2019, he left his government job to focus on his business—only to be tested by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of giving up, he pivoted, launching online fitness programs like My School Moves and deepening his expertise through Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi. Now, Omar is planning a Fitness Retreat for Entrepreneurs and expanding the Stinney World Impact Network (WIN) to inspire 1% of the world to embrace a “1% Better Everyday” mindset.
Here at ABC Trainerize, we were keen to highlight as many inspiring stories as we could. With the volume of responses we received, we couldn’t include everyone – thank you to everyone who got in touch with us!
As we celebrate Black History Month, these stories and incredible journeys are a testament to resilience, the power of dreams, and bold action.
We are blessed to work with so many incredible Black trainers, and we hope you join us in honoring their contributions to our community and beyond.