Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Villanueva Jr.
Hi Mark, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started working out when I was 15 and immediately fell in love with how it made me feel and the healthy lifestyle it encouraged. I knew it was something I would never stop. I stayed consistent for years, and while in college, I began helping friends get into working out and teaching them the basics of nutrition. After helping several friends make serious transformations, I realized I had a talent for it and could potentially build a career around helping people improve their health and fitness. So, I decided to get certified as a personal trainer and drop out of school to go all in on building a personal training business. That was in 2022, and I’ve never looked back. I’m beyond grateful that I now get to help countless people add years to their lives, gain confidence, improve their health and fitness, and build meaningful relationships along the way!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I dropped out of school, I had no plan B or safety net. I had no experience in business, no idea how to build clientele, and no clue what steps I needed to take—but I knew I would learn whatever was necessary and that I would never quit. During the first year of starting Transcending Personal Training, I struggled to get clients and had to drive for Uber countless hours, sometimes overnight and well into the morning, until I had enough clients to do personal training full-time. That first year, some people told me I wouldn’t be able to make a living from my personal training business and would need to get a job; but I stayed true to my vision and put in the work necessary to grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of Transcending Personal Training. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We offer in-home personal training, traveling directly to our clients’ homes or apartment gyms in Austin and San Antonio, TX. We also provide online coaching worldwide, with everything managed through a fitness app. In addition, we’ve built an online community on Skool.com for our clients and anyone looking for motivation and connection with others on a mission to become their best selves. We also organize local events focused on health, wellness, and community.
What sets us apart is our passion for helping others—not just in fitness, but also in mental health and the challenges life throws our way. We strive to ensure our clients know they have someone who truly cares and is ready to support them however we can.
One thing we want your readers to know is that we guarantee results. Beyond that, our clients gain access to a network of incredible people, all committed to self-improvement in various areas of life. Our slogan is “Go Beyond.” Go beyond physical, mental, and spiritual barriers. Go beyond how good you’ve ever felt. Go beyond how strong you’ve ever been. Go beyond any limitations—especially those placed on you by others or yourself.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes, I’ve learned so much from Chris Jones (Beastmode Jones) on YouTube, Alex Hormozi’s podcast The Game, and Andy Frisella’s podcast The MF CEO Project.
Some books that have helped me are The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer, and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.transcendingpersonaltraining.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transcending_pt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554957868186
