Today we’d like to introduce you to Braydon Alley.
Hi Braydon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Bray, I’m 32, and I’m a fitness entrepreneur (coach, athlete, community builder) based in Austin, Texas. Ten years ago, at the age of 22 while still in Indiana with just one semester left at university, I faced a profoundly dark period. I was grappling with unmet expectations and constant self-comparison, which pushed me to the brink of contemplating ending my life daily.
During this challenging time, I found a beacon of light through motivational speakers, podcasts, and a renewed focus on physical health—securing a gym membership and prioritizing nutrition. Although I was pursuing a career in criminal justice, envisioning a future with the FBI, I realized that my path was filled with negativity that only deepened my depression. This realization sparked my pivot towards the more fulfilling realm of health and wellness.
The shift wasn’t immediate but evolved gradually. I earned my training certification while working a manual labor job in Indiana. Driven by a deep-seated need for change, I relocated to Austin, Texas, with a friend on New Year’s Eve 2017. Starting anew without a job, I soon found work, climbing the ranks at LA Fitness to eventually become a fitness director. Despite being promoted, the toxic environment led me to leave after two years to establish my own coaching business, supplementing my income with roles at F45 and Stretch Lab South of Lamar.
As I left LA Fitness, COVID-19 hit, and although uncertain about my financial future, the pandemic allowed me to collect unemployment and deeply reflect on my life and the company I kept. This period of reflection was intensified by a DWI I received on New Year’s Eve 2018, my one-year anniversary in Austin. This was a wake-up call that led me to stop drinking and engage in deep self-reflection.
During 2020, I developed friendships in the health and wellness space and built connections with people who thought like me, moved like me, and were mission-driven like me. This led to joining Squatch Frontier Fitness in August 2020. Initially as a member, I began working there in May 2021, taking over their social media and events, becoming their Minister of Culture. This role helped me hone my skills in community building, creating a space where people feel seen, loved, and understood.
Today, I’m proud to be a founding father of Men in the Arena, a men’s group dedicated to empowering men to step into the arena so they can emerge as better men. This initiative is deeply personal and inspired by my own struggles and the tragic loss of my cousin who took his life on my birthday in 2021. In addition to Men in the Arena, I’m deeply invested in the sport of High Rocks, actively building a community around this challenging and rewarding fitness competition.
My journey from darkness to light has been filled with many ups and downs—moments of wanting to give up versus times of re-energizing, refocusing, falling down, and getting back up. It’s driven by a relentless pursuit of personal growth, challenging myself, and a desire to create supportive spaces that inspire others to feel fully alive, whether it’s for a moment or every day of their lives.
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?
No, the road has definitely not been smooth, and I firmly believe that a smooth road is somewhat of a myth, especially for those of us committed to truly pushing our limits and expanding our horizons. Every challenge and obstacle is a natural part of life’s ebb and flow, and it’s these very struggles that carve out our character and resilience.
In my journey, the struggles have been numerous and varied. Initially, the biggest challenge was overcoming my own mental health struggles. Dealing with deep-rooted self-doubt and depression was a significant hurdle, but it set the stage for a transformative journey towards wellness and purpose. Then, adapting to a new career path in health and wellness, away from a seemingly predetermined criminal justice track, involved not just a change of profession but a complete shift in identity and community.
Moving to Austin was another major step, filled with uncertainty. Starting from scratch in a new city without a job was daunting. Climbing the ranks at LA Fitness presented its own challenges, from navigating a toxic work environment to facing the instability of job promotions and demotions. Leaving to start my own business just as the pandemic hit introduced financial uncertainties and forced a period of deep personal and professional reflection.
Additionally, the DWI incident was a significant personal setback but also a pivotal moment that led me to sober living and deeper self-reflection. It was a harsh reminder of the consequences of my actions and a turning point towards more responsible and conscious living.
These experiences, while challenging, have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. They have taught me the value of hard choices, the importance of resilience, and the beauty of emerging stronger from adversity. Each obstacle has been both a lesson and a blessing, reinforcing the belief that embracing the rough paths is essential to experiencing the fullness of life. Adversity is not just an obstacle but a crucial part of the human experience that enriches our journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In discussing my work, I often identify more as an artist and creator than strictly a business practitioner or employee. I firmly believe that everyone possesses an inherent capability to be an artist in their own right, with expression being a fundamental human instinct. My work revolves around utilizing this perspective to bless every individual I encounter, striving to make them feel seen, loved, and understood.
What I do: At the core, my mission is to make a positive impact on everyone I meet, often by being open, authentic, and vulnerable. I see each interaction as a chance to express genuine empathy and encourage others to open up, which has become a hallmark of my approach.
What I specialize in: My specialty lies in bringing people together, creating safe spaces that encourage openness and trust. Over the years, whether with women or men, many have remarked on their ease and comfort in sharing personal experiences with me. My ability to foster trust and safety is one of my greatest gifts.
What I am known for: Currently, I’m gaining recognition as the “HYROX guy” in Austin, and I aim to be known globally for my work with Men in the Arena. I’ve also played a significant role in elevating the reputation of Squatch Frontier Fitness within the local community.
What I am most proud of: The aspect of my life that fills me with the most pride is my decision to choose life during my darkest moments. Reflecting on those times brings me profound emotional relief and gratitude. This choice has not only allowed me to continue my journey but also to help others feel fully alive—sharing in the human experience and potentially guiding them away from making irreversible decisions.
What sets me apart from others: My deep commitment to the collective well-being often comes at my own expense, a trait I’m learning to balance better by taking care of my own needs. My drive is fueled by a belief in the interconnectedness of inner peace and world peace—I am devoted to helping individuals find their inner peace, fostering a broader vision of global harmony.
In summary, my professional life is not just about what I do but how I do it—infusing each interaction with authenticity, empathy, and a relentless pursuit to make a meaningful difference. This approach is not just my career; it’s a reflection of my life’s philosophy.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Reflecting on my favorite childhood memory, it’s challenging because I’ve realized that I may have suppressed a lot of my earlier years. I’m actively working to unearth and embrace those memories more openly now. A standout moment that immediately comes to mind, though, is from my junior and senior years of high school when I was part of an elite Indiana wrestling team. We competed in the Disney Duels at Disney World, which was an extraordinary experience.
We only had to weigh in once, which made the event feel more like a week-long festival of wrestling than a series of stressful bouts. Competing against some of the best wrestlers in the country, coupled with the opportunity to explore the Disney parks, made it a uniquely enjoyable and memorable time. This experience was not just about the sport; it was about camaraderie, travel, and competing at a high level—elements that I find myself drawn to even today.
This memory resonates deeply with my current endeavors with Men in the Arena and competing in High Rocks. It’s fascinating to see how those early experiences of travel and competition have shaped my passion for building communities and competing across the country and potentially globally. This connection underscores how past experiences can inform and inspire our future paths, and it reinforces my commitment to creating similar meaningful and community-oriented experiences through my current work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: coachbray_
