Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin Bryant
Hi Devin , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
What started as just the thought of running a fitness business during my undergraduate studies eventually became the reality that I experience today. Since I was a youth, I built a fascination with how the human body and mind operated, so the pursuit of fitness and wellness soon followed later on in my life. What was at first interest in reading Men’s Health magazines as a teenager transformed into a deep collegiate dive into the science of physical movement, wellness, and K-12 education. That love led to receiving my Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 2013. After college in 2015, I was introduced to a very popular local St Louis area fitness facility in Ferguson Missouri and the owner gave me an opportunity at teaching group fitness classes and that sparked my growth and development. At that point, I only had minor experience in personal training in college. From 2018, my growth led to teaching on my own at a different facility space and patrons began to support me on a consistent basis. After years of progression through leading a variety of fun fitness classes, COVID hit the United States, and we could no longer meet in person, and I was laid off due to covid restrictions. The clients that I had in-person joined me online and they brought friends to Zoom where I hosted group HIIT sessions at home during quarantine. In March of 2020 is when Forged by Fitness became reality and an LLC. Today, Forged by Fitness, is at two locations that services the Saint Louis region dedicated to thriving professionals as well as children. My mission is to help every individual reach their best version of self. My vision is to build a bigger footprint that reaches people from around the globe who share the goal of good health and preservation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, the challenges were not having a facility to teach in. I was only meeting clients at the local parks during hot and cold seasons and on Zoom only. As we all know, everyone was getting cabin fever from being in their homes during COVID and restrictions were lifted but I hoped for a space where we could meet together in a building. Luckily, in due time, I was able to acquire a space and the rest is history.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a full-time K-12 educator and certified SEL specialist. Along with certification in the field of fitness, I received my 200 CYT Yoga and S.E.L facilitator certification with Breathe For Change which caters to developing children’s social emotional learning and wellness development. I am proud of this pathway because social emotional learning allows us all as humans to meet at the same level and share perspective. All of my professional experience helps with the cultivation and growth of a full and rewarding life.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The characteristic that feels most important to my success is faith. I had to trust the process, take risks, and believe in my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: forgedbyfitnessstl
- Facebook: Forged by Fitness – Saint Louis
- Other: Tiktok: forgedbyfitness
Image Credits
Metrophototainment photography (1st, 4th image, and 6th image)
