Meet Genae Banks | Gym Owner, Personal Trainer, Prep Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Genae Banks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Genae, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a creative career in personal training and prep coaching for bodybuilding because I have a passion for fitness and helping others achieve their goals. I also enjoy the creative aspect of designing personalized training programs and meal plans, as well as the satisfaction of seeing my clients make progress.

Additionally, in bodybuilding I strive to continually improve my clients’ physique and performance.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
FIT JUNKEY gym is a fitness center that’s different from other gyms in many ways. What sets FIT JUNKEY apart is our unique approach to fitness and our commitment to creating a positive, supportive gym culture. I believe that fitness is about more than just building muscle or losing weight. It’s about improving your overall health, increasing your confidence, and building a better version of yourself. We offer a wide range of classes, equipment, and programs to help our members achieve their goals and feel their best.

I am thrilled to announce that we have recently moved to a bigger space to accommodate the growing number of clients and provide them with an even better gym experience. This expansion is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who are constantly striving to improve the facilities and services we offer.

Building a successful gym business has not been an easy journey. I faced numerous challenges along the way, such as COVID shutting down the gym. This force me to adapt and train online as well as outside. However, I’ve overcame these obstacles by staying true to the mission of providing a fun and motivating atmosphere that inspires people to achieve their fitness goals.

One of the most important lessons I have learned in my journey is that success is not achieved overnight. It takes time, patience, hard work and unwavering determination. I always aim to put clients first and make their fitness journey enjoyable, so they keep coming back for more.

I would like the world to know that FIT JUNKEY is more than just a gym. We are a community of fitness enthusiasts who have come together to support each other in our fitness journey. Our mission is to inspire and motivate people to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, and we are proud to be doing that every day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Day 1:
– Start the day with breakfast at The Flying Biscuit Cafe, a local favorite for Southern-style breakfast foods.
– Visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, and see aquatic animals like whale sharks and beluga whales.
– Have lunch at Ponce City Market, a trendy mixed-use development with a variety of food options and shopping.
– Take a stroll in Piedmont Park, a large urban park with plenty of green space and skyline views.
– In the evening, grab dinner at The Optimist, a seafood restaurant known for its oysters and wood-fired grill.

Day 2:
– Head to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and learn about the legacy of one of the most important civil rights leaders in American history.
– Visit the World of Coca-Cola, a museum dedicated to the history of Coca-Cola and its global impact.
– Have lunch at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, a classic Southern-style restaurant known for its fried chicken and mac and cheese.
– Check out the street art in the Krog Street Tunnel, a colorful underpass filled with murals.
– End the night with drinks and rooftop views at the Clermont Lounge, a quirky strip club-turned-bar that’s been a landmark since the 1960s.

Day 3:
– Take a day trip to the nearby Stone Mountain Park, where you can hike to the top of a granite mountain, see a laser show, and explore a historic village.
– Have lunch at Six Feet Under, a seafood restaurant known for its rooftop patio and views of the Atlanta skyline.
– Spend some time shopping and exploring the boutiques in the trendy neighborhood of Little Five Points.
– In the evening, catch a concert or show at the Fox Theatre, a historic theater that’s been a cultural landmark since the 1920s.

Day 4:
– Start the day with breakfast at Home Grown, a casual diner known for its Southern comfort food and friendly service.
– Visit the High Museum of Art, one of the top art museums in the Southeast, and see works by artists like Monet, O’Keeffe, and Warhol.
– Have lunch at Antico Pizza, a casual, family-owned pizzeria known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pies.
– Spend the afternoon exploring the Atlanta BeltLine, a network of multi-use trails and parks that connect neighborhoods and offer skyline views.
– End the night with drinks at the upscale bar and lounge, The Whiskey Project.

Day 5:
– Take a guided tour of the historic Oakland Cemetery, where notable Atlantans like Margaret Mitchell and Bobby Jones are buried.
– Have lunch at The Varsity, a classic drive-in restaurant that’s been serving burgers, hot dogs, and fries since 1928.
– Visit the Center for Civil and Human Rights, a museum dedicated to raising awareness and educating visitors about ongoing struggles for social justice.
– Spend the evening at the famous Chops Lobster Bar, a renowned steak and seafood restaurant featuring fine dining, opulent decor, and an award-winning wine list.

Day 6:
– Visit the Atlanta History Center and its surrounding gardens, which include historic houses, gardens, and exhibits, and explore the Civil War exhibit.
– Have lunch at Fox Bros Bar-B-Q, a casual and highly rated barbecue joint that serves smoked meats and Southern sides.
– Take a guided tour of the King Plow Arts Center, a thriving arts district located in a former plow factory with studios, galleries, and performance spaces.
– End the night with drinks at B-Side Lounge, a hip and intimate craft cocktail bar hidden behind a secret entrance.

Day 7:
– Spend the morning exploring the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a scenic park with trails, river activities, and wildlife.
– Have lunch at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, a casual barbecue joint with blues music, pulled pork, and ribs.
– Visit the CNN Center and take a tour of the studios and newsrooms of the global news network.
– End the week with dinner at Bacchanalia, a fine-dining experience with an impressive wine list and contemporary American cuisine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I am extremely grateful and thankful to all my clients who have trusted me and my capabilities in delivering my services. It is an honor and a privilege to be working with such wonderful people who are striving to be their best, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help them achieve their goals.

Working with my clients gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and it is because of them that I continue to love my job. Their feedback, support, and trust inspire me to become better every day, and it is because of them that I am able to improve my skills, work on my weaknesses, and deliver high-quality results.

I am forever thankful to all of my clients for choosing me as their trainer and for allowing me to help them achieve their goals. Their support motivates me to keep going and to strive for excellence in everything that I do.

Website: WWW.FITJUNKEY.COM

Instagram: FIT JUNKEY