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

Hi JJ, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Decatur Ga. and I am currently a National Guard Military Police and Dekalb County Firefighter. This definitely plays a role in who I am and why I chose the route that I am currently on. Growing up, I saw a lot of examples of what I did not want to be like. My parents made sure I stayed active and productive throughout my childhood. The best way for me to do that was sports. I witnessed a lot of family illness, sickness, death, etc. at a young age. I witnessed and experienced a lot of flaws in our system and instantly knew I wanted to be apart of public safety. I wanted to be the one to make a change and start a shift. I take my jobs very personal and want to be in the best shape possible physically and mentally. Everyday I risk my life and take on challenges that the average person may not experience. Over the past few years I started to realize the major impact that I have on my peers. I provide energy, discipline, and a mindset that the community can feed off of in a very positive way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a personal trainer I believe it is important to never give up on yourself regardless of what life throws at you. I remind my clients and peers that everyone has a story to tell, but not many share how they got through it.

At 17, I enlisted into the military. The day before I shipped, I received a speeding ticket. Due to my age I had to go to court. Things were not looking good and at this moment my career was on the line because I was going to miss my ship date. God had different plans and I was granted another ship date. Basic Training was tough and by far one of the hardest things I went through.

At 21, I entered the fire academy after being denied three previous times. This was a dream I had since 15. After failing multiple test, once again my career was at stake. If I was to receive one more failure, I was removed from the academy and terminated. For the first time in my life I thought about quitting. But I stuck with it. Patience, discipline, and faith got me through.

These are just two examples out of a few that led me to the name “By Any Means”. Unfortunately we live in a microwave society where people want it quick and give up even quicker.. No one can stop you. You can do anything you put your mind to.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Big ups to my parents. They were the opposite of strict. Sometimes it’s more pressure when they believe in you and don’t tell you “you’re going to do this” Which in my eyes could be worse at times. Giving me the lead way to make my own decisions at such a young age helped me mature very fast. Everything happens for a reason and everything must have reasoning. Uncomfortable situations caused me to make tough decisions. But it was apart of the plan in developing me into the leader I am and still becoming.

Website: Byanymeansfitnessllc.com

Instagram: Jjfoo_

Facebook: Jj Canty

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