Meet Phillip Buss | Fitness Consultant & Model

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

Hi Phillip, what do you want your legacy to be?
What I leave behind in life will be determined when I leave it. However, I hope that one of the things I can categorize as my legacy would be the lives I’ve impacted and the points of views that I’ve helped to shift. Producing content that improves someone’s mood, providing material that can educate, and/or presenting a way of approaching an issue that the receiver hadn’t thought of before, thereby opening their mind. That’s what I strive for.

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.
I’m currently working as a fitness consultant for Fitness Together in John’s Creek and have been doing so for the past year. Exercise has always been a part of my life and was actually what saved it. When I was a child I had debilitating asthma and was prescribed swimming by my pediatrician to treat it. Being on that swim team at such a young age not only strengthened my lunges and beat asthma, but it also gave me a love for fitness. Ever since then I’ve kept myself active with soccer, running, swimming, rugby, outdoor activites and weight training.

My mom is a physical therapist so I was always surrounded with her work or tips and tricks she learned. During college I worked as a home health care assistant and got to use some of those tips and tricks with clients.

As time went on I got more and more fit, which caused people to ask me due advice on healthier living and exercise. The answers I had were purely based on general info and what had worked for me, not educated answers.

It wasn’t until Covid-19 hit and I saw the negative effects of the pandemic that I realized I needed to get properly educated and be a certified solution to the problems that countless people face with their health today. So I got certified to be a personal trainer as well as a nutrition coach, found a home at Fitness Together, and am now the team leader at my location. We just broke our record for the best month we’ve ever had since they’ve been in business (over 13yrs), so it’s safe to say we’re doing something right.

But that’s not all. I’ve been acting since I was in middle school and have been building a modeling portfolio for the past two years. I was signed by an agency who thought I would be great for print and commercials, which caused me to begin working with photographers on “learning the angles”.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with outstanding photographers all around ATL and even out of state. I’m still adding to the portfolio, while at the same time attempting to build a social media presence. I’d say the biggest challenge here is getting noticed, so shout out to Shoutout Atlanta for taking the time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Beltline is my go-to. I love taking friends there. We’d start near the Kroger and head towards Piedmont, enjoy the scenery, and head back the way we came so they could experience Ponce City Market.

I’d have to take them to Bold Monk Brewing just North West of the city. Not only is it a phenomenal restaurant but their drink options are divine.

Finally I’d want them to see Decatur Square, try Jeni’s ice cream, see local shops and foods. Experience Three Taverns Brewery (I haven’t had a bad drink at that place to-date) and see which of the many options attracts them.

AND because I’m a fitness professional, I’d also take them to Onelife Fitness near Perimeter mall so we could work off everything we ate and drank, sit in their sauna, maybe go to the mall after. These are just a few ideas. Each experience would vary based on the person.

Atlanta, and the surrounding areas, have incredibly diverse options.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Marcus Aurelius’ book “Meditations”. While it was written eons ago, his writings and perspectives still hold up today with eery significance. This book has helped me with accountability, mental strength, maturity, and discipline. I’d recommend it to anyone. Hands down my go-to book.

Instagram: @phillipbuss

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/Philabusster

Image Credits
Aaron Skykar @aaronskylarphoto Kyle Merritt @kylemerrittphotography