Meet Vern Hamilton | Online Fitness & Nutrition Coach

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

Hi Vern, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started my fitness journey after the birth of my second daughter in 2011 literally transforming my body with a set of dumbbells in my living room. I was determined to return from maternity leave better than ever. Upon my return I started using the gym at work and people started to inquire about my journey! I used that gym every day Monday through Friday for 7 years. As I saw how inspired my coworkers were I decided to start an Instagram account strictly for my fitness journey which was Yntbfit. It’s short for Why Not Be Fit because I would always get asked “Vern why do you continue to workout you’re already in shape or you already look good you don’t need to lose any more weight.” So as the comments or questions continued to surface I would always reply “But why not?” And no one could give me a solid answer lol. As years past by I was like the “go to” person for fitness and nutrition advice.

Fast forward…

In 2016 I experienced partial vision loss leading me to lose faith in what I loved most fitness and God. For the first few weeks I feel into depression, became inactive, starting eating fast food every day and relied on wine to take the pain away. Although I couldn’t see during the day as the natural light was too much to handle, I was able to see at night without too much pain and basically became a night owl leading me to turn to Netflix for documentaries on natural remedies to heal myself. Overtime I came across a documentary about the power of the mind. So that night I asked God to relieve me of my pain and began waking up each morning thanking him for healthy eyes and clear eyesight. I also began exercising again to boost my mood and starting juicing as well as taking vitamin A. It took a few months but before I knew it my eyes were back to normal! Now during this time I was out of work on leave due to my unknown condition as the doctors never found anything wrong. As I headed back to my corporate job I felt ashamed because I had gained 35lbs within that short period of time. I felt as if I was going to be judged by my peers and that I wasn’t going to be the person they looked to for guidance.

Well I was wrong. I speak of my story often and continued to use the work gym every day Monday through Friday as I used too and before I knew it my body and mind began to transform better than ever as I really started to incorporate cleaner eating and more water into my life because I NEVER wanted to be in that situation again.

In 2017 I was working out at a local gym and one of the trainers came up to me and asked if I was a trainer because I had great form and he introduced me to his manager. Although I didn’t take the position at that time I left out feeling good and different about my purpose. I was really helping my peers at work by creating biggest loser challenges, working out with them in the gym, motivating and encouraging them to do better because I knew how quickly life could change. I got certified as a personal trainer and obtained my personal nutritionist certification and decided to turn my IG handle into my fitness business Yntbfit, LLC.

I held my very first outdoor class July 2017 and the response was amazing. I continued with one class per week as I was still working in corporate full time and a mother of two girls. In November 2017 I was contacted by a private fitness studio who loved my style of training and asked if I would take over a Tuesday class and I said yes! The universe was really opening up for me.

In 2018 my supervisor at the time called me into a room to conduct my yearly review. It was a good conversation which ended with the question of “Why are you here?” She continued with “Like seriously, this is no longer your passion. You love helping people thrive through bettering their health. And it’s my job to make you realize that.” So the Taurus in me went back to my desk and kept thinking the nerve of this woman. I went onto indeed and the first thing that popped up was a position as a Fitness Director so I applied. They called in the next day, I interviewed that following week and put my notice in a few days after that.

I only worked as a Fitness Director for three months as it wasn’t for me. I wasn’t able to help people the way I wanted to help them. I wasn’t able to help moms and busy women build strength and confidence within themselves. Although I was still teaching my two class and training my few clients part time I didn’t want to lose myself within another company so I put in my notice and I quit.

I became a full time entrepreneur from that moment on. Helping moms and women both in person and online, private and semi private sessions, group classes, creating custom meal plans, building strong minds to match the body and even started teaching mindfulness to children in local schools. I also used my knowledge and experience with juicing to create a 3 day juice cleanse called Universal Juice that provides your body with a natural reset.

Why Not Be Fit is the best question to ask yourself. You literally have nothing to lose but everything to gain. A healthy mind and a healthy body is the most valuable tool you can allow yourself to have. It suits all ages, races, genders, countries etc. Your health is your life and Yntbfit, LLC. embodies that.

What should our readers know about your business?
I think the biggest thing that sets me apart from others is that I’ve been my clients shoes before. I’ve literally touched every phase of fitness. I’ve been a beginner, I’ve been a mom trying to get their bodies back and regain confidence, I’ve been over weight, I’ve been scared to lifted weights, I’ve relied solely on cardio. You name the phase I’ve been in it and I am very transparent and open to share my experiences with my clients to motivate them to keep going.

I’m most excited about my growth as a fitness and nutrition coach. I’m forever learning each day ways to encourage a fit mindset in order to have a fit body.

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for consistency. Consistently showing up every day for myself to become healthier and to show others that they can do it to. Showing up and “having” class even if no one showed up and posting it on social media to show my dedication to my followers and my class. Being consistent isn’t easy when it’s only you that’s being consistent. You want to take breaks but as an entrepreneur who provides a service there are no breaks.

I’ve learned that transparency is golden. It’s okay to show up as yourself. These things help you build a relationship with your audience. You have to be passionate and lead with purpose. Those who are for you will be for you.

I want the world to know that Yntbfit, LLC. stands for Why Not Be Fit because no matter where you are in life, a healthy mind and healthy body is for everyone. My brand is a lifestyle which has no image. There is no big or small, no young or old. There is only healthy, strong and confident.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would definitely be surrounded in nature as nature bring peace and happiness. Starting on Monday we would go hang out on the James River along the rocks for a couple hours and maybe have a little picnic. Tuesday we would go down to Carytown and hit the shops and grab a bite to eat a Burger Bach they have the best fries in town. And then possibly catch a Squirrels game. Wednesday we would catch some SUP (stand up paddle board) yoga with my girl Liz so we could experience the James River in a different manner and after head down to Scotts Addition and hang out at this spot that has amazing Vegan Pizza. Thursday we’d attend open mic night at Brewer’s Cafe and listen in on some of the local talent. Plus their food is amazing. Friday and Saturday we’d probably go down to Dinwiddie and hangout with my family as we have weekend tent nights out on the lawn, grill some good food, have a huge bonfire and some good music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a huge shout out to my daughters. Da’Vae and Charlee they are truly my biggest fans and are so encouraging. My ol’ man Charles, my sister Da’Shay, Aunties DeAnna and Marcie, Ms. Gina for just being there and providing encouraging words. Ravi for offering me scared space to be myself and train my clients. My dad and mom. My entire family honestly! My fitness community and my clients as I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for their support. And my friends for always showing interest in fitness even though it’s not always their thing they stay rooting me on.

Website: www.yntbfit.com

Instagram: yntbfit

Facebook: Vern Hamilton

Youtube: Why Not Be Fit with Vern Hamilton