As one of the original people Ola worked with (roughly 5-6 years ago) I can go on for days/pages talking about how much Ola has had an effect and changed my life (as well as my brothers), but the original moment on how I felt is the key or the moment I tell others is the catalyst for change in someone's life. Also, I'm going to add some pieces of what I have done because of this inspiration.
I remember when I first sat down with my brother at Steve Nash thinking:
"Alright, here comes another trainer about to try and sell my brother and I into things I already researched, practiced, and fully understand. Let's just get this thing done as quickly as I can."
Little did I know that this conversation would be the conversation which would begin to shape me into the man, trainer, and coach I am today. No, I don't say that lightly because this man inspired a career in me and taught me what a true educator and inspirer can do for people.
After working with Ola for 3 months he didn't create motivation within my brother and I, he inspired us to find the motivation with us to continue to strive and work to better ourselves in every aspect of our lives. Not only were we fortunate enough to work with Ola at the gym, but he was kind enough to share his dream outside of the gym with us to one day open up his own gym and help others to what he had given us: inspiration to continue living out a healthy, fulfilling life and to SHARE that inspiration and feeling with those around us.
Shortly after working with Ola, receiving such a gift that I would have spent endless dollars on to find in mentors, coaches, professors, teachers, and so on, I began my own journey to become a trainer. After receiving my BCRPA Certification at Douglas college, I was able to inspire friends, family, and a niche clientele the same way this man inspired me to achieve fulfillment. I've had the fortune and opportunity to work with the blind, people with special needs, and have expanded to contract work (LifeBalance Groups) with a psychologist to help elevate others to what Ola gave my brother and I. He has something that can't be taught in school nor can it be learned from a book: he has faith in himself and others that they can do what others say they can't and he sees your potential and challenges you to reach it. Most professors and teachers don't spend the time or will only reach so far even if the student is trying their best. Not Ola.
This took me to develop ways in order to make people as comfortable and successful as I was after working with Ola. I watched his results daily and continued to be inspired to grow.
I spoke with Ola recently, as I'm putting together something of my own, and I know that the people I work with will never have to worry about a sense of security, a sense of freedom to make mistakes, and a sense of community when they join Ola's Fit for Life. I know that Ola will not be the type to work with clients for the sole purpose of making a dollar; I know he is still grinding and working hard toward the same purpose he inspired in me: to help change lives.
So, if you're ready or you have a sense of I think this could be a good fit or "I have the knowledge and practice to do it", don't make the same mistake I almost made and prevent yourself from joining the communities of one of the most kind, hardworking people I have had the pleasure of sharing part of my life with from 6 years ago, to today, and onward.
I said it again and again (and still say it in moments where I hold a lesson he taught me): thank you Ola. You are not a trainer, you are more than a friend: you are my family. Those who work with him know this, those who have worked with him still feel this, and those employed by him share this. Ola will truly teach you what it means to be (Ola) Fit for Life. read more