Photo by Khaaliq Thomas
Kimo Fredericksen opened his business, True Body Fitness, in the hustling and bustling neighborhood of Corktown, Detroit. “It’s really rewarding. It’s very cool, and I’m lucky to be in a field where I get to help people, so it’s a positive environment, you know. I may be selling a service, but it’s something that I really believe in.”
Kimo started getting into personal training in his 20s. Being overweight growing up and into his teens, he decided he wanted to change his lifestyle. He got really into being healthy and fit, and wanted to help other people achieve their goals of being healthy and fit. When someone makes the decision to make a change in their lifestyle, it’s an invigorating experience to work with someone who can relate to what you’re going through on several different levels. Have you ever met someone that made you feel like you’ve known them for a long time? That’s the sort of vibe that Kimo gives off. The atmosphere in his facility is welcoming, and full of hope; traits that exude from him as well. Even Batman, the tiny mascot that he saved from the streets, wags his tail enthusiastically like the little canine ball of joy that he is. Within moments Batman was on my lap, as if we went way back.
When Kimo started training people, he was at a big, corporate gym which he absolutely hated. “It had no life to it. It was more about money. So I started out my own five years ago and slowly climbed my way up here!” His modesty, humble spirit, and integrity are refreshing. True Body is designed so that the left side is dedicated to group fitness, while the right is dedicated to personal training and he’s hoping to expand up a floor. There are two other trainers that work in his space and six teachers as private contractors which makes it easier for people to come and go naturally.
“I just kind of work by the philosophy, if you work your butt off, everything will work out,” he laughs contagiously. Going from just being a personal trainer to doing all of the business stuff too has taken a slight toll on his availability, but he handles it with complete grace and care. When asked if he thought about expanding, he said, “I’d love to just keep working with the community, and see how that evolves. It would be cool to take the feedback and keep creating pockets. I’d love to create a health and wellness neighborhood where we had acupuncture, massage, fitness and the like. It would be cool, you know, we have the same thing for cars where you go and get your oil changed and engine tuned up, it would be cool to have that place for people.” Kimo loves what he does, and it comes across with every word he speaks. Originally from Brighton, he has transformed into one of the most passionate Detroiters I’ve ever met. His passion for helping people become the best possible versions of themselves is unparalleled. It’s no wonder True Body Fitness has already grown so much, so fast. – Natasha Guimond
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