Michael Wayans - Personal Trainer - Inspire Aspire Talk/Q&A/Workshop 4 July 19

Michael Wayans, Personal Trainer and Owner of Teamfitnessclub.co.uk and Team Fitness Show visited us to deliver a Talk/Q&A and motivational workout session with a group of Year 12 Business and Sport Science students.

Michael's talk focused on the following key areas:

• Resilience and Self belief

“I can create whatever I put my mind to”

Michael shared his poignant life changing story of how he changed his name from Kwame to Michael Wayans by deed poll at the age of 18 to create a new, positive identity for himself and rid himself of toxic memories of an unsupportive and physically abusive father.

The life lesson which Michael subsequently offered to our students was about the importance of self belief in times of adversity.  This was reinforced through Michael’s discussion of the ‘ups and downs’ of running his own business including: losing confidence in his ability, hiring and dealing with staff issues and competing with other businesses.

‘I am failing my way to success’ - Michael identified this mantra for pushing forwards and not giving in to self doubt.  He reflected on how past decisions/actions have shaped him and believes that hard graft will pay off in the end.

• Team work

Michael encouraged our students throughout the session to think about the importance of teamwork.  He unpicked the acronym T.E.A.M to unfold his business and life motto: ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’.

This belief system was duly reinforced throughout the hour long session with the students participating in a range of  challenge tasks - squatting, press ups and both the metaphoric and physical breaking through walls activity.