We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Lay and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mark, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Without risk there is no reward, I believe the saying goes.
I made the jump from working for a boutique gym 12+ hours a day to completely independent with a handful of clients & a dream, which requires 24 hours a day but with a much greater all around reward.
That “risk” or leap of faith as I’d like to think of it was the push I required to desire a bit more out of not only myself, but my profession. It put me in the sink or swim scenario & there was no way I’d let myself drown!
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.
In a field that is over saturated with “trainers” what sets me apart is simply my personality & passion for the craft. There are thousands of people who try to do what I do, but if you’re not all in then the quality of your work is affected & I just happen to work on people. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take!
I’m most excited about my longevity in the field, health & wellness isn’t an easy path to follow but I’ve been here for nearly a decade & solely in the field. I bet on myself 100% & will continue to do so.
I got to where I’m at today, due to my network. I was originally in finance/hospitality after graduating from Howard University. My father first pushed me in the direction of health & wellness & once I moved to Miami Beach the people I associated with did the same. It felt like a natural progression for me.
It was far from easy though, a lot of sleepless nights hoping I made the right move. It took some introspection & once I found some footing there was no turning back, regardless of the challenge presented I used every possible resource to prevail.
I’ve shared this with many people looking to get into the industry as well as those I’ve trained. If you truly want it, just put in the work. There is very little that can stop a person with a goal if they’re willing to work nonstop to achieve it. It may not come as quickly as you’d like, but you can’t rush the process all you can do is keep putting in the work.
If you had to know anything about me it’s that I want it just as bad at the people I train, whether it’s losing 50lbs or training to look the best you ever have. I want it just as bad as you & I’m willing to match your effort 110%!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a North Beach resident, so the easiest answer would always be the beach & I’m certain we’d end up there for a little most days.
However, Miami has so much to offer.
Wynwood will always be one of my favorite places to explore even through its expansion. Dante’s HiFi would most likely be where I went.
In Little Havana I’d say Ball & Chain, is a favorite of mine.
In Overtown, Red Rooster is always a solid choice.
If they’re coming to visit me, they have to at least train with me once. So it’d be at Circuit Academy on Miami Beach or Muscle Beach.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve got an absolutely amazing support system when it comes to family & friends without them this journey would’ve been a lot more difficult, if not impossible.
I’m also fortunate to have some amazing clients that all me to bounce ideas off of them as well as push me to become better in my profession in so many different ways.
Instagram: @Lay.Fit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lay.Fit/
Other: Email : mlay.fit@gmail.com
Image Credits
Mark Lay