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

Hi Tony, how does your business help the community?
YourBestFit is a health and wellness company whose primary focus is to improve an individual’s quality of life through proper exercise education, wellness coaching, injury prevention, and long-term planning for success. We have helped thousands of clients over the years in the areas of golf and tennis performance, injury prevention, weight loss, pre- and post-surgical rehab, memory/wellness, Yoga, Pilates, Massage, group classes, and corporate wellness. Using the latest research in kinesiology, biomechanics, and psychology, along with a team of top professionals, we are able to teach individuals how to invest in their most valuable asset, their health! We as humans put so much on our plates that often times we forget about ourselves and our own wellbeing. Whether that is sleep patterns, nutrition, stress management, exercise, or accountability. Over the last 23 years, we have perfected our results-driven scientific approach to health, wellness, and happiness, teaching that it’s never too late to start exercising or making healthy decisions. We give individuals the freedom to do the things they love now and in later stages of life. We help make it possible for them to take that vacation to a seaside coastal town and not have to worry about the stairs, uneven ground, and miles of walking. We give them the freedom to be independent and not have to rely on family, friends, or assisted living for activities of daily living. We give them the knowledge and guidance to help them notice an ache before it turns into an injury. We give them support and encouragement to do things they never thought possible, increasing their self-esteem and motivation. We help individuals from becoming one of the 78 million workers who will experience back pain this year, one of the 160 million Americans who are overweight or obese, or the one in four individuals 65+ that will fall this year. YourBestFit helps you live your life, ONLY BETTER!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
YourBestFit was established in 1996 after the founder, Christine King, was involved in a terrible accident that caused an explosion of her lower lumbar vertebrae. It was unclear whether she would walk again. After months of rigorous physical therapy, she was able to walk again. This was possible due to the fact that she was physically fit before the accident. Upon the realization of the importance of staying physically fit, Christine founded YourBestFit. She and I collaborated on YourBestFit’s projects, and through this, we recognized our shared passion for improving individuals’ quality of life. I became CEO/owner of the company in 2017 and have been committed to the company’s mission since then. My journey to where I am today has been a marathon, not a sprint. My driving forces over the past few decades have been a commitment to improving one’s quality of life and financial independence. I worked many jobs when I was younger, from appliance recycling to landscaping and dry cleaning. I knew these jobs weren’t going to be my career but I always followed the philosophy of giving every task and every job everything I have, and learn as much as I can. It was this way of thinking which allowed me to develop many long-lasting connections with people and build many skills that I still use today. I knew I wanted to help makes people’s lives easier and I wanted to be financially independent. I had the opportunity to become a licensed insurance agent and build a business in a new market of central Pennsylvania where my products were unknown. I learned how to manage my time, develop goals, assess and set KPIs, build relationships, listen intently, and above all, the power of perseverance. I had to make many calls and visit many places before I heard a “yes”. If I would have quit or let myself get down I would not have been one of the top producers in the state. I was ultimately let go when the company decided to downsize and they went with tenured agents. I was upset but not broken and decided to turn my passion for health and fitness into my career. I became a certified personal trainer and eventually set my sights on a larger population of fitness seeking individuals. It was here where I met Christine and where all the hard work I had done before started to pay off. The skills I had previously learned laid the foundation for my success with YourBestFit. I have learned a lot in both my personal life and business career, but what has stuck with me most is: Life is not easy, and it seems people, situations, and circumstances are constantly testing our resolve. I am not where I am today because things fell in place. There are constant challenges to overcome and lessons to learn. I believe it is our mindset that has the greatest impact on success, understanding things will happen and mistakes will be made, but they alone do not define you or your success. Reflect on what went wrong and why, and strategize how to prevent future mistakes. Believe in yourself and your limitless potential to grow in all areas of life. We can always keep learning and growing. What sets YourBestFit apart from others in the industry is that the results of our services extend beyond aesthetics and numbers. We empower clients to discover their strengths. Our clients shift from mindsets of helplessness and inability to change to then accepting help and being open to change. We help people see their potential, showing them that dedication and consistency lead to results that positively impact other aspects of their lives. They can use what they have learned about their success with goal setting, changes in mindsets, and plans of actions to achieve various life goals. When our clients work with us, they aren’t just hiring a trainer, they are hiring a transformative coach. Our team members show their clients that they can change their mindsets, push themselves further than ever, do things they never thought were possible, and develop the tools and resources needed to live healthier lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were to visit Florida, I would do my best to give them a taste of the South Florida lifestyle. This means, beaches, boating, fishing, relaxing, eating, and socializing. A visit to the clean and blue waters of Delray Beach would happen first. There is something for everyone. You can relax on the beach listening to the waves, stop at one of the many restaurants for lunch, my choice is City Oyster or El Camino. You can also pick up some souvenirs at one of the many shops along Atlantic Ave. It also turns into quite the hot-spot at night with many options for good drinks, dancing, and games. Another day we would go to Top Golf to test our skills in a series of driving range golf games. The atmosphere is fun and it is quite easy to lose track of time there. Also high on my list of things to do would be to hire a Bass Fishing guide on Lake Okeechobee, to try your luck at catching a ten-pounder. You’re almost guaranteed to have the Bass fishing trip of a lifetime. Time would also be set aside for a couple of days in any of the Florida keys! Experiencing the stunning blue waters of the keys by boat is a must. Pack a cooler with some food, drinks, and sunscreen, and enjoy the beauty of the mangroves, go snorkeling, scuba diving, or just relax on a sandbar. For those who visit from January to March, the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington makes for a unique Saturday evening to watch the horse jumping competition. Finally, a night dancing in South Beach will not disappoint. If a more relaxing vibe is what you’re after, the Morikami Garden in Boca Raton is an ideal place to stroll outside while taking in the scenery. In the evening, dinner at The Wine Room is a favorite of mine. They have a handpicked selection of over 200 wines to try by the glass through their state-of-the-art wine dispensers, and a scratch kitchen with many delicious vegan, vegetarian, and seafood options. Another great dinner option is DADA on Swinton Ave. It’s an American cafe placed inside an old historic home with big banyan trees on the front lawn. Afterward, a walk along AIA or on the beach is a good way to help digest, relax, and end your night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Wife Talia has encouraged me to grow and reassured me I can take on any challenge life throws my way. She is a huge part of who I am today. Also, my business mentor Christine King. Without her wisdom and guidance, I would have had a much tougher time navigating the world of business. Thank you!

Website: www.YourBestFit.com
Instagram: yourbestfit_ybf
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/buckleyanthony
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeOnlyBetter