Today we’d like to introduce you to Rodney Crayton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story begins in Santa Monica, CA. I played football, baseball and basketball. Primarily coached by my father (Lawrence). I graduated from Santa Monica High School where I also started on the varsity football team as well. After graduating, I became a coach for the youth football team in Santa Monica. Following my father’s footsteps, I coached my son (Rodney Jr.). I was also the strength and conditioning coach for the team. I was known as the hot-headed young coach who pushed the limits a lot, but I also had a great relationship with all the kids. We won two national championships (2009, 2013). During that time, I had another son (Ryan) and I was also in film school but I continued to train myself pretty hard. I always believed “even though I’m not a professional athlete, I can still train like one”. I graduated with honors, but fitness was still my passion so I began working at 24 hour fitness as a Master trainer. I eventually joined Gold’s gym in Venice, where I met Charles Glass (the godfather of bodybuilding). I also met my girlfriend at the time (Ariell) who was a Norwegian bodybuilding champion and a bodybuilding coach. These two explained to me the nature of bodybuilding as a natural competitor, so I took a chance at competing. I became a bodybuilding champion under the guidance of Charles and Ariell. After that, Charles took me under his wing as his assistant trainer. About 6 months later I became my own trainer at Gold’s gym. I’ve trained many professional athletes, musicians and actors like Dexter Jackson, rapper 50 Cents and actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a trainer definitely has its ups and downs. I’ve always loved working with clients, but working for a gym never felt natural for me. I’m a born leader, so my ambitions pushed me to run my own company “GodBody” Grind Or Die. Helping clients reach their goals and become the best version of themselves is my passion. The biggest struggle has been learning how to run my own company as a business and maintaining that fire to push people to be their best.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a certified master trainer and I have a degree in filming. I specialize in muscle building and weight loss. I also specialize in filming and editing. So not only do I help clients get in great shape, I also make amazing videos documenting their process. I love telling visual stories. I’m known for having one of the best physiques as a natural athlete and competitors. I’m also known for having one of the biggest smiles and great energy, so training with me is an amazing experience for clients. What sets me apart from most bodybuilders is the knowledge gained from Charles Glass as a trainer. I target muscle from multiple angles which gives them more of a 3D look. I’m also one of the only full time trainers who also competes naturally.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is results. I teach clients the discipline and dedication because motivation only last so long. I also love for clients to enjoy the process. We’re going to work hard, but we’re going to enjoy it and have fun in the process. Building a great relationship with the clients means the world to me.
Pricing:
- Single Session $85
- 5 Pack Personal Training $400
- 10 Pack Personal Training $750
Contact Info:
- Website: rod@rodneycrayton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rod_godbody/profilecard/?igsh=OWVvZXJ0Z3Rka3Fm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15G61saXJ2/?mibextid=wwXIfr









Image Credits
Ariell Rosenblad Crayton
