Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael DeGood.
Michael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I graduated from the American Conservatory Theatre in 1996 and I arrived in LA around 1998. I was pursuing acting and working as a bartender to make ends meet. It was important to me through High School, College and after to maintain a lean, strong body.
I never had the money to spend on a personal trainer so I was left to figure how to work out on my own.
I did what most people did, I bought books and magazine and did what the trainers in these books and mags told me to do. I was always consistent and dedicated and maintained a good physique. It was around 2006 that I started taking Martial Arts classes to change up my workout routine and learn a little more about manipulating my own body weight. This led me to taking up boxing, which I still teach and utilize in my own training and with my clients. My boxing coach Joe Rivera was hired by the rock band Counting Crows to go on a summer tour as their personal trainer.
Joe asked me if I’d help him by teaching his classes and taking on a few of his clients while he was away.
I accepted the offer and immediately got certified as a personal trainer, class trainer, strength and conditioning coach and nutritionist and started training. Soon after this, I quit my bartending job, quit acting and took up personal training full time and here I am 17 years later still going strong.
Great, 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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first started out as a personal trainer I needed to keep my bartending job until I was able to fill my schedule with clients. This was difficult because as a bartender I would work until early in the morning, sometimes not getting home until 3am, I would have to turn around and train clients at 6am or 7am the next day (or just a few hours later). I found myself not getting any sleep a couple days a week. This didn’t last too long, only a few months but it was a tough few months.
The first studio I owned was DeGood Fit studio in West LA. The studio was in a larger building that was pretty deserted except for myself and a few other folks living in the building (they were also growing weed in the building, which made for interesting odors). The building wasn’t well maintained and would be pretty scary to walk into, especially at night. The landlord ended up raising my rent 100%, because he saw that I was getting busier and busier. He wanted to raise my rent from $800 a month to $1600 a month. So, I had to leave the building and find another place to train. Luckily, I found a gym that charged a reasonable rent to train independently. However, they ended up closing their doors soon after I came on.
I applied to work at House of Fitness in 2013 as their Director of Training. I wasn’t offered the job at first, but after they’re first Director quit, I was offered the position and took it. I worked at HOF for over 3 years. I did everything from Assessments, Coaching, Classes, Maintenance, Merchandise, Schedules, Plumbing (yes, I unplugged a toilet or two), Management and eventually General Manager. I was fired from HOF, it’s a long story, but looking back, it’s the best thing that’s happened because I’ve been busy ever since.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Prime Fit – what should we know?
I do Personal Training, Semi-Private Personal Training (up to 3 people), Classes and Online Personal Training.
For my online clients I have an app that allows me to send customized workouts with video demonstrations directly to my client’s smart phones. The app also features logging and tracking, meal plans, body measurements, progress photos, interval timers and more. This app allows me to train clients anywhere in the world, using any equipment they have. The best part of the app is, it’s allows my clients to train when it’s convenient for them. They have 24/7 access to me via messaging or facetime. It’s taken online training to a new level, not to mention it’s easy on the pocket book.
I specialize in Functional Fitness and martial arts integration. I’m known for being very tough, but not so extreme as to hurt you, I’m a stickler for form.
What sets me apart from the rest is I don’t take myself so seriously. I enjoy having fun, laughing and enjoying the time with my clients. Don’t get me wrong, we WORK HARD, but we have fun along the way.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’m outgoing and like to have fun. I think this is what attracts folks to want to work with me. I don’t like to be so serious as to frighten people. Working out and trying to change your body is difficult, stressful and frustrating. Why not laugh a little along the way?
Pricing:
- Online Personal Training $59 or $99 a month, cancel anytime.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.primefit.rocks
- Phone: 310-892-7778
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: michaeldegood
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/degood.mike/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: @mdegood
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/prime-fit-los-angeles
Image Credit:
Rizala Carrington
Kelly Hemlich
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
