Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Cooper.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since I was a little kid around 10 or so, I can remember always being fascinated with anatomy and human performance. Seeing top athletes in the Olympics, and pro athletes sprint, run, jump, and play really amazed me…and also made me curious about their training, and my own athletic potential.
I bounced around in many “suit and tie” like jobs, but really started my path in the health care field when I became an E.M.T. (Emergency Medical Technician). I worked for a private ambulance company but quickly moved into a hospital setting.
For 6 years or so, I worked in the hospital. One of my duties was to perform compressions on patients who had been brought in by paramedics. The more often I did compressions, I realized that I’d make a bigger impact if I could help prevent heart attacks through proper eating and exercise, rather than do compressions when it was almost always too late.
I then got my personal training certification through the NASM National Academy of Sports Medicine, and I’ve been a trainer for over 20+ years.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Probably the most challenging time was when I was training one on one clients. I’d wake up by 4 am, to see my first client at 4:30 am, and my day wouldn’t end till 10 pm or so.
I was preaching to my clients the importance of sleep…but I wasn’t following my own advice.
Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my life, always looking for ways to feel better and to perform better. I tell my client to do the same. To look for ways to simplify their days and cut out distractions, or habits that pull them away from their ultimate goals.
Please tell us about Boot Camp Pasadena.
These days I run a small Boot Camp in the Altadena/Pasadena area. I specialize in fat loss and creating lasting healthy habits.
What sets me apart is probably that I’m not a shouting drill instructor/cheerleader type instructor. This style tends to do well on infomercials, and social media, but it’s just not me.
I think of myself more like a sensei, or possibly a monk. I expect my clients to show up on time and give me their 100% attention and effort.
I admire and aspire to be a craftsman in my profession. I think of the top sushi chefs or top coaches like John Wooden. Those professionals who earn respect by their dedication to their crafts, not ones who became famous because they were good at marketing.
What am I most proud of? Probably that I still have some of my original clients. I’ve had 2 clients for over 23 years.
And seeing the impact that getting control of one’s health carry over into everyday life is very satisfying.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have stuck with my gut feelings and stood up for what I believed.
Unfortunately, my profession is filled with a lot of nonsense and is filled with fitness marketers preying on hurt and sad consumers. They are hoping to take advantage and make a buck.
I would have spoken out earlier and louder about this aspect of my profession.
Contact Info:
- Website: bootcamppasadena.com
- Phone: 626 609-7399
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BootCampPasadena/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephenCooper
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/boot-camp-pasadena-altadena
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.
