Meet Dre Neita of LiveFitArmy in Hyde Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dre Neita.

Dre, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My name is Andre Neita and I’m the founder and head Fitness Instructor at LiveFitArmy. Growing up in the islands, as a kid I was always fit and active. Running around climbing trees, flying kites, and playing football or cricket in the streets. When I moved to America, at the age of 13 I still carried over that active lifestyle life here as well. I played 3 sports in high school and was actively doing my calisthenics/body-weight workout drills at home frequently. However, I was never consistent and I ate a lot of junk food back then.

I got into weightlifting in 2011, during my 2nd semester of my freshman year in college. I remember being overwhelmed and having the lack of motivation my first two weeks alone. Eventually, I got the hang of things on my own for about a month. Later on, I would then meet my good friend Justin Crowley, who took me under his wings and really showed me how to lift properly. Even throughout college, I still wasn’t consistent in the gym, and that was my biggest struggle. I got results here and there, but my weight use to fluctuate so much and drastically because I would slack off every summer and winter break partying and drinking.

My fitness journey initially started in 2015. I was born with a hernia, which was passed down to me from my mother’s umbilical cord during birth. I did have surgery for it when I was a baby, but in the beginning of 2015, my hernia recurred again. This led me to my 2nd hernia surgery operation. Long story short, it set me back physically for almost 3 months and I lost 12Ibs. During that time I made a lifetime commitment to my overall health and to change my lifestyle. Most importantly, I wanted to change diet because my mom has Type 2 diabetes. I created my own fitness brand on my couch during recovery. Ever since then, I have been consistent in the gym as well being a personal trainer: Inspiring and motivating others around me.

Has it been a smooth road?
I wasn’t born with a golden spoon in my mouth. At times it might seem that way or from the outside looking in. But I’m never the type to publicly broadcast my struggles. We islanders carry a lot of pride discussing personal struggles to others. I moved to the U.S at age 13 and the following year at 14 I was working with a landscaping company as a minor. Worked full time hours all throughout college to support myself and help out at home. At one point of my life Jungled 3 jobs after college to maintain. I’m glad my mother raised me to be ambitious and resilient. I have learned to overcome setbacks in my life and keep moving forward no matter what. Those two things taught me to fearless and conquer my challenges in life even more.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
LiveFitArmy™ is a lifestyle that motivates others to reach their health and fitness goals, collectively as a team. I am the owner and founder alongside with my business partner Berlange Gauthier aka (Coach BG). In addition, recently added is Coach Jeff after receiving a high volume of clients last summer. So we added Coach Jeff to the team to help us assist everyone efficiently in a timely manner.

We specialize in mobile 1on1 training, mini group training, 5k run team, and indoor/outdoor boot camps. Our outdoor Bootcamps is a lot different from most Bootcamps because we are not stationary in one location. LFA mobilize throughout various neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury, Jamaica Plane etc.

I’m most proud of the content/message we put out daily and the tremendous feedback we receive from everyone. Whether it’s on our Facebook, Instagram, Website, Snapchat or Referrals, etc. The love is always felt. Lastly, we are always ecstatic transformating our client’s body physique from start to finish. Customer satisfaction is key.

The energy and camaraderie at LFA™ is what sets us apart. We enforce these traits to all clients and members. Positive energy always. No one get jeered. We work as team with all fitness levels. Everyone Cheer and clap each other on. That’s the environment LFA™ creates for all.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes and no. However, it is possible to grow a successful Fitness business in Boston over time if you have a solid teams and tremendous customer service. Starting a small business is always a challenge whether you have the funds or not. There will be something you will be lacking in the customers eye. The customer is always right. In addition, leasing and renting in Boston can be very pricy. A huge struggle I’m currently facing now is finding a decent box space studio to lease or rent for an affordable price to design my own studio/gym. We are currently renting space at a community center and it has been going well. However, the goal to not limit my creativity because I want to expand and design my own gym for LFA™.

I did recommend anyone starting out to get their community heavily involved behind their brand. Create your brand and put your all into it. People will notice your hard work especially those you grew up with. Lastly, don’t fold under pressure. All business owners and entrepreneurs face struggles starting up. Do not quit. If you’re passionate about something you will find a way. As always spread love to other business owners and trust your work ethic.

I think the city needs to host more Entrepreneur Workshops and meetings to collect real life stories/struggle from actual owners.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.livefitarmy.com
• Phone: 8572699422
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/livefitarmy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livefitarmy/

 Image Credit:
IG: @jaypixmof, @haitianviews, @jaimegreatness, @angelannbailey, @delarosa_jr

Getting in touch: BostonVoyager 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.