Today we’d like to introduce you to Darlene Charles.
Darlene, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had a passion for sports and the way an athlete moves, whether it be up and down the field, court or simply running a straight-away with natural speed down the track. I played soccer and ran track in high school and also ran in college. I will admit, I was never the best on my team but always strived to be the best.
After graduating with a BA in English Communications, a minor in Religious Studies, and a certification in French from Emmanuel College, I developed an even stronger passion to just be the best me. I shopped around after college looking for a gym that would suit me and landed at Evolve Fitness in Cambridge, MA. I’ve always competed with myself, but the funny thing is I always compete with others without them even knowing. I’ll go to the gym and try to lift as heavy as the next member next to me or I’ll run a little longer on the treadmill. Evolve built a confidence in me that I didn’t think I had. The trainers and members saw something in me before I could see it myself. After long or even short sessions in the gym, my conversations with trainers and members was, “You’re so good at this” Why don’t you do a bikini show?” “You should become a personal trainer.” At the time, I wasn’t ready, but all I knew was I wanted to be better than I ever was before.
With a dance background and dancing for 14 years, I noticed the dancers became winded after we ministered in song. So, I decided to hold an exercise class. That class first opened up to the members of my local church, Christian Life Center of Boston, and then to those in the community. Once again the conversations I had were, “How come you don’t do this for a living? You’re so good at this. And then, I started to hear, “Thank you for doing this” “I lost 10 lbs.” I feel better.” After surrounding myself with positive trainers and wonderful friends, I decided to go for it. I quit my corporate job back in November and pursued personal training full time. I will admit, there was a lot of fear, many tears shed, and many days and nights battling with myself if I was and still am adequate enough. But the one thing that keeps me going is my loyal clients. They help me realize that all the hard work, programming, nutrition conversations are all worth it! I always tell them that it’s not about me, but it’s about you. My ultimate goal is to provide women and men of all cultural competence with the best service by encouraging them to build and keep a steady healthy and fit life.
I currently work at Equinox on Franklin Street in Boston, MA as a personal trainer. I am ACE Certified, CPR/AED certified, as well as hold a Kettlebell Level I Certification and a Pre & Post Natal Certification. I am also the founder of Get TIGHT. personal training. This organization allows me to travel to clients’ homes in the Boston area, as well as hold fitness challenges for the women in my community.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it was not a smooth road. I struggled with believing if I was adequate enough of providing knowledge to another human being. Or if my program would yield results.
My advice to other women is to never forget to be YOUR best YOU!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Get TIGHT. – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I currently work at Equinox on Franklin Street in Boston, MA as a personal trainer. I am ACE Certified, CPR/AED certified, as well as hold a Kettlebell Level I Certification and a Pre & Post Natal Certification. I am also the founder of Get TIGHT. personal training. This organization allows me to travel to clients’ homes in the Boston area, as well as hold fitness challenges for the women in my community.
Get TIGHT. – I am proud of my fitness challenges. To see the before and after pictures literally brings me to tears. It feels great to know that I can help someone to be their best version as well.
Equinox – I am proud of my clients not only looking but feeling their best.
What sets me apart is being able to relate to my clients. My goal is never about the funds but making them walk away feeling better than they did before.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Advice – Never be afraid to ask someone with experience. That saying, You never know until you ask, is true. People love to talk and love to talk about themselves. If you can grab what worked for them and tweak it so it works for you, do just that.
Contact Info:
- Email: gTIGHT.dc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @gTIGHT.dc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetTIGHTandRIGHT/
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.
