NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
WE OUTSIDE! Sorry, I couldn’t resist it at least once, but as more of the world opens back up a lot of folks are getting back on track with health and fitness. We ALL put on some serious lockdown weight and want it gone asap. A much-welcomed return to speaking with some of the brightest up-and-coming names in fitness. This month we take you to Texas and introduce you to a young lady who when not protecting our freedoms she is putting a hurting on the local gym. A proud member of the United States Air Force. Let’s get to know the journey of Keema Cherelle.
Joe Cardoso: Let’s take it back. How did your fitness journey begin?
Keema Cherelle: I began my fitness journey back in 2016 when a Veteran owned Supplement Company hit me up asking me to be a Brand Ambassador for them. This was my first BA deal and I told myself that I would have to use the products before I market them. So I started hitting the gym, using their pre-workout and protein, and became addicted.
JC: How did those first couple of months go for you and how did you push through?
KC: The first couple of months were honestly rough. Naturally, I wanted to quit because I wasn’t that active before and it was tough getting used to it. I would take so many before and after photos and whenever I went and felt discouraged I would remember why I was there and look at the progress I had made.
JC: Thank you for your service! Was that even more motivation to make fitness important to you?
KC: Being military was also a big factor when it came to being active. We have physical tests every 6 months to a year, so it was just a bonus to upgrade myself even more. Air Force PT standards aren’t that hard.
JC: What is a typical week like for you?
KC: A typical week for me is waking up around 0600, going to work where I am a technical training instructor so I teach students every day. After my workday is over, I come home, take my dog out, cook a nice hot meal, and kick back and relax. I try to go to the gym either before or after work. Depends on what time I get off and what time I have to be in the next day. By the time the weekend hits, I’m usually super drained so I try to just relax and do nothing on my days off. Give my body and mind time to reset.
JC: At what point did you know you wanted to be a trainer and help others?
KC: Once I began to see results and how much it boosted my confidence, I just wanted to help others achieve that as well.
JC: What do you hope your clients get from training with you?
KC: I hope that my clients get that same confidence boost and are able to begin their own fitness journey with the courage to not give up.
JC: Black girl magic is at an all-time high! How important is it to you to increase awareness for black women in the fitness industry?
KC: I think it’s very important. I feel like there isn’t enough representation of black women in fitness and more so women with surgery and unrealistic body proportions. I just want our queens to realize you can achieve your body in a natural, healthy way. 
JC: Who are some people in or out of the industry that inspire you?
KC: Honestly, I have quite a few, from friends that competed in their first fitness show and killed it to some of my friends who have been training for years and have that knowledge. I don’t think I have ever had one person I set on being like.
JC: Everyone has learned a new skill or changed a habit or two during the pandemic, what is it for you?
KC: The new skill I learned while being in the pandemic was taking care of myself mentally. I still had to work during the pandemic and it was extremely overwhelming and honestly draining. I had always pushed my mental health to the side, but during the pandemic, I learned healthy coping mechanisms and how to stop running away from them.
JC: Six months left in 2021 what is one goal you have for yourself?
KC: I’ve accomplished a lot of my goals thus far that I had set. I got my degree, I was promoted to Technical Sergeant. The next big goal that I have, if you can call it a goal would be to start a family!
Bonus Questions:
JC: What is ONE thing people always assume about you but they are dead wrong?
KC: People always assume that I am stuck up. I don’t know if it’s the way I look in photos or because or how many followers I have lol, but it’s NOT true
JC: You are not shy about ink. How many tattoos and which is your favorite?
KC: I have roughly 14ish tattoos. My favorite tattoo would be my chest piece as it draws the most attention. I do want to add it has no meaning. I just wanted a diamond chest tattoo.
JC: Keema Cherelle is_______?
KC: Keema Cherelle is extremely shy in person and a HUGE introvert.
A big thank you to Keema for her time and for sharing her journey. Make sure to follow her on social and see what’s next for this up and comer.
Instagram: Keema (@keemacherelle__) • Instagram photos and videos
Website: https://keemacherelle.com/products/total-body-challenge
Where and on who will the spotlight shine next? Make sure to check in often to find out, until next time stay safe and healthy.
