Gyms can be intimidating, which is why Planet Fitness® strives to be a Judgement Free Zone®. Cali Mayne didn’t have a gym membership before working at Planet Fitness because she felt out of place and intimidated by gyms. It wasn’t until she started as a member services team player in January 2022 at Planet Fitness that she felt comfortable in a gym. She got this role at the Leesburg, Virginia, club, an Excel Fitness location.
“I never felt like I belonged in a gym because of my body shape. I’ve been overweight for as long as I can remember, at least since my early teens. I didn’t know anyone who went to Planet Fitness, but it didn’t take long for me to make some amazing connections. When I did my interview with GM Andre Morgan and felt the atmosphere of support he radiated, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be,” said Mayne.
In November 2022, Mayne quickly moved into the fitness trainer role. Throughout her job experience at Planet Fitness, she says many of her coworkers have impacted her in a positive way. These workers helped inspire her with their positive attitudes and their belief in her ability to do a good job.
Mayne started working out at Planet Fitness once she was employed there. Club members also helped inspire her. She mentioned several club members who influenced her by being honest, unafraid to be vulnerable and being kind to themselves and others. Having a job at Planet Fitness transformed her life because she was surrounded by positive, influential people who encouraged her during her weight loss journey.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity to help those around me, and I want to thank Brandon and Virginia for pushing me to step out of my comfort zone by accepting the fitness trainer position. After losing over 100 pounds, I’ve gained a new life – a life that I am proud of,” said Mayne.
She also recently published a book about the lifestyle change she created for herself. The book is called “Consistently Compassionate: Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle Change.”
Mayne was inspired to become a certified personal trainer (CPT) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. After becoming a CPT in January 2022, Mayne realized there was a gap between new gymgoers and already active people, which leads to many people not getting the fitness assistance they need. She made it her mission to fix that.
“I want to bridge the gap of people who are not comfortable with physical health environments with those who are – to remind everyone that we are all human. I believe physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle is a human right for everyone. This is why I wanted to become a trainer. I can relate with many people who join Planet Fitness as their first gym experience, and I want to educate them on the knowledge and wisdom I’ve learned to give them confidence that they can do it too. I want to be the person I needed when I started my journey, but for others,” said Mayne.
As a Planet Fitness trainer, it’s important to not just talk the talk, but also walk the walk.
“I try to inspire members by remaining consistently compassionate. Every single person I meet has problems I may never know about. I do my best to be kind to every single person I interact with and provide any knowledge or wisdom I have gained when the time feels appropriate, but I listen a lot. When I take the time to listen, it allows me to gain insight to what each person needs,” she said. “I also work out regularly to show others that it’s important to move your body consistently, not just by saying it but by also doing it.”