Bakari Williams is a professional trainer in New York at City Row and Studio Live. He was a Division 1 Soccer athlete in college and is from Danville, Virginia. His claim to fame is the way he manages to mention his love for unicorns in every job interview.
MM: What part of the fitness industry are you in currently?
BW: I work in at home streaming fitness, group fitness, and personal training.
MM: Where does your passion for fitness and wellness come from and do you have a specialty?
BW: I love training. I grew up wanting to be a professional athlete. So fitness is engrained in my daily life, its what I love to do for fun.
MM: How have you had to adapt as an athlete since you first started to compete in sport and fitness?
BW: I have become much more dedicated to warming up, cooling down, and recovery. They are crucial and are especially important as I get older.
MM: Are there any major fitness trends or workouts you have embraced recently that you want to share with us?
BW: Definitely the at-home fitness movement. I don’t generally work- out at home, but I have found it to be a game-changer when I’m traveling, or when I am really swamped and can’t get a full session in at the gym.
MM: Aside from diet and sleep, what are men getting right in the health and wellness industry and what can be better?
BW: HIIT is all the craze right now, and yeah if you’re trying to lose weight/body fat and lean out it is a great way to do so. A lot
MM: Have you ever had to overcome an injury or a fitness-related challenge that seemed impossible? What did you learn?
BW: About a year ago I was crushing my workouts, leaning out, and overall in an amazing rhythm physically. I strained my adductor pretty seriously and had to back way off on my work and eventually just flat out rest. I hated it; it delayed my progress but it was a great reminder that in all things and especially when changing our bodies time and patience are crucial.
MM: Outside of diet, what 3 exercises or movements would you tell our reader to do to look their best in their swimsuit?
1. Deadlift Heavy: It works everything
2. Dynamic Deadlift or Hip Hinge movement: Rowing or KB Swings: Works everything and will help in leaning you out
3. Push-Ups: Simple and effective way to workout Upper body
MM: Words to live by?
TRY. FAIL. ADJUST.
