Chris McCauley

Nimble Trainer
6 years
He/Him
Tell us about your journey to fitness and personal training:
I was a professional ballet dancer, which was beautiful but resulted in a LOT of injuries and an early retirement. Afterwards I was looking for something to replace not just my career, but the 6 to 7 days a week of 6 to 9 hours of physical activity and discipline. Training became my daily ritual instead of dance class and rehearsal.
How do you plan on celebrating Pride this month? 
I usually go to the parade with my friends. My party days are behind me, so it’s usually a fun Drag brunch and some parade shenanigans.
Are there any adversities you’ve had to overcome during your fitness journey?  
Mostly my own mindset. My background left me with a lot of body image issues to work through. My self-image was very tied up in dance and looking a certain way, and it was difficult to break out of that.
Where have you found support in the fitness industry?
I get a lot of support from surprising places. Strangers at the gym coming to tell me how much they appreciate my dedication. The fitness community is kinder and gentler than people realize.
Did the pandemic change anything for you or your fitness habits?  
Yes, mostly my work schedule. I do a lot more work online. I also got in the habit of splitting my workouts into several smaller chunks throughout the day, which works well for me. Daily walks are also a habit I started and love, it’s very meditative.
What do you love about your Nimble clients?   
I love that the Nimble clientele is looking for something past the basic gym experience; there’s working out, and then there’s TRAINING, and people come for that difference. And I love any client who shows up consistently, willing to work! I can teach someone how to squat and deadlift, I can’t teach them how to want to do it. That has to come from inside themselves.
What’s your favorite type of training or exercise to do?
Clean and press. Barbells, kettlebells, sandbags… doesn’t matter. It’s so satisfying.
What’s your cheat meal? 
Pizza and a Coca Cola. (Once in a blue moon)
What’s your biggest challenge with your fitness? 
Honestly, the most challenging thing for me is not overdoing it. I tend to get excited about all the things I want to cram into a session and can over program for myself. Sometimes I have to take a step back and ask what the main goal of a workout is and edit. There’s only so much a human can do in a day, even for trainers!
What fitness goal do you have for yourself this year? 
My goal is always to be a slightly better version of myself than I was yesterday. A little stronger, a little faster, a little leaner… longevity is important, so I always have my eyes on small incremental steps.

Charlie Jones

Nimble Trainer
2.5 years
Tell us about your journey to fitness and personal training: 
I’ve always known I wanted to do something fitness related but never really found the right place to guide & inspire me. Once I found out about Nimble through an old co-worker I used to bartend with (shoutout to Olivia Griffin), I knew it was the place I was looking for.
How do you plan on celebrating Pride this month?
For Pride this year I’m going to party like a rockstar & enjoy myself with my friends! I’ve worked every Pride I’ve lived in NYC so I’m looking forward to having fun this year.
Are there any adversities you’ve had to overcome during your fitness journey?
The only adversity I’ve ever had to deal with is myself. Confidence in myself and my capabilities has always been my biggest hurdle.
Where have you found support or inspiration in the fitness industry?
We have some amazing trainers at Nimble! My mentors Jason, Keith, Daniel, & Kaz are my biggest inspiration. They’ve educated me so much on the fitness industry & made me realize that the sky is the limit.
Did the pandemic change anything for you or your fitness habits?
Yes! It showed me that consistency is key. Also, it showed me the importance of taking some “Me” time to rest and recover.
Who are your fitness or wellness heros?
My fitness & wellness heroes are Dwayne Johnson & my uncle John Walker. They were the first people I knew that didn’t just focus on lifting but rest, recovery, & diet. It’s all connected & you can’t skip any steps.
What do you love about your Nimble clients?
They’re just great people! I have different types of connections & bonds with each of them & they’re all so special to me. I see my clients every week, some more than I see most of my friends! I really appreciate them & the consistent hard work they’ve been putting in.
What’s your favorite type of training or exercise to do?
My favorite exercise to do is definitely deadlifting!
What’s your cheat meal?
Pizza, fried fish tacos, red velvet, & tiramisu. My meals are pretty good I just have a killer sweet tooth so it’s the stuff in between each meal that gets me…
What fitness goal do you have for yourself this year?
A fitness goal I have for this year is to hit a 315lb bench press.