A personal trainer to the stars, Dieudonné Merceus has played a role in keeping several of your favorite celebrities in shape. Read why he doesn’t co-sign the “new year, new you” approach to fitness.
You are a renowned personal fitness trainer. How did you get started?
I started out just wanting to make a difference in life and in others lives, because most diseases run in families because of eating habits. I wanted to spearhead breaking that vicious cycle. At the same time, I wanted to prove to people that you don’t have to succumb to past ailments, routines, etc and that you can create your own lane/path to better health for you, your kids, and their kids!
What would you say is unique about the experience you provide to other trainers?
I show people how to achieve phenomenal results from just using 90% plus of their own body weight and no machines. People get intimidated by machines (not sure if they’re using it correctly), so it’s very embarrassing. Because, you feel as though everyone’s looking at you looking like a fish out of water! In addition to that, I take pride in creating a comfortable, motivational, nonjudgmental environment, so regardless of what level you’re on you don’t feel out of place!
How important is it that your clients are forthcoming with information including their diets and medical conditions, prior to training?
It’s very important that I gather all of that information prior to training, because everyone has different goals, eating habits, work schedules, blood types, etc. So, it’s key that I tap into all of those things, so that I can design the perfect routine for them and put them on the right path of clean eating, drinking plenty of water, and juicing.
That definitely makes sense! Some trainers offer to meal prep for their clients. Is that something you plan on doing?
It’s imperative that I equip every client that steps foot into my facility with all of the proper tools for them to achieve their goals and more! I see to it that everything is under one roof, so that way the clients are not pulled into different directions for answers to their current struggle!
Working with a wide range of clients of different ages and body types, do you customize your session for their individual needs?
Yes absolutely, no two people are alike – ages, body types or levels. I come across smokers who can’t keep up. Eventually they always kick that habit, so it’s never any pressure for them to do so. Everyone has their own lane/level. Some people want to lose weight, some want to gain, some want to build lean muscle, some want bigger butts, some want their butts to shrink. In most cases, it’s in different areas, so I cater to that.
Describe some of the signs that people should look for in choosing a personal trainer.
The main thing people should look for is that trainer’s history with their clients and their results, because regardless of who you are, you hire a trainer to get results! Their social media pages shouldn’t be 90% of what they look like or them working out.
It’s interesting you say that. Why not?
Yes, it’s a plus that they’re in shape. But, what can you do for me and my issues? What kind of reviews does this trainer have? Get access to testimonials, reach out to people who’ve trained with him/her in the past. To most people, it’s important that the trainer looks the part, because there aren’t many people that want a trainer who’s out of shape. Not to say out-of-shape trainers aren’t awesomely good at their craft and knowledgeable, but when initially searching for a trainer you want to run down your checklist!
With so many people riding the “New Year, New Me” wave, what advice do you offer, as many fail to complete the first month of consistent exercise?
What I will say is get rid of that mindset and make it a part of your lifestyle all year round, because that way when the new year rolls around you’re already in gear. A “new you” will then become an “improved you!” People tend to fall off, because they start for the wrong reason. Start, because you wanna be healthier for yourself, or because a healthier you trickles down to your kids, your attitude, how you attack the everyday living, your workplace. If you’re not good, then you’re no good to everyone and everything around you!
I love it! Can you please share a basic routine for a beginner.
A basic routine for a beginner is 10 sets of squats at 10 reps each, because your core and legs are your foundation. Without those, the body will be very stubborn when it comes to growing and reacting to other workouts. Use resistance bands instead of weights. Then, 5 sets at 15 reps of bicep curls. Finish with crunches. That will be 5 sets at reps of 20, 15, 12, 10 and 8. Repeat until your body says no more.
Please share your contact information with our readers.
You can find me on Facebook at Facebook/Dieudonne.Merceus
and also Instagram.com/Donne176. Our official Hashtag for your motivational needs… #YESIAMATF
