Fitness/Trainer Spotlight: Dominique Graham

Dominique is a highly sought after Sports Performance Specialist with a burning desire to change lives through health and wellness. Being from the Washington DC area, Dominique has been associated with fitness for over 10 years. He has worked for various prestigious gyms all over Washington DC such as Vida Fitness, Washington Sports Club, & LA Fitness as a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. In his younger years Dominique competed in Amateur Boxing & Division 1 Track & Field. He has completed extensive Exercise Science & Sports Medicine courses at over three academically demanding universities. Also, he has also volunteered as a Sprint coach at Dunbar Senior High school and DC Speed USATF team. Furthermore, he was the Head Boxing Coach for the University of MD-College Park for the 2014-2015 season. Dominique's personal training and performance enhancement education come from the world renowned National Academy of Sports Medicine. Furthermore, he is a certified USIBA Amateur Boxing Official. Dominique’s style of high intensity interval training has landed him numerous training positions with a variety of AAU teams, boxing clubs, aspiring collegiate student-athletes, and even professional athletes. One of Dominique’s favorite quotes to live by is “to be #1 train like your #2.” When he isn’t working out he likes to study boxing, write poetry, and spend time with family.

MP: When did you begin your journey into fitness?

I've always been an athlete. I ran track all the way through college & competed in amatuer boxing during my teenage years. I've always been on a team or in a gym my entire life.

MP: What is fitness in your terms?

Fitness is a way of life. It's a lifestyle. When I think of fitness I think of discipline, resilience to do what's necessary, endless effort to be the best that you can be for quality of life. Fitness is life!

MP: What inspired you to begin the journey into fitness?

I have a fascination with how the body works. I love how you can control how fast, how strong, how explosive you become. I chose to pride myself and mastering everything I could about the body so that I too could provide someone with the teachings that I've acquired.

MP: What is the biggest misconception about fitness and personal trainers?

The biggest misconception about fitness and personal trainers is that we are all perfect. I've gone on dinner dates, networking mixers, etc and everyone automatically assumes that you are only going to order grass and water just b/c you're in the Health & Wellness profession. We are human. I like to have cheat days as well. Everything is ok in moderation. I just get a kick out of it.

MP: When did you become a intrigued to begin starting a company?

I have always been an entrepreneur. For me, I wanted to learn the ropes a while by going through the motions. I've worked for the Big Box gyms, I've shadowed celebrity trainers, I've put in the necessary education and course work. Overtime, my passion in this field specified to me wanting to do something for my city. I wanted to share my gift. I wanted to give back to the youth and hopefully provide them with opportunities that weren't made available to me as a child. I knew that I couldn't fulfill these dreams & ambitions by working a 9-5 everyday punching someone else's time clock, making someone else money. I chose to make a stand, take a leap a faith, and follow my heart. I didn't have $1 saved up, but I knew I was hungry. I also knew that I would do everything in my power to see to it that my household was taken care of.

MP: Would you consider fitness to be your form of art?

Fitness is my form of art. It's an opportunity for me to express my uniqueness through exercise choice, conversation, personality, and professionalism. Fitness is my domain, and it enables me to provide others with my gift by bringing them into my world.

How can people get up and get fit?

People can get up and get fit by vowing to do something physically demanding at least 3-4 times a week. If you initiate the process by just devoting an hour of your day to doing something that requires you to engage your body you'll be more inclined to adopt the lifestyle.

MP: What is ChampTime Fitness?

ChampTime Fitness is a Washington DC based Sports Performance designed to provide inner city youth with high caliber training in hopes of obtaining admittance into college via athletic scholarship. It is my vision to provide these student athletes with the fundamentals to not only be great athletes but also upstanding citizens in society.

MP: How can people join?

People can join the movement by first and foremost contacting me via social media or website. Then we can identify if we will be a good fit for one another. If we are, we can then decide on the best package for you. My social media contacts are @Dommo_ChampTime & @ChampTimeFitness.

MP: Where are you located?

Currently I am operating out of Turkey Thickett Rec Center. 1100 Michigan Ave NE.

MP: How do you want your clients to feel after leaving you?

When my clients finish a session with my I pride myself on ensuring that one they are satisfied. Secondly, I want to ensure that we have reached our goals. Third, I want my clients to feel educated. It's my job as a professional to do more then just help evolve their body, I must transform their mind.

MP: What advice do you have for the little boy who wants to follow in your footsteps?

My advice to the youth is to perfect your craft. Understand that there is a million people out there striving to be successful so you must separate yourselves. Be a lion amongst wolves. Don't take no for an answer. Don't be afraid to go against the grain & follow your heart. You will lose friends along the way. Nevertheless, stay true to your grind if this is your true passion. Lastly, when you make it, give back to someone who may need your help.

MP: What is next for you Dominique Graham and your brand?

The next step for Dominique Graham & ChampTime Fitness is to successfully complete our National Fitness Tour. Furthermore, anticipation on the grand opening of our new facility in the summer of 2016.

MP:Are you social? IG? FB?

My Personal page is Dommo_ChampTime. My business page is ChampTimeFitness.

My FB is Dominique Graham

Dominique Graham

Sports Performance Specialist

ChampTime Fitness