53 Trainers Breaking Barriers in Fitness Industry

For six years, Men's Health and Women's Health magazines have been quietly changing the face of fitness leadership, one trainer at a time.

Their Strength in Diversity program connects trainers from marginalized communities with resources, mentorship, and platforms they've historically struggled to access. The mission is simple but powerful: make the people teaching fitness look more like the people actually working out in gyms across America.

Fifty-three trainers have now completed the program. They work with everyone from high school athletes to Olympic competitors, bringing perspectives the fitness industry desperately needs.

Thomas Dellota, a first-generation Filipino-American, coaches student athletes across 31 sports at a Chicago high school. As one of few Asian Americans in strength and conditioning, he sees every session as a chance to show young people that representation matters.

Tony Castillo left his role with the Toronto Blue Jays to help busy professionals overcome weight plateaus and food cravings. His approach skips calorie counting in favor of sustainable habits that fit real life.

True Bey spent a decade battling obesity and food addiction before transforming his body in 18 months. Now he teaches other men that lasting change starts in the kitchen, not the gym.

The trainers meet weekly on Zoom with Men's Health and Women's Health editors, building industry connections and learning skills beyond just programming workouts. They're gaining the tools to write, speak, and lead at every level of the fitness world.

The Ripple Effect

These 53 trainers are now reaching thousands of clients who finally see themselves reflected in their coaches. They're proving that expertise comes in every background, body type, and community.

Their collective wisdom challenges fitness culture's obsession with intensity over sustainability. Focus on whole foods and meal timing instead of calorie counting, they say. Stack small wins consistently rather than chasing quick transformations. Remember that your body needs mastery over nutrition, quality sleep, and stress management as much as it needs another workout.

The program returns in late 2026 for its next class, ready to open doors for another group of talented trainers who've been waiting for their shot.

One barrier broken, one trainer empowered, one community served at a time.