Men's Health Program Launches 53 Diverse Trainers in 6 Years

When fitness director Ebenezer Samuel heard the same question from trainers of color in 2019, he knew Men's Health could do more than just listen. They could open doors.

Samuel and editor-in-chief Rich Dorment launched the Strength in Diversity program to mentor trainers from marginalized communities. The goal was simple: give talented people the connections and credentials they needed to supercharge their fitness careers.

Six years later, 53 trainers have graduated from the program. Each year, eight to 10 trainers gain access to three months of live training clinics, free certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and nutrition credentials from Precision Nutrition.

The program partners with Women's Health and the NSCA to identify promising trainers who might otherwise struggle to break into the industry. Every graduate has gone on to appear in Men's Health and Women's Health as fitness models, video stars, and contributing experts.

The results show up in unexpected ways. Joe Seeley drove 90 minutes for a late-night workout session with Samuel, then stayed an extra hour to practice his on-camera skills. Jaimar Brown called at 10 p.m. asking for writing advice. Sunny Choi passed her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam barely a month into the program while juggling work and training.

Why This Inspires

Samuel says watching these trainers seize opportunities makes him reflect on his own career journey. He remembers his first photo shoot in 2017, the weeks of preparation, and his first cover story with NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the pandemic.

That's the power of real mentorship. The inspiration flows both ways, pushing everyone to work harder and dream bigger.

The program demonstrates what happens when institutions actively create pathways instead of just talking about diversity. Opening doors isn't charity. It's recognizing talent that was always there and removing the barriers that kept it hidden.

Now those 53 trainers are inspiring countless others who can finally see people like themselves succeeding in fitness media.