We had the good fortune of connecting with Darren Stewart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darren, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think everything in regards to work has seasons. I’ve been blessed for the past couple years to have the time and energy to pour into my business and marketing, and really grow to the level that I’m at now. But as we all know things and priorities change! In July of 2022 I started dating my now wife, we got married this past February. I’ve truly been blessed with an abundance of business, so in the year leading up to our wedding I took a lot more clients than I’m accustomed to save up for the wedding and married life. As all that has now come to a close though, I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife. So over the coming year I’m looking to do a little creative schedule restructuring to start freeing up a little more time here and there. Luckily for me new business tends to come in streaks and I’ve been able to really have some down time after getting back from the honeymoon. Just as quickly though the lull can end, but that’s where she and I will sit down and discuss what our priorities and goals are going forward, and I’ll base how much time I want to give to work from there.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been a fitness trainer for almost 15 years now. I’ve had many professional areas I’ve focused on throughout my career, but one of my biggest pushes recently has been practicing what I preach and being a motivator for individuals who work with me. I’ve been in this profession almost a decade and a half, and I’m slowly but surely closing in on my 40’s too. I’ve seen multiple trainers in that time span really start to lose their overall fitness, and it shows in their work. I’ve said I never wanted to be that type of trainer though. A year and a half ago I started back running and I’m incredibly surprised at how pushing in that regard has really motivated my current clients, and brought me in new motivated clients as well. I’m just always looking for new ways to progress myself. I broke a 20 minute 5k this past December, broke my Aramco Half Marathon PR by 10 minutes in January, and (as I’m writing this) I’m going to complete the Spartan Race Trifecta this weekend (Half Marathon, 10k, & 5k). All and all to say that there really is a difference between being a professional…….. and a motivator, and I hope I can continue motivating people to be their healthiest selves!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well one of the most iconic and unique things to Houston has to be NASA. Taking them to a piece of history that they can’t see anywhere else would be at the top of my list. Plus with the addition of the Space X rockets, it gives them an upclose chance to see some of the modern work being done in space technology too! A good food stop is a must in Houston though. I love a good steak so I would have to take them to Pappas Bros Steakhouse. One of the best steak cuts I’ve ever had in my life, and the service can’t be beat.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Well as I mentioned above, I just got married this February to the woman of my dreams. Melissa has been there with me and supported me through everything since day one when we started dating. It’s the small things that really mean the most though. When I first started getting back into running, I was doing the Houston Aramco Half Marathon. She gathered a group of friends and family on race day at the Mecom Fountain, poster boards and everything. I was starting to struggle a little at that point of the race, but I rounded the fountain and saw everyone and Melissa there……….. I think I sped up almost 20 seconds a mile and had the biggest smile on my face. That’s just one example of how much she’s supported me and been there. She has countlessly encouraged me through the ups and downs of running my own business, and I can’t imagine going on without her by my side! Love you baby.

Website: www.fitnessbydarren.com

Instagram: @fitness_by_darren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-stewart-5ab27078?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitnessByDarren/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fitness_by_darren

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