Being a personal trainer is a calling for Ryan Keepers

5. Standing on top of the podium representing winning a state championship at the 2020 Wrestling State Tournament, Ryan Keepers has used his knowledge of his own workouts to become a personal trainer.

MADISON – Soon after celebrating his tenth birthday, Ryan Keepers began playing both football and wrestling and quickly showcased his talents in both sports. He progressed through his teens by becoming a state champion wrestler and award winning football player at James Clemens High. All along his athletic journey Keepers searched for what more he can achieve and what he considered a purpose.

“I’m a man of faith and I’ve had time to find a purpose in life and God showed me my gift,” said Keepers, now 22. “God has helped me find out what I was good at.”

Currently attending UAH with graduation scheduled for May where he will earn a degree in general business management, Keepers conjured up both his knowledge and experience and decided his real calling was as a personal trainer. In Oct., 2024, he launched his website, Ryan Keepers Fitness, designed to provide a comprehensive approach to both mental and physical transformation and support clients every step of the way.

The mostly virtual concept allows Keepers to fabricate a complete workout program along with a nutrition plan, which concentrates on a meal plan.

“I arrange a conference with each client either in person or by zoom,” explained Keepers. “Through our conference I find out their lifestyle and find out exactly their goal. I want their program to be affective and one the client will stay with, as many times people will start a workout program, but soon drop out.”

Keepers’ family arrived to Madison in 2016 while his father was in the military and soon retired. While attending Liberty Middle School, Keepers participated in both of his sports. Upon advancing to the high school ranks he became a starting offensive lineman for James Clemens where he would eventually win both the Jet Award for most improved and Ironman Award for not missing practices. A shoulder injury cut short his sophomore season, but he was also a star performer for the Jets’ wrestling team.

Joining the varsity grappling program in the eighth grade, his progression continued where he established his talents on the mat as one of the best in Alabama. He advanced to the State Tournament in both his sophomore and junior seasons without placing, but in his senior campaign, Keepers again advanced to among the state’s best in the 220-pound division. He battled his way to the finals where he dug deep into his athletic and mental strength and won the State Championship with a 10-6 victory over Huntsville’s Cole Batson (62-4). Keepers ended his 2020 senior season with a 28-6 record.

“Through the years, I learned discipline and resilience, but it wasn’t until after high school that I truly understood the importance of fitness beyond sports,” said Keepers, who now stands 6-foot-4 and weighs in at 235 pounds. “That’s when I discovered the real impact of structured programs and a dedicated meal plan. That’s something I never fully appreciated until I experienced the difference myself.”

Personal trainer Ryan Keepers assists Katie Andrews with pull downs as part of the workout program Keepers has formulated for his client.

He’s passionate about sharing his knowledge with others. He’s spent countless months obtaining necessary certifications in the areas of health coach, nutrition and strength conditioning. Keepers even coaches boxing as he took boxing lessons and soon drifted into MMA Fighting in 2020.

With just a few months remaining in his college education, Keepers also holds down a job at Taco Mama’s at Clift Farms of Madison. He attends Church of the Highlands and volunteers in small groups within the church. He has spent time offering volunteer help at Manna House where he works with the food distribution line.

His deep-down desire is to lend assistance to his alma mater’s high school wrestling program. He met numerous times with his former coach and current program leader Kevin Pecor about becoming a volunteer coach. After obtaining the necessary certifications, including a complete background check, Keepers received a late Christmas gift receiving word from Pecor that all parts were in place for Keepers to be placed on the coaching staff.

“My Elite Transformation Package I offer includes a custom meal plan, workout program tailored to each client, 24/7 guidance and weekly check-ins,” said Keepers. “All of this is designed to support clients every step of the way toward achieving their fitness goals, whether it’s building muscles, losing weight or improve overall health. I’m here to make that happen.”

Find Keepers on-line: www.ryankeepersfitness. com.