Check Out Janae McKnight’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janae McKnight

Hi Janae, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into fitness started seriously around 2018. I was working out regularly and had started a fun fitness blog, and friends began noticing and asking about my routine. I’d share what I knew from my own research, even though I wasn’t certified at the time. That got me thinking that maybe I should get certified since I have always wanted to help others in some way.

Around that time, my friend Sara invite me to workout with her with an outdoor workout group called Camp Gladiator I loved it, especially because I wanted a more social life. A couple of months after I started working out with them, April R., a certified personal trainer reached out to see how I was doing and what my plans were in the fitness industry. I mentioned I was considering getting certified, and it was like the opportunity to get certified and start a career fell into my lap. I got my Certified Personal Training Certification and was hired as a Trainer with CG.

I’ve built my business with CG, and within that, I started my own LLC, Train with Janae. I also got my Certified Nutrition Coaching Certification. Nowadays, I’m still coaching outdoor bootcamp clients, working with online clients, helping people with their nutrition, and continuing my education with additional certifications.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been a bumpy road. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am, especially while juggling a full-time job alongside building my fitness career. Balancing both has been, and continues to be, challenging, with lots of late nights and early mornings. On the plus side, I’ve been able to set my own hours to better fit the needs of my clients at different stages in their fitness journeys.

One of the biggest struggles was navigating the early stages of my business. It took time to attract clients and build a reputation. When Camp Gladiator expanded online, I faced new technical challenges and had to adapt to virtual coaching. Luckily, I’m tech-savvy, but I had to pivot quickly, since I had just got a footing with the in-person side of my business.

Another challenge many entrepreneurs face is comparison. It’s said not to look to your left or right, but with social media nowadays, it’s tough not to. However, staying focused on my own journey and progress has been essential for keeping motivated. This includes focusing on my current clientele as well as my personal growth. Each challenge has taught me something valuable and made the successes even more rewarding. Despite the bumps along the road, I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Train with Janae, I specialize in functional fitness, strength training and nutrition coaching. I offer personalized workouts alongside tailored nutrition guidance to help clients achieve their goals. My services include outdoor bootcamps with Camp Gladiator, group coaching at Skill Fitness Studio, and online coaching options. I’m known for creating dynamic, accessible, and challenging workouts that cater to all fitness levels. I want the everyday person to look in the mirror or their health stats and be proud of themselves.

What sets me apart is my commitment to building personal connections with my clients and adapting to their unique needs. I understand the real-world challenges of balancing fitness with a busy lifestyle because I’ve been there myself—juggling a full-time job while building my fitness career. I’m most proud of the supportive community I’ve fostered and the impact I’ve had on my clients’ lives, helping them gain confidence, overcome obstacles, and reach milestones they once thought were impossible.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was shy and kept to myself. I mostly played video games and had pets to enrich. I had friends but I didn’t hangout a lot. I guess you can say, I started being a home-body at an early age. A big turning point came when I realized that staying in my introverted comfort zone would keep me in the background, so I joined my high school’s marching band from sophomore through senior year. That was a huge leap for me as I didn’t play any sports growing up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bit.ly/cgtrainwithjanae
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/trainwithjanae
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/trainwithjanae