The Level Up
“I dont look like a traditional trainer, so people judge me.
Here, Wade Bryant shares how hes pushing for all people to recognize their bodys flexibility skills.
Im a 6-foot Black guy with a beard, he tells Bustle.
I dontlook like a traditional trainer,so people judge me.
She asked if hed fly to Los Angeles and give the Grammy award-winning singer a one-on-onestretching session.
He took her up on it.
How did you come to be a professional dancer?
From the time I was young, Ive loved to dance.
I remember imitating Michael Jackson and memorizing all of Ushers choreography.
When I was 12, I competed in a talent show.
The prize was a scholarship to study ballet at Manhattans Uptown Dance Academy and I got it.
I trained at the company until I was about 17 years old.
The teachers and my classmates became like family to me.
When did you quit dancing and become a personal trainer?
As I got older, I realized ballet wasnt for me.
When I finally quit, I became certified as a personal trainer.
But even after all these years, the core of my training is still rooted inclassical ballet technique.
What would a one-on-one session with you entail?
What kind of exercises do you lead your clients through?
I dont have a lesson plan because everybody has different abilities.
And I dont teach flexibility, I teach technique.
A class might start with a floor warmup or a contemporary dance routine.
Theres always some movement involved.
Then Ill teach classical ballet technique: pointing toes, turning out, engaging the core.
Its what I know, but its also key for building strength and preventing injuries.
Its all about building better mobility.
With consistency, anybody can do the splits.
Tell me about the first time meeting Lizzo.
When her assistant hit me up on Instagram, I couldnt believe it.
It didnt seem real until the minute Lizzo walked into the studio.
I was so nervous.
But when I finally met her, she was so humble and cool.
I got to see the silly side of her.
We ended up training together for two hours.
That mustve been really validating after your experience being bullied on social media.
Lizzo told me to ignore the trolls.
Shes been like a big sister that way.
I dont know how she does it.
She gets so much hate butstill lives through it.
I told her, I really appreciate you for being you.
You train celebrities, but you also train regular people.
What tips do you give your clients who want to improve their range of motion in their everyday lives?
Warming upfor at least 20 minutes is key.
Focus on your hamstrings, quads, and lower back.
Stay consistent at least five minutes ofstretching every day.
And finally, dont compare your flexibility to anyone else.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onDec.
