Recently I had the opportunity, along with fellow Active Personal Trainer AJ Ferrero, to attend a 3.5 day mentorship summit hosted by world-renowned trainer, motivator, and coach Todd Durkin at Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, California. Over 60 of the top personal trainers from all over the world attended the mentorship to learn from and get inspired by Todd Durkin, his staff, and other world-renowned fitness professionals brought in to share their stories of success, hardships and journeys in the world of fitness, personal training, and life.

Photo courtesy of todddurkinmastermind.com

Let me tell you, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get hands-on training from Todd, and we made the most of every moment. If you have never heard of Todd Durkin, a quick web search of his name will show you his wide influence and leave you inspired. He is a master of creating impact and community. Todd takes pride in training “everyday joes,” weekend warriors, youth and the elderly; right along with world-class champions such as Super Bowl winning-quarterbacks Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and many others.

The Mentorship started on a Thursday morning, when AJ and I caught a red eye out of SFO to get to San Diego bright and early. As we arrived at his facility, the energy was already intense and his full staff checked us in, gave us a tour of the facility and shared pre-conference presentations about Fitness Quest 10. As more trainers arrived, the energy began to mount until it was time for Coach Durkin to get things KICKED OFF!

And boy did he. Todd entered wearing a gray hoodie sweatshirt as Eminem’s music pumped through the room, and gave an awe-inspiring, soul-filling speech about creating impact, making the most of every moment and taking full advantage of the mentorship. It brought goosebumps to my skin and tears to the eyes of most of us in the room (for the first of many times to come over the weekend). These where tears of passion; it felt like Todd’s energy was transferring through us and setting the tone for the rest of the weekend.

After initial introductions and logistics about the weekend, Todd led more than 60 trainers through a 90-minute boot camp workout that was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. He brought out the best in all of us, implementing teamwork drills, boot camp chants, gut-wrenching sled pushes, battle ropes and the use of his entire facility. The workout left us soaked in sweat, completely exhausted but at the same time full: full of life, full of energy and full of light. Light to shine and spread through ourselves and to others for the rest of the mentorship, and truly the rest of our lives. This was just one of three other workouts we got to experience with Todd and his staff over the course weekend. Each workout was completely different but all of them showcased teamwork, camaraderie and world-class inspiration that brought back those tears of joy and life.

Although we're trainers and love to work out and be physical, the mentorship was so much more than that. Each day there were presenters ranging from the lead Beach Body coach and top female trainer in the world, Trina Grey (the most inspirational, powerful woman I have ever met), to different multi-million dollar gym and club owners, to Todd’s staff and even his interns. No matter the presenter, each person got to tell their story of how they got to where they are today, and the obstacles they had overcome to get here.

As I listened to the presenters and Todd throughout the weekend, a shift started to occur inside of me. I started to have a clarity in focus and at several points had big “aha” moments about what I was put on this world to do. I have a story to tell. I can help lead and empower others through my story, my obstacles, and what I have overcome to be who and where I am today.

That is a powerful thing. We all have a story to tell and by creating culture and community through fitness, we can come together share our stories and become powerful lights for others to follow.

This world needs people of light and leaders to bring that light out in everyone they meet. I walked away from this mentorship, as did every trainer, a shining beacon of light for others to follow.

Think about this. What is your story? Share it with someone. Ask someone to share their story and you might be surprised the obstacles they have overcome to be where they are today.

I’d like to thank Active Wellness/Active Sports Clubs for giving us the opportunity to attend the mentorship, to learn from and be led by one of the best so we can bring back that same leadership to our community here at Active Sports Clubs Petaluma.

Jacob Fulton is a Personal Trainer and the Fitness Director at Active Sports Clubs Petaluma. Contact him at jacob.fulton@activewellness.com.