Fourth Strength: Becoming a Certified Personal Trainer

Author: Coach Kevin Tamte CPT, PN, TFW

This journey lit a fire in me that I never expected. At first, I just wanted to get healthier, lose weight, and get stronger. But along the way, I discovered a passion for helping others do the same.

I started by getting my Training for Warriors certification so I could coach classes. That step alone changed my outlook. I realized I wanted to help people on a deeper level, so I went on to earn my Certified Personal Trainer credential. That allowed me to coach one-on-one and make an even bigger impact.

At first, I thought it would just be about building muscle and losing fat. But I quickly saw it was so much more. I got to help people regain independence after years of being limited. I watched parents play with their kids again. I saw grandparents say yes to adventures with their grandkids. I saw people rediscover what it feels like to truly live. That was more rewarding than I could ever have imagined.

This has changed my career and my life. After 25 years in construction, I made the shift into coaching full time. I do not regret it for a second. Every struggle I faced, losing weight, building strength, pushing through doubt; prepared me to coach with empathy and understanding. I know what it feels like to start over. I know what it means to step into the unknown.

Growth happens when you get uncomfortable. I have lived that truth. I have faced the wall, leaned into the challenge, and kept moving. That is what I want for everyone I coach. To see that they can do hard things. To know that they are stronger than they think.

I am just getting started. My mission now is to help as many people as I can build strength, confidence, and a life they are proud of.