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Ever since he was a child, Wes Ferguson has been has trained in martial arts, gymnastics, yoga, dance, plus weight and sports training. He began coaching while still in his teens, teaching gymnastics at the local YMCA.
Then in his adulthood, after moving to Los Angeles, he fell into a lifestyle that revolved around Hollywood parties until he realized how far his health had fallen. He ditched the parties for organic food and exercise, a pursuit that led him to become a certified personal trainer with the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.
Now he helps others stay healthy and fit utilizing his own training system, hybridFIT, which combines body resistance, weight training, yoga, and CrossFit exercises. Wes also strives to burn calories, tone muscles, and strengthen hearts without resorting to offensive boot-camp-style shouting or reruns of sad Downton Abbey episodes.
Check our exclusive interview with this amazing Celebrity Fitness instructor next
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Hi Westopher, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a celebrity trainer in Los Angeles and have worked with the likes of Melissa Carcache, Monty Geer, Maximillian Silberman and more. I’m sharing the secrets to success in my new book Better By 30: A New You In 30 Days, which is a step-by-step guide to defining and reaching your goals. Check it out on Amazon!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Pretty, witty and gay.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My late grandfather was a huge influence. He always made me feel like part of the club, even though growing up gay in a small town made me an outsider. Grandpa Ferguson was a modern-day cowboy, he handcrafted leather belts and I still have a black gun holster he made me when I was a kid. He also taught me how to ride a horse. He was kind, honest, funny and caring. I wouldn’t be the person I am without his influence.
What led you to become a Celebrity fitness trainer?
Before getting into the fitness industry, myself, I had a trainer, Derek Ringold, help me after a debilitating car accident that messed up my back. He helped me regain my strength and mobility. I recovered completely. It was such a life-changing experience that I wanted to help people in the same way. He continues to be an influence and we now work at the same studio.
What do you think is the most rewarding part of your profession?
The most rewarding part about being a trainer is helping people reach their goals. That’s why I’m so excited to release my book, because I can take that one-on-one experience and share it with the masses.
What is the biggest highlight of your career?
I helped a young professional mom lose over 65 pounds after her second child. To see her quality of life and self-confidence improve is still one of my proudest moments. A close second is finishing my book, it was quite a task and I’m very proud I put it out there.
What kind of training routine do you follow?
I created my own system called HybridFIT, which uses interval training to combine body resistance, weight and sports training, yoga, dance and even CrossFit exercises.
What is your workout routine these days?
My workouts include HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) at Sweat Garage where I also teach, my own HybridFIT bootcamps, weight training, dance classes, and this year I’m working on getting back into a more regular yoga routine. So far I’ve only been to one class! Even for myself, I definitely understand the struggle to develop consistency.
Do you have any specific diet?
My boyfriend is an awesome cook, so I let him do the heavy lifting in the kitchen. I’m very lucky in that regard. When I cook, I like to take those fast food cravings – like Taco Bell – and make an at home version, such as ground turkey with fresh salsa, chopped tomatoes, light cheese and non-fat greek yogurt instead of sour cream, served in a wheat tortilla or romaine lettuce cup. It’s actually much better, and satisfies my craving. My rule is “Don’t Eat Through A Drive Through Window”
What is your favorite healthy food?
Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with chunky organic vodka sauce. It takes awhile to bake, but the result is super filling and delicious, low calorie, and nutritious. Much better than a heavy pasta dish.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza and beer. Maybe once a month I indulge, it’s just too good! I have to cheat now and then.
Tell us about your group fitness at HIIT Studio Sweat Garage?
Without overstating it, the routines at Sweat Garage are the most challenging in Los Angeles. We encourage members to go at their own pace, and everyone is welcome, however the bar is set very high so that even the most athletic person is challenged. The workouts are split between treadmill and weight training, and they change every single day. Sometimes you’re bouncing back and forth every two minutes, other times they’re longer sets, up to 20 minutes. The routines are designed so members can come in every day, resulting in some of the hottest bodies in Hollywood. We also cater to some celebrity clients, but we don’t advertise who they are and certainly don’t treat them any differently in class. Everyone is there to work hard!
What can we find there that is different from other places?
It really comes down to the programming. You’ll find other treadmill interval classes, but none with our level of diversity and intensity. Sweat Garage also has some of the best instructors you’ll find anywhere. Beyond that, there is truly a family atmosphere, we call them our Sweaty Friends. We do a number of buddy workouts that partner people together and encourage a team atmosphere. We also make sure to introduce new members to the class and make them feel welcome. Some studios have a lot of attitude and are very insular, while we strive to make Sweat Garage the place you workout with friends. Turn down the lights and pump up the music!
Can you name some celebrities that you work with?
I’ve worked with Jessica Morris, Melissa Carcache, Monty Geer, Maximillian Silberman and more.
Now tell us about your workout videos with celebrity star Melissa Carcache?
We thought it would be fun for her fans to actually see how real the struggle is! That yes, she has to sweat and work for her figure. We do short Instagram videos that show a new combination exercise that works multiple muscles at the same time, such as the “curtsy lunge curl,” or “the squat overhead press,” to name a couple we’ve covered. This shows people how to maximize their efforts, and get some instruction on proper form, which is very important.
What’s next for Westopher?
This year I’m promoting my book, Better By 30: A New You In 30 Days, while my personal goals include more TV and media appearances to spread the message and help others reach their goals. I’m also working on a new diet book specifically for the festival circuit crowd.
Do you support any charity?
I’m looking forward to this year’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes for a second year in a row. Another friend and fellow wellness expert, Jill Lawrence, recently turned me on to Operation Blankets of Love, which provides blankets to rescue shelters so the animals don’t get cold. It’s so easy to participate, just donate those old sheets, blankets, and towels rather than tossing them!
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My hair must be done perfectly (or I’m in a hat), my cell phone (which I run my entire business through), and my trusty backpack full of goodies, including microphone covers, snacks, spare clothes, and a bluetooth speaker for music in case of a technical emergency. You can never be too prepared.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Two weeks ago I had a perfect Sunday. I got to sleep in past 7am, which is unusual for me, then I made a nice breakfast and went to support our newest trainer at Sweat Garage for the 11:30am class. Afterwards, I got a nice shower and steam, came back to a home cooked meal, watched some TV with my kitty on my lap and did some emails and business stuff (I try to make Sundays work free but it’s usually impossible). Later that night we went out with friends. Couldn’t ask for a better day!
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s possible to be addicted to social media, which may be true in my case! I love reading people’s thoughts an opinions, even if they differ from mine, and have made many friends on social media. Some I’ve met in real life (even as far away as Canada), while others remain social media friends. I feel like I know them on a very personal level, and we interact often. I try to respond to everyone directly.
Where we can follow you?
Facebook: facebook.com/wesfergusonfitness
Twitter @Westopher
Instagram: @TheWestopher
You can also subscribe to my free monthly newsletter on my website wesferguson.com
Song: Anything with a good beat! I love uplifting, high energy music.
Travel destination: I spent some time in Germany and would love to go back soon. London was also fun, but I was there for about two weeks and would prefer to discover something new before I return.
Restaurant: Terroni on Beverly. It’s an Italian restaurant, so it’s a splurge kind of affair. They hand make all their own pasta and pizza. We usually split a pasta dish and a pizza.
Quote: Each chapter in my book has an inspirational quote, because I have so many favorites. One of which is “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” -C.S. Lewis
Book: Typically I’m reading informative texts or training guides, but I love a fun read. One of my favorites is “My Point…and I Do Have One” by Ellen DeGeneres.
Movie: Hands down, the 80’s classic Heathers with Winona Ryder. It’s the original Mean Girls, with a body count.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Photo credits
Book cover by Courtney Lindberg
Headshots by Nick Hernandez, HNS Imagery[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
