Richie grew up in a small blue collared town in NJ, where he was an “incredibly shy kid who lacked confidence of any kind.”  That all changed when he joined the recreational wrestling program at age 12. He quickly excelled and gained the self-esteem to carry him through a rather rocky childhood.  Richie relocated to Nashville 3 years ago from New Jersey and has quickly become the most dynamic and motivational Fitness Trainer in the City. Richie’s compassion and love for helping people got him voted the #1 Personal Trainer in The Best of Nashville Reader’s Poll 2009. His boot camp, aka Kamp Karisma, has been featured in the Nashville Scene and NFocus Magazine.

Richie’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious, both in and out of the gym.  Here, he tells us more about the close relationship between fitness and confidence, and the secret to his fun and unique style.

SMK:  Why should fitness be important to everyone?
RL:  I believe fitness should be important to everyone because it affects so many aspects of ones life! Besides the obvious of looking good and preventing many diseases directly linked to lack of physical activity, there many other reasons to exercise that are often overlooked. First and foremost is self-esteem! When a person is confident it changes everything; their work ethic, the way in which they carry themselves, the way they treat others, how they respond in distress, etc. Everyone wants to be near someone positive and hopefully, they will model that behavior. Let’s face it, when you look good; you feel good! And everyone wants to feel good!

Sometimes all you need is your Prada sunglasses!

SMK:  How do you encourage your clients?
RL:  I encourage my clients by leading them down a path in which they will encourage themselves. Everyone is driven by different fuel and once you tap into that, anything is possible! My job is to just make you believe that you can do things that you can already do. Once you build the mind, everything else will fall into place! I know a lot of people think I am going to yell at them and make them do things against their will, but that is not my approach. I don’t understand why you would want to break someone down, just to build him or her back up! I quickly establish a rapport, which affords me the ability to know when, and how to push someone.

SMK:  What do you think are the elements of a well-balanced lifestyle?
RL:  I would have to go with the philosophy of Yin and Yang on this one! I believe the moment we stop seeking balance is the moment that we fall. Happiness is a very strong element. Without it, you can’t truly have fulfillment or success. It’s like putting on your favorite black dress or suit for absolutely no reason other than to feel good. Again, when you are happy, it shows and it is infectious! So, to be more direct, you must fill your mind with healthy thoughts, feed your body healthy food, hold the people in your life close to your heart and great things will surface! Just don’t get caught up in what others think about your lifestyle. If it feels good to you and serves the greater good, then you are living a healthy well-balance life.

SMK:  What defines your personal style?  What are some of your favorite things to wear?
RL:  Fashion has always been very important to me! It says who you are and what you are about without having to say anything. I am a big fan of DKNY, Kenneth Cole, Armani (suits), Armani Exchange, Ben Sherman, and Michael Kors to name a few…oh, and I have to have my Prada shades! I think it is more challenging for guys to make a fashion statement, but you have to have great shoes and an awesome pair of shades! With that said, since moving to Nashville, I’ve learned much about myself. It’s not always what or which designer you are wearing as much as it is about how you wear it. I love to put on a suit and tie to paint the town or to dominate a boardroom, but I have become quite comfortable throwing on a broken-in pair of jeans and a sleeveless t-shirt with a pair of flip flops as well. I just go with how am feeling and where I am going to be. Either way, everyone will be watching and wanting to be this guy! Just kidding…I’m really quite humble.

SMK:  What do your clients stand to gain from your classes, aside from lost weight and gained muscle?
I would like to think that my clients walk away with a feeling of charismatic swagger! They come in thinking that they are here to change their bodies, but my goal is to change their life. My hope is that they gain a confidence and a swagger that they will walk with far beyond my classes. It is great to watch the physical transformations, but watching their smiles grow with confidence is why I do what I do! They begin to see the impossible become possible. Walls become fences and mountains are reduced to mere hills. What I am most proud of are the relationships that are developed though my classes. I make sure everyone knows each other and encourages one another like a family!

For more info on Richie and his training, visit karismafitness.com or email Richie at richielee@karismafitness.com.