Meet Lonnie Whitaker, MS

Say hi to Lonnie Whitaker! Lonnie is the owner of Whitaker Fitness Corporation. After serving in the Army for 22 years and a prior Drill Sergeant (thank you for your service!!), Lonnie turned his brand into a business on June 30, 2020.

Lonnie has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Alabama and a Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. He is currently working on his Ph.D. He is also an author of two books, PTSD/Depression: Fighting An Unseen Battle and The Power Behind My Pain (Note: Click the book titles for more info or to purchase.) He has a third book due out at the end of this year entitled My Basic Guide to Health and Wellness which will also be available on Amazon. Lonnie has also launched his own supplement brand (see photos).

Lonnie has been awarded the Quilt of Valor. According to the Quilts of Valor Foundation, “It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, ‘Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.’”

We caught up with Lonnie recently and here’s what he had to say.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The lives that I am impacting and changing through fitness.

What has been your favorite/most successful initiative at your fitness/wellness center?
My favorite initiative is our new member orientation. What I like the about the new member orientation is helping people overcome their anxiety and fears about coming to the gym. It’s where, at that moment, I can assure them and give them confidence about the gym and debunk any myths they have about the gym.

What let you to choose this field?
After retirement (from the Army), I was struggling with PTSD and depression. The medication that I was being prescribed was making matters worse. I started bodybuilding and I noticed it was helping me to manage my PTSD and depression.

What one piece of advice would you give to those just coming into this field of medical fitness?
Always give accurate information. People follow results. People want to see a message lived rather than a message preached.

Why did you become a member of the Medical Fitness Association?
I want to better myself as bodybuilder and a health and wellness professional and to create new fitness and nutritional plans that will help others to be successful on their health and wellness journey. I also want to gain more valuable knowledge that I can implement into my workout regiments for myself and my clients.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to travel and anything that is adventurous and fun.

Thank you, Lonnie for sharing your knowledge of fitness to help others on their health and wellness journey!