Today we’d like to introduce you to April Wilson.
Hi April, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Fit Faith started with a mustard seed-sized vision to unite women through healthy living and fitness training. I vividly recall listening to my pastor, Dr. Bartholomew Orr, and hearing God speak to me through a series entitled “Faith over Fear.” During the sermon, Pastor Orr referenced I Timothy 1: 7-8, which reminds us that God does not give us a spirit of fear rather He gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. At that moment, I felt like God was directing my steps towards my God given path, but I was reluctant to follow. I was perplexed, to say the least. Knowing that I could not be the only Christian experiencing this inward conflict, I began to question the congregation to gauge if anyone felt as out of place as I did, but at that moment everyone seemed to have it all together. I realized that I was asking the wrong people; I needed to tap into the Power Source. Thus, I began my journey of fasting and praying. Months passed and I was still uncertain of God’s plan for my life which was seemingly spinning out of control! I was struggling to hold my marriage together, caring for my ill parents, pleading for peace at work, experiencing a financial hardship, while attempting to raise my sons and deal with what appeared to be insurmountable insecurities. But my GOD intervened! He cleared my path and enlightened me to the desires and passions of my heart: my FAITH and FITNESS. I woke up one morning with the confidence to promote and implement a 30-day Bootcamp challenge. I had no money, no equipment, and no clue of a potential venue to host the fitness sessions. Literally, all I had was my FAITH and a desire to be FIT. By the grace of God, I hosted the first FIT FAITH 30-day Bootcamp in September of 2019 that birthed FIT FAITH.
My life transformed following the initial 30-day Bootcamp.Since then, I have hosted numerous Bootcamps around the city of Memphis and Southaven, provided fitness services for people in the community, and revived my spiritual fitness. In conjunction with fitness classes, the Fit Faith apparel line has become increasingly popular. Prominent leaders of the community, celebrities and all members of the Fit Faith family can be seen donning Fit Faith apparel!
Additionally, God has blessed me with opportunities to travel to conduct fitness classes as well as share my testimony on various platforms such as radio and television. I’ve also educated myself on the business side of things as well as develop strong partnerships with prominent franchises.
Being a fitness trainer has helped to mold me into the person I am today. Training has been rewarding because I get to see people at their most vulnerable moments , and to aid in the process of making them stronger. God definitely has a sense of humor! For some reason everyone I am connected with within the Fit Faith family serves a purpose. Whether that purpose is for me to help them or them there to help push me, everyone I am connected to is reasonably there for a reason. I remember, one of my past colleagues would always say, “ My goal here, or my task here, is to help as many people as I can while I can.” Then I did not know the severity of what she meant but now I can truly say that that is also my ultimate goal in life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been moments when I questioned my place in the fitness industry. As a trainer, I carry a heavy load—not just for myself, but for others. We often carry the weight of clients’ health issues, concerns about weight gain, and personal struggles. Truthfully, “trainer” is an umbrella term because we wear so many titles.
I often see myself as a Fitness Specialist because I’ve developed a diverse skill set that goes beyond physical training. A friend of mine jokingly calls me “Pastor Wilson” because he says I nourish my people like the church does—feeding their bodies and their spirits. But all these roles come with their challenges. The biggest struggle I face is understanding and affirming my own existence in this field. I have to constantly adapt to trends, stay educated on new health topics and medications, and find creative ways to keep clients engaged and excited about their fitness journeys.
Despite the hurdles, the passion for helping others and making a difference keeps me grounded and driven.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear many hats—first and foremost, I’m a proud mother of two inspiring little CEOs who motivate and push me every day. They keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of leading by example. I’m also a proud graduate of Lane College, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology, and later obtained my Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. I’ve been practicing as a Medical Laboratory Scientist for 16 years, conducting research, publishing in medical journals, starting new labs, and designing innovative testing protocols.
Recently, I’ve expanded my expertise into the Information Technology industry as a Clinical Analyst supporting clinical lab innovations. In addition to my career, I volunteer as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, where I serve on uniform patrol.
But where I truly find my passion is in my work with Fit Faith. As the owner, my mission is to build, refocus, and reshape lives. We offer everything from personal training, group fitness, strength and conditioning, nutrition guidance, virtual training, weekly podcast and even line dance. One of my most exciting achievements is my annual virtual challenge, “Belly Bailout,” which reaches people all over the world. What I love most about it is that participants gain something far beyond losing weight—they receive tools and confidence for a lifetime. That moment of knowing I can positively impact someone’s life on such a broad scale is one of my proudest accomplishments.
Many might think the fitness industry is saturated, but I see it differently. The truth is, billions of people in this world haven’t fully embraced their health and fitness journey, and there’s still so much opportunity. What sets me apart is my humility and my genuine drive to uplift and promote other trainers. During the Belly Bailout, I invite guest trainers to showcase their talents and expand their reach—competition isn’t on my mind, only collaboration and community. I believe we all do better when we support each other.
At the end of the day, my biggest goal is simple: I want everyone to EAT—eat good, eat healthy, and eat the life they deserve. That’s what drives me every single day.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe my kindness and bubbly spirit are some of the strongest qualities that have contributed to my success. I live by the motto, “There is no bad day at the gym,” because I truly believe in creating a positive, uplifting environment wherever I go—whether it’s in the gym, at a special event, or just meeting someone for the first time. I strive to show genuine warmth and authenticity in every interaction, because I know that building real connections is what helps foster trust, encouragement, and growth.
I pride myself on being approachable and personable—I’ve never met a stranger. I relate to people on a personal level — talking to everyone as if I’ve known them for years. That openness and ability to connect with others has been a driving force behind my business and relationships. I truly love helping others discover their strength, both physically and mentally, and my love for fitness fuels my tenacity to push through challenges and inspire others to do the same.
My character is rooted in integrity, compassion, and perseverance. Off the court, I carry myself with professionalism, but I also understand the importance of being personable, relatable, and genuine. I believe that how you carry yourself—your attitude, kindness, and dedication—can open doors and create opportunities in both your personal and professional life.
Fitness is more than just physical movement for me; it’s about nurturing a resilient spirit, showing love for others, and pushing past limits with grace and tenacity. These qualities—kindness, authenticity, resilience, and a love for community—are what I feel truly define my path to success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fitfaithbelievers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitfaithfitness?igsh=MW94cWdydDV5d3ZuNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/159RZLYRRw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@aprilwilson9652?si=tTyMM736Ot4_MR8R
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@fitfaith?_t=ZT-8xUWr6rz0Cz&_r=1
