Meet Robert Michael Downes who inspires and motivates people to not only work out and be healthy but also to stay drug-free. He mentors addicted youths in addition to managing 5 gyms. Read on to learn how Robert changed his life for the positive and fully commits to health, wellness, and passion. – Sarah What attracted you to the field of health and wellness? Overcoming an addiction to oxycontin after serious injuries. I have been sober for 8 years now and manage 5 gyms and mentor addicted youths.

Your Job Title: Area Supervisor

Company you are with now: Custom Built Personal Training

Social Media: – facebook: Robert Downes

Instagram: 13Downes7

A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you: I show up to the Fitness clubs I supervise excited to see the members and friends in the facilities and interact with communities not just neighborhoods. I wake up @ 6:30am and start my day with a 1200 calories shake made of all natural fruit and vegetables, egg whites and peanut butter. I leave the house by 8am Monday through Friday and do not come back home till 8pm. These clubs, this industry, is my life. And I feel I owe it my life. Because health & fitness saved my life.

How did you get your current job in health and wellness? I was recruited from being a former athlete, started as a trainer/assistant manager and leapfrogged through the ranks in under a year due to my positive motivation, real life struggles and hunger for a better life for myself and WORLD.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I was born with a natural physical ability and athleticism so sports came easy. Leading became easy because others wanted to be like me. It was my addiction to oxycontin that opened my eye’s to the science behind the body that I was blessed with. I had no intention of becoming addicted. It was a chemical dependency that developed after only taking my medications as prescribed.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Look for YOUR PASSION and YOUR REASON to be here. When you find it, commit fully.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Sushi, I love sushi. I could enjoy my job. Keep my health. And feed my family.

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.