We had the good fortune of connecting with Marlena Freeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marlena, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
318 strength and conditioning training is more then getting “just a trainer” . You are getting a life coach, trainer , support system and most of all “LOVE”. When I was a Sergeant in the force I learned the values of a good support system. While teaching 30 man academy’s. I saw the impact I was making by speaking life into the unfit new cadets . I took my time with them and I saw once their mind was on board the body followed ! I named my business after my sergeant call sign when I was on the force . I realized A lot of people fail at their fitness goals because of lack of support and every day life gets in the way.I teach each and everyone that comes to me how to love their self from the inside out . Positivity goes a long way and if I can impact one person they will automatically follow suit and pay it forward with out through.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the biggest things that sets me apart is the ability to be understanding yet firm . I tell people what they need to hear not what they want . One of my proudest moments is when I was able to give a client , that was enduring abuse the ability to have bravery to leave.

It took a couple of disrespectful and racist supervisors to belittle me bully me into entrepreneurship. I realized no one should endure disrespect no matter how much they make. It was not a easy transition! But patience and understanding go along way .

One of the lessons that I learned along the way never take anything personal sometimes people are not ready to face their mirrors.

Second lesson Stack your money, place yourself on a budget big time and do not beer from the script

I want the world to know that there is aways a better day coming. 318 is a family ,a sense of belonging no matter who or what you are.
318 was birthed out of pain ,depression and fear. Once I became my own hero I no longer was my own worse enemy. Anything is possible

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Coming from a big city like Washington DC , it was always something to do indoors . Here In Arizona the rustic beauty of the outdoors is Amazing! So automatically we will go hiking its Camelback or South Mountain somewhere local so we can get home and a decent time to shower and get ready for Sunday Funday. Lunch would be at Lolo’s chicken and waffles. Then we would head to the “w” to lay pool side and listen to some of the best djs. Stay roof side for hours ! And just chill out !

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this to my friend , my coach , my mentor , the love of my life , Coach Burl Randall of Game Time fitness. He has taught me the value of a good support system and showing how far love and someone believing in you can take you to different levels . I’ve been body building for 6 years and once I left my comfort zone and switched teams I actually started winning !! Which by the way never placed prior to him coming into my life. The difference he actually believed in me which made me start believing in my self .

Instagram: Anotherdamnleo

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