Gary L. Smalls

Gary L. Smalls is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal trainer (NASM-CPT), United States Track and Field Level 1 Coach, 2021 TCS NYC Marathon Finisher, Public Empowerment Speaker and Business Enhancement Specialist. Gary is a Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn native and avid athlete. At an early age he was inspired by the life and works of Bruce Lee, Michael Jordan, Deion Sanders, and Kobe Bryant just to name a few. Smalls was always an active child and his single mom made sure he had multiple sports options to choose from to promote a healthy life. As an avid sports, Smalls’ mother mandated that he, his friends, and cousins go outside every single day despite the desire to play video games for countless hours. In addition Smalls’ uncle was a huge influence on his coordination, speed and general sports interest as well. So much so that Smalls’ Uncle and Friends would sometimes refer to him as “Prime Time” and “Neon Deion” because that was all the boy could talk about.

One of the most pivotal moments in Smalls’ health and fitness journey was taking a Weight Training Class with the Assistant Principal (AP) of Physical Education at Beach Channel High School Mr. Sanchez. In this class this was where for the first time Smalls learned the science, systems, methods, and anatomy of building his body. His life would never be the same!

Unfortunately despite the best efforts of his family and educators during this time period, movement and physical activity was not the norm and there was a lack of nutritional education and Healthy food options in the immediate neighborhood. This is what drives him. Smalls has extensive (almost 10 years) experience as a youth mentor for Junior High School- Collegiate NYC inner city students and is very aware of the mental and physical challenges they have.

Over the years Gary has practiced Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), has completed one TCS New York City Marathon, 2 5Ks, and has been a Livestrong Coach. He currently serves on the Health and Wellness Committee for the founding chapter of the One Hundred Black Men Inc. and is a Personal Training Coach for the non-profit “A Second U Foundation” that services formerly incarcerated men and women. Gary is also the Lead Facilitator and Coach for CUNY-Baruch College’s PitchPrep/ Blackstone LaunchPad Pitch Competition.

He currently resides in Rockaway, NY.