Story & Lesson Highlights with Marlena Freeman of Downtown Phoenix

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marlena Freeman. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Marlena, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Yes. I once witnessed a domestic violence client — along with her two-year-old sister and another sister who was in a wheelchair — being turned away when they came to seek help at a gym where I worked. Her own trainer, who was also the owner of the gym, told her to “get away from his business with that BS.” I saw it all unfold and became her only voice, standing up for her even though it cost me my reputation there. As a result, he and those who followed him bad-mouthed me. To him, money mattered more than a human life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My brand is called 318, which represents my sergeant sign from my time in the California Department of Corrections. I served for twelve years and was Swat for five of those years. My brand was built around the strength it took to be a woman working in an all-men’s prison.

Because of the hardships I’ve faced — including domestic violence, molestation, and betrayal — my strength now comes from fully embracing my authenticity and who I am. For a long time, I carried a victim mindset because it felt like life was constantly happening to me. But one day, I realized something powerful: I had made it through all of it. I saw woman how to reclaim thier power back, through exercise, meditation, breath work, accountability and most of all grace for yourself..

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose is my warrior Sergeant Freeman aka 318. All my life, all I knew was how to fight — and I became very good at it, especially physically. I’ve been in twelve riots and four staff assaults, including one attempt on my life. Because of my biggest drug bust ever, worth $10,000. That chapter of my life is closed.

I became my own superhero, protecting myself from being harmed any further. But as I grew into womanhood, I realized that my battles were no longer physical — I had to fight with my mind. I had to prove my intelligence, especially after being diagnosed with autism later in life at the age of 40.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I found peace in my suffering. I lived in it for so long , I knew nothing else . My story begins with my mother being full-blown HIV positive when she had me. I did not contract the virus . My life was far from easy. People look at me and think it’s been simple, but they don’t know even half of it.

Suffering revealed people’s true colors — their real thoughts — and it confirmed that my way of thinking wasn’t wrong. It also showed me how capable I am of pulling through every time, no matter what is thrown at me. I’ve endured the worst of the worst. In fact, I died and was given another chance — a chance to show the world how pressure creates diamonds.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the fitness industry is that women are safe. Many male owners and trainers use fitness spaces as their hunting ground. Women come in vulnerable — mentally, emotionally, and often insecure about their bodies — seeking help and transformation. Instead, they’re preyed upon while giving away their hard-earned money, left with injuries instead of results, and emotionally manipulated through narcissistic behavior.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My integrity will always remain. I pride myself on doing what’s right, even if it makes me look bad. Some people who encounter me will love me, and others will hate me — because I’m authentic and I hold everyone around me accountable. Grown-ups don’t always like being called out on their behavior, even when it’s done with love.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: 3Eighteen_training

Image Credits
Innate_flash_studio / Johnny Chainz