Meet Kenyatta Banks of Arsenal by Kenyatta LLC in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenyatta Banks.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kenyatta. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I played sports as a child and enjoyed the aspect of a team. I enjoyed football and track but feel in love with basketball.

However, after high school and in college, working out became part of my normal routine. It always gave me a feeling I really couldn’t explain. I trained my college classmates and ended up working as a personal trainer.

Life happens and things got “dark,” would be the best way to describe it. Fitness was always there. In 2010, I lost everything I had (living in Miami) my father passed away from colon cancer and I almost died after someone “roofied,” a drink I had in a club.

I decided to start working out at home and knew that I had a purpose to not only help myself but to also help others. Started in a garage with a few friends doing Beachbody programs. That then grew into a “fit club,” of 50 people at a boys and girls club.

Moved to AZ and started teaching group classes, finally realizing that there was/is more to working out than just the physical aspect.

Over time, after teaching military formats, obtaining certs and attending conferences, I had a vision of creating my own workout style with the focus being on the physical, mental,  emotional and for some, even spiritual.

Combining all these elements within an already tough class (Arsenal HIIT) which combines cardio and strength training. I created my own programs, launched Arsenal by Kenyatta LLC almost a year ago. I have traveled to host Arsenal classes/events in Houston, Baltimore, Seattle, and Hawaii all while building a loyal following here in AZ.

My story is really just about having a passion and a purpose to help others fight their way out of their own dark places. Creating a movement and a culture to leave something here bigger than myself. Positively impacting generations.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road is definitely is not smooth. I had a lot of internal self-doubts about creating Arsenal Hiit and Arsenal Strength. There was fear that people would think I was trying to be someone else in the fitness industry.

I’ve had people try to steal the name, steal some of my signature moves, I even had someone tell me they wanted 50% of all my earnings from my Arsenal Hiit online workout series videos. Just because they were in the cast.

I struggle with people making empty promises, lying about opportunities and those who will attempt to get my services for free.

All in all, the more I focused on my self-worth, my self-growth and truly embracing the process, a lot of those hurdles just became great learning opportunities for me and the brand.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in helping people change their life from the inside out. I’m known for creating a judgment-free environment that will challenge you, push you past the limits you’ve set for yourself and inspiring/motivating people to evolve into their greatness.

I’m proud that people “get me.” That they know that I don’t do this for play. I’m proud that I’m able to help people “feel,” again. People see my workouts as therapy. They can feel/sense my passion although it comes out in the forms of sweat. 💦

As a brand, it feels great seeing people’s minds and bodies transformed. Feels amazing seeing people rocking Arsenal by Kenyatta or Arsenal Strong merch. When your ideas and visions come to life, the feelings are priceless.

As a creative, I’m blessed to have this gift to keep creating, to collab with other creatives and not compete, but to create life lasting experiences for people.

What sets me apart: I know who I am! Therefore, I don’t view others as threats and it’s easy for me to connect with people from all walks, ages, and backgrounds in life.

So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
Future- Hosting my first ever Arsenal Yoga Experience retreat in Greece Summer “19. Two amazing weeks going international.

Future plans: continue to grow and impact more lives, create more opportunities for others to join our Arsenal Strong mindset and movement. Working on creating an Arsenal by Kenyatta (fitness tour). Launching “Inside the Arsenal,” podcast. Also, just booked my first speaking engagement at the AZ vegetarian/vegan festival.

More workout videos to be filmed and launched online across the globe.

Looking forward to elevating myself and the brand to the next level. More events, more retreats, more lives impacted.

Pricing:

• Arsenal videos 6 $79,99
• Hosting fitness events (contact via email )
• Drop in classes at Tru Fusion $20

Contact Info:

• Website: Arsenalbykenyatta.com
• Email: kenyatta@arsenalbykenyatta.com
• Instagram: Arsenalbykenyatta
• Facebook: Fb.com/arsenalbykenyatta
• Twitter: @mrkenyattabanks

Image Credit:
Phil photography, RYZE entertainment, Mindy May photography

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