Fortified Wolfpack - Semaj Baldwin

When Semaj came to Gold's Gym, he had a vision.  He wanted to form a group of athletes of all different ages and abilities who would train with one another and encourage one another.  He created a private Facebook page where we could upload pictures/videos of ourselves, memes, positive quotes, and encouraging words.

In his own words:  "Wolfpack began with a very simple idea. That men and women have lost themselves within themselves, unable to see the world for what the world really is. That the qualities we held 1000’s of years ago were slowly eroding and what was left was a watered down version of humanity. So I wrote a very simply description of this belief:

“There was a point where we evolved past our primal instincts and into simpler, content, vulnerable beings. But not all were drawn in the system of contentment. A few remained conscious enough to fortify their minds, bodies, and souls. Reversing evolution, they are known as the “wolfpack.”

If you live with a passion for greatness and strength and resilience towards all obstacles that may attempt to derail you; if you are bold and aggressive in the pursuit of the things you want in life; if you are meant to overcome everything that stands in your path of reaching your goals; if you strive to become the strongest version of yourself by fortifying your mind, your body, and your spirit then you are a Wolf and we are proud to have you represent our pack."

He also began forming a "power lifting" team and he would train with them.  The strength that they have gained while training with Semaj is incredible.  There is a group of them who will be competing in Colorado Springs next weekend.

His personality shines through in every photo!

Stephannie (aka "Tube Socks") told Semaj he was like the wizard in The Wizard of Oz.  And she was like the lion with no courage.  He helped her get the courage she needed to not be afraid of the (heavy) weight and also to trust herself in the process.

Nancy states that thinking about walking into the gym (this week - Semaj's last week) is hard for her.  It's hard to imagine not training with you every day.  I am also very happy for you and for Laci!!  Things I will miss most are you asking me "What was the best part of your day?"  Your positive energy, dancing, and laughing your way through killing us daily.  I wish you and your family the best in Florida and look forward to when you move back.  I will miss you.  You are family to me!

There are many of us that would echo that sentiment.  

Katie and Patricia R feel the same way!

Angela who is one of his fairly new clients states "I am really going to miss him.  I think I am like his last client.  I had a training session with him today and I have one on Wednesday.  I only had 20 days of training with him. 

Semaj and Angela - made an impact in 20 days or less!  Not surprising.

How could you not love that face - right there!

Hannah told me that she loves that Semaj understands the ups and downs of losing weight and gaining strength and how he is with you every step of the way.  He is always so positive (I concur) and makes his workouts fun!  Semaj is a great trainer and a wonderful person.  I am so glad to have had the opportunity to work out with him and get to know him.  He will be truly missed by many.

I think that is very well stated Hannah.  Semaj - there is not enough room in this blog for all the good things we have to say about you.  We are so thankful you came into our lives and we fully intend to carry on with the Fortified Wolfpack - supporting one another and encouraging one another.  

For those of you who are local, you may notice us in our "Wolf pack" t-shirts in a couple of weeks.  Now you'll have a little bit of background to go with the shirts you see us wearing.  God speed to you and Laci and know that we WILL keep in touch.  Thank you for the many ways you have blessed our lives!

 This is just a representation of a much larger group of people whose lives Semaj has touched.