Personal trainer shows unrivaled dedication

Darius Richardson has always had good exercise form in the gym.

So good, in fact, that it turned more than a few heads. It also got the attention of Ali Prettyman, program coordinator for wellness and aquatics for Syracuse University’s Recreation Services.

“It was like an audition of sorts,” Richardson said. “He used to watch me in the gym, and I’d always think, ‘Who’s this mysterious man in the gym always watching me?’ Then he’d tell me there’s a few things you need to tweak, but I love the fact you pay so much attention to your form.”

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That was the connection Richardson used to become a personal trainer. And when Richardson was hired, he hit the Archbold Gymnasium floor running.

“He threw me in the fire when I started the spring of that year,” Richardson said of his start almost two years ago. “I’ve had all types of clients, from the weight loss ones to the ones that wanted to improve something on their body or fix something.”

Currently, Richardson has a full slate of clients. He maintains 16 clients, each averaging three sessions a week that run 45 minutes to an hour. He’s also studying for a master’s in International Relations from SU’S Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Richardson said he loves to challenge clients to reach their goals, whatever they may be.

“Everyone’s a good sport about it,” he said. “I’m pretty demanding, but all I ask is that you give me the same amount of effort I’m definitely going to give you.”