Ambassador Magazine Editor Musa Jackson sits down with the age-defying celebrity fitness guru Kacy Duke who has trained Denzel, Maxwell, Lenny Kravitz, Julianne Moore, Mary J. Blige, Gwen Stefani, Josh Brolin, Sean “Diddy” Combs to name a few on fitness, her secret to success and living a joyful life even in a pandemic.
Q. Have you always been into fitness?
A. I have always had the love of movement. The early years in Junior High School was track and field. After school was dance class. I thought I wanted to be a dancer at Alvin Ailey. I realized the dance world was not for me. What I loved about the dance world was grace and with track and field was strength. In the late 70s, early 80s the fitness world was just becoming hot because of Jane Fonda. I thought I could do that. My background at the time was in dance therapy but it was to harsh for me. Even though I liked working with people, to heal them through movement it was too heavy. And I needed a sense of joy. Which led me into fitness.
Q. Being a Black woman personal trainer in a male dominated industry how did you break in and build up your impressive clientele?
A. I was taught fitness classes at a place called The Joy Of Movement. Nike was scouting for the hottest fitness professionals who had the best classes in New York. My name kept coming up because I had an extremely popular class that everyone wanted to take. So I became one of the first Nike Sponsored fitness athletes. We were called the Nike Elites. That truly put me on the fitness map.
Q. You have trained some A List stars i.e. Denzel Washington, Maxwell, Lenny Kravitz, Julianne Moore, Josh Brolin, Gwen Stefani, Sean” Diddy” Combs, Mary J. Blige. How did that happen?
A. I would say I did really good work. But I always shout out Denzel Washington for being instrumental in my career. Especially when it came to training A-List celebrities. He gave me my first shot at working with an actor in the movies. That basically led to the rest.
Q. Are training celebrities more difficult to deal with?
A. You know what. I’m known for not taking any stuff. The great every day non celebrities get so excited when they see an actor in the flesh. Sometimes they loose it. But I have great peripheral vision so I can see them when they are about to pounce. I just look at them
and say, “Stop this is there time.”
Denzel Washington says, “You better listen to her. I’m the student and she’s the trainer. So I listen to her.”
Q. Because you are known for being in great shape is there pressure to stay fit at all times?
A. I don’t put pressure on myself that way. I like to enjoy my life so I don’t let it go but so far. I had hip replacement because I wore that one out. ( laughs) My philosophy is show with love. Celebrate the body you have to get the body you want. I say tell your body you love yourself.
Q. You have been on covers of magazines and a consultant to publications on many on air TV programs now. Did you ever think you’d be a recognized celebrity in your own right?
A. I don’t see myself that way. I know I’ve written a book, but I’m a mother. I do feel this excitement around me. Like this is really cool. I always say if you want to be celebrity take on their work ethics. Because they are judged by the work. And they still find the time to take care of themselves, like Bruce Willis, Josh Brolin, Maxwell and Lenny Kravitz. Whether they are on the road or not. If they can do it then you can do it. I love helping people.
Q. You are known to love to have a good time. What is a good time for Kacy?
A. Cooking and having friends over. Listening to music and dancing. In my spare time song writing is my hobby. I love listening to music and entertaining. I love seeing my friends eat drink and be merry. My son says no one can give a party like my mom.
Q. What are two of your favorite fitness moves?
A. My specialty is that I know how to chisel a body. I’m like a sculptor. And to do that is pump and elongate the muscles. My favorite way to train is to do a compound sequence. Which means I want to work more than one muscle group at a time. I like a back lunge with a standing chest press or flat back chest press with a leg lift. The first is lower and upper body and the second one is chest and full abdominal wall. They are not only strength training moves that sculpt the body but also cardiovascular that strengthens the heart which Is the most important muscle in the body. Lenny Kravitz said, “Kacy you do some Michaelangelo shit. You make the body pretty.”
Q. You are being portrayed by Laverne Cox in a new movie. How do you feel about a trans woman portraying a cis woman?
A. I don’t see it that way. I know she is a trans woman but I see a beautiful talented actress. And I was excited when Shonda Rhimes, the Executive Producer told me who she would like to offer the role to. I wanted someone who had gone through some real stuff in their lives to play me.
Q. What are you passionate about?
A. Motivating people for positive change. Living your life to the fullest. The reason I love to entertain is I love watching and helping people find their joy. I love feeling like I’m truly living. So I love to share it.
Q. What advice would you give someone starting a career in the fitness?
A. The first thing I would say is dont get into the business just to train celebrities. My bread and butter every day core clients have really lifted me up. Celebrities come and go. But your core clients are the ones you develop your techniques with. Learn about the body and not just the physical, the mindset which is the emotional. How they are thinking about themselves spiritually how to become their own life’s motivation. How to make the right choices with what they are eating when you are not around. And really understanding what that client needs. It is not about your body but your clients body. One way of training does not fit all. Develop your own approach to fitness.
Q. We are in the midst of a pandemic. What should people do who have been quarantined in the house?
A. Get up and move. Doesn’t matter where you are. Get some fresh air and move! That builds up your immune system. Everyday you wake up realize that movement is a privilege.
Q. You are 65 years young and looking absolutely amazing. What would you tell your younger self?
A. Don’t be afraid of your Intuitive self!
It’s just God speaking a little louder in your ear!
Kacy Duke @kacyduke A Life of Passion
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