Matthew Vines’ journey to fitness

Matthew Vines’ journey into fitness was not always certain. However, what was certain was he always wanted to help people as directly as possible. There were a few options that he always considered — doctor, police officer — but whatever it would be he wanted it to make a lasting impact on others. As for a lot of people, his answer came through a process of self-discovery.

Vines, a trainer at Kingston’s Sport of Iron gym, was not the most muscular kid during his Onteora High School days, but he had a love for sports. That love drove him to work out so he could improve his game, specifically on the basketball court. Soon enough, his love for fitness overtook his love for sports. “In the beginning, what drove me was how I was viewed externally by others,” said Vines. After being overweight when he was younger and skinny throughout high school he decided it was time for a change. “I fell in love with fitness.”

Once he started to fully commit himself to fitness, during his senior year of high school into his first year at SUNY Ulster he started to see the change within himself. His overall health, body and mind were improving every day. Vines said he realized if he could make himself feel this good by working out, he could do the same for others as well. He had found the way he was going to impact others lives through his own fitness journey. “I learned more and more about how you can actually help people in the fitness space. That is why I decided to get certified as a personal trainer.”

Vines started working at Sport of Iron in Kingston during August 2018. There he does one-on-one personal training, diet coaching and stress management. He also works in groups with those who are more experienced. He designs all of his own training plans to include workouts, which are dependent on the client’s ability. “It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The change of someone’s mindset and how they view themselves makes me the happiest.”

Vines is planning on returning to Sport of Iron this summer once he is done with school at SUNY Albany to pursue physical therapy.