Derek Pratt: The Master Trainer

By Jason Bolton January 03, 2024 17:08

Fitness entrepreneur Derek Pratt has come a long way from his initial plan of playing football in the NFL. Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on May 24, 1990, Derek had dreams of becoming a professional football player. He pursued his passion for the sport at the University of Maine, where he played linebacker for the university football team while studying for a B.A in Communications, with a minor in Dance and Theater.

After graduating from college, Derek took an unexpected turn in his career when he was scouted to be a model. Recognizing the opportunity, he embraced the world of modeling and began building his social media presence. Over a period of ten years, Derek worked diligently to grow his following and establish himself as a prominent figure in the fitness industry.

Derek's dedication and hard work paid off when celebrities and athletes started reaching out to him for training, despite him not being a certified athletic trainer at the time. Recognizing the need to enhance his skills and knowledge, Derek decided to become a certified athletic trainer. This decision opened up new doors for him, and his first client was none other than Nicola Formichetti, the head of the House of Gage. This experience led to an incredible opportunity to train the iconic pop star Lady Gaga.

With each new client, Derek's reputation as a trainer grew. He had the privilege of working with numerous celebrities and athletes, but it was his exclusive training with NBA star Andre Drummond that truly shaped his career. Derek's work with Andre took him to various cities, including Detroit, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn. While the experience was invaluable, Derek found the constant moving to be challenging.

When Andre Drummond signed with the Chicago Bulls, Derek made the decision to stop moving around and focus on building his own fitness empire. At the age of 33, he branched off and started DC Fit with his Girlfriend and fellow fitness influencer Cassie Costa, a business centered around online workout programs with a focus on resistance band training and specialized workout programs. To incentivize customers, Derek offered free access to the workout videos with the purchase of his specially designed resistance bands.

To further establish his brand, Derek teamed up with Lifetime Fitness, creating a partnership that allowed him to create a brand under the Lifetime Fitness roof. This collaboration not only provided Derek with a platform to reach a wider audience but also gave him access to valuable resources and support.

Today, DC Fit is Derek's main focus as he continues to grow his training skillset. He is now an ISSA Certified Master Trainer, constantly seeking to expand his knowledge and expertise in the field of fitness. Derek takes great pride in his relationship with his girlfriend, Cassie Costa, both in and outside of business. Their shared passion for fitness and their unwavering support for each other has been a driving force behind their success.

Derek Pratt's journey from aspiring football player to successful fitness entrepreneur is a testament to his determination, adaptability, and commitment to his craft. With DC Fit as his flagship venture, Derek's future looks bright as he continues to inspire and empower individuals to achieve their fitness goals.