Don-A-Matrix On Working With The Kardashians, BODYARMOR & Fitness Success
An in-demand personal trainer, Don-A-Matrix has trained a lot of notable celebrities — including Josh Duhamel, Fergie, Will.I.Am and members of the Kardashian family — and professional athletes. The man known as Don Brooks spoke with me on behalf of The Hype about how he wound up becoming a trainer-to-the-stars, his work with the BODYARMOR Sports Drink brand, and things someone looking to get into better shape ought to keep in mind when making lifestyle changes.
More on Don-A-Matrix can be found by following him on Instagram via @donamatrixtraining.
When it comes to successfully training someone to get into better shape, for you, how much of it is diet versus exercise?
Don-A-Matrix: The relationship between diet and exercise is a delicate balance. When I work with someone, it’s important to see their dedication to both their diet and exercise, because both are crucial to improving one’s body. You can have a great workout routine, but if you’re eating the wrong foods, you can’t expect your body to react positively.
Where did the idea of becoming a trainer come from? Were you always serious about fitness?
Don-A-Matrix: I’ve always had a passion for fitness and a drive to stay healthy and in shape. Before I became a certified trainer, I was someone who loved working out and the accomplished feeling that comes afterward. When I moved out to San Diego years ago, I knew I wanted to be a trainer but I couldn’t have imagined where it would take me. It’s been a blessing to do what I love everyday with great clients.
How often do you personally work out? Does any of your exercise come from your training clients?
Don-A-Matrix: I’ll normally workout once-a-day on my own in the early morning — for about an hour — and then I’ll actually be working out with my clients during their sessions. So, realistically, I end up working out at least 2 to 3 times per day, especially if I’m going from one client to another. And every workout will normally last from 45 minutes to a full hour.
People have called you “the Kardashians’ trainer” in press coverage. How do you feel about that?
Don-A-Matrix: I think it’s great. Obviously, the Kardashians have an enormous brand so it’s pretty cool — and helpful for my brand — to be connected with them in that specific space. They’re very easy to work with and have a great attitude at the gym, so it’s a pleasure getting to work with them frequently.
How did the Kardashians first find you?
Don-A-Matrix: I had actually been working out with more entertainers and actors, as compared to athletes, when I first met the Kardashians. At that point, I had been training with Josh Duhamel, Fergie, Will.I.Am, and a few others. They heard my name through mutual connections and were looking for a new trainer to work with at that time.
I have also read that BODYARMOR is your preferred sports drink. What separates BODYARMOR from other sports drinks for you?
Don-A-Matrix: Unlike other sports drinks out there, BODYARMOR contains natural flavors and sweeteners, potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water, vitamins and nothing artificial. I’m always working out and on-the-go so it’s important that I stay hydrated and fueled throughout the day, and BODYARMOR is perfect for that. BODYARMOR has a LYTE Sports Drink too, which has all the same natural ingredients but has only 20 calories and 3 grams of sugar per serving.
When it comes to dieting, what is your take on cheat days?
Don-A-Matrix: Instead of looking for a full “cheat day,” try to have a cheat meal. That way you’re not sacrificing a full days’ worth of meals that would otherwise be fuel for your body.
When not busy with training, how do you like to spend your free time?
Don-A-Matrix: As I said, I end up working out at least two to three times per day, which doesn’t leave much room for free time. But when I do get those free moments, I love to kick back and relax at home, listen to music, and even cook.
Finally, Don, any last words for the kids?
Don-A-Matrix: Get your mind right and your body ready. There are going to be times when you want to relax, not workout, give-up, whatever it might be — but don’t. It’s important to keep going and workout even when you don’t want to. We all feel that way, it’s just a matter of getting up, motivating yourself and getting through it because you know that you’ll feel better and more accomplished afterwards.
About the Author
Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal.Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
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