Meet A.R. Swanson | Fitness Coach, Group Fitness Instructor, Artist, Producer, Motivator

We had the good fortune of connecting with A.R. Swanson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi A.R., where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m a proud Brooklyn born native! Growing up in NYC will definitely shape and mold you into being ready, staying adaptive and having tough skin.

Through it all, I credit my parents for helping to shape the man I am today. I was raised to respect myself first before expecting others to give me that same respect. Everything you desire and allow starts with “YOU”.

My mother’s generosity towards others has help me do the same towards those who I am in a position to help.

My father’s discipline and dedication taught me that anything can be accomplished if you truly give it your all and do your best.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since I was a kid, I always told myself, “Anything I do in life must be rooted in the passion I love, Music and Fitness”.

Growing up as a teen who struggled with obesity was one of the most challenging obstacles I have ever faced. When you weigh 326lbs you’re unaware of the health complications and risk that you’re putting on yourself. You’re also unaware of how much more you can become and better you can feel if you truly gave it your all.

After being scold by my Father with harsh loving truth, I realized that I needed to become the best me. Fitness became an outlet for me to transform not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. Losing close to 100lbs and maintaining in the process.

During this time, I also skilled in on crafting and sharping my skills as an independent Hip-Hop Artist & Producer. This new found confidence allowed me to spend 10+ years in the music industry touring the world as a performer, meeting and working with many respective Artist, Producers, and legendary talent who helped to shift the culture.

Fast forward to now, I have spent 7+ years into the fitness industry in which I professionally help people reach goals on all sorts of levels. I instill into my clients to embrace the journey.

“Yesterday is just a memory in which we can learn from. Tomorrow is just a wish in which we can prepare for. Today…the Present moment is the only time we can truly control. Take action and truly become the best version of YOU”.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ahh man! Where to start?

The Capricorn in me would certainly draft up an itinerary for the week. To sum it up we would definitely be grabbing a lot of food. I’m a fan of Hot wings, so “Wing Wagon” in Prospect Heights Brooklyn would be a staple.

I think to inbody the true NYC experience the monumental locations like the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Sq, Bedstuy and other spots would be a must.

Sailing a ferry along the Hudson would help capture NYC’s essence during the evening as well.

Anyone who visit’s me certainly has to workout at least once while their here. We would train at one of a few of my favorite spots in the city. Bodyspace Fitness, Chelsea Piers, or Byklyn Studios.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Where to start? Theres so many people in my lifetime that has been a major impact on my life! From family, friends, mentors. teachers, authors, etc.

Each and everyone one of them throughout my lifetime has been a big staple of inspiration. Each serving their own chapter and I am grateful to have met or be inspired by such individuals.

Instagram: AR.Swanson

Twitter: ARSwanson_

Other: TikTok – @AR.Swanson