“Son, why are you breathing so hard?”
He was walking up the stairs, and turned to his father, “What do you mean?”
He hadn’t noticed. He couldn’t hear his gasp for an inhale and his wheeze for an exhale.
And it hit him – He didn’t want to struggle walking up the stairs. He didn’t want every day tasks to turn into every day challenges. He was determined to avoid inheriting the cancer or diabetes risk prevalent in his family.
His father’s comment changed his life, and Daavon dove into his fitness journey. Prioritizing nutrition as the cornerstone of his journey, he shed 100 pounds in a year. Following this success, he reconnected with a close friend who motivated him to start a fitness regimen. Through this friend, he was introduced to a bodybuilder.
Amidst many competitions and a disciplined schedule, he eventually earned his professional bodybuilder title. Now, he owns his gym, “Body by Daavon,” where he trains people’s bodies, minds, and glutes. He’s also a part of the ShelbyCares program and hosts free workout classes four times a week.
His journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of determination and perseverance.
“We have to do what we have to do to make ourselves better for our family and for our loved ones,” Daavon said.
Daavon builds a custom workout and nutrition plan for each client and prioritizes boosting the athletes’ mentality because he learned that was the most difficult part.
But it was the most important part. The body building competition Daavon competed in before he went pro didn’t go as planned. His dad passed away prior, and he got a call. They told him how proud his dad would be if he could see Daavon.
“I got emotional,” he said. “My body softened up, got on stage, and lost.”
His father held a deeply significant place in his heart, serving as the inspiration behind his fitness journey, but the loss didn’t stop him. Because of his mental strength, the next time he got on stage, he earned his professional bodybuilder title.
Daavon leads by example, embodying the dedication and discipline he instills in his athletes. Since he started coaching, he’s molded 12 of his athletes into professional bodybuilders, inspiring them to reach their full potential and achieve their fitness goals.
“I give God praise for that,” he said. “I don’t take it for granted.”
