Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography Courtesy of Foundation Fitness
As someone who is passionate about health and fitness, CJ Wesby is the perfect front man for Foundation Fitness of Del Ray. Since launching the business in January of 2014, Wesby personally gets to know his members and makes sure they are paired with the best trainer for their needs, conducting every new client intake himself.
A former personal trainer, Wesby wanted to do more—and that opportunity came through Foundation Fitness. “The company is made up of partners who all started out as trainers, so we understand what our clients need and want,” he says. “As an owner, I can help many more people than I could on my own, and I can help all my trainers be their best for their clients.”
“It’s important to acknowledge the past achievements of the African-Americans in history... Our culture is a celebration!” - CJ Wesby
Passionate as he is about fitness, Wesby is also dedicated to giving back to the community, serving as a board member of the Del Ray Business Association as well as the Boys & Girls Club in Old Town. “I understand what a lot of these kids are going through, and I want to help them have better opportunities than I did at their age,” he says.
Wesby recently raised $25,580 for the Boys & Girls Club through a crowd-funding campaign.
“I wanted to do something to help the kids directly,” he says. “I decided to start the fund and name it in honor of my mom, Helen Wesby. In addition to the money raised, we also did a coat and clothing drive. 2022 was our third year supporting all the kids in the program.”
As someone who is proud of his culture, Wesby is a great supporter of Black History Month. “It’s important to acknowledge the past achievements of the African-Americans in history,” he says. “It’s equally important to give the next generations goals to achieve by showing them that people who look like them have accomplished great things. Our culture is a celebration!”