Shula's Athletic Club personal trainer, Rickie Ali, was named the overall winner of the annual Inn Key Awards presented by the Greater Miami and Beaches Hotel Association in May in a ceremony held at the Hilton in downtown Miami.
Ali has been a part of the Shula's team for 22 years, totaling 25 years in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, though he was not always interested in pursuing it as a career choice. Ali initially worked in fast food management, though that did not pan out. Following a tragic life event, Ali gravitated toward healthy concepts, and during his third year working at Shula's, he aligned his principles with his occupation.
“I realized what I stood for, what I represented, which is the same vision of Mr. William A. Graham Sr., and his vision for making Miami Lakes into the community that people can raise families, work, play and enjoy life in a safe environment,” said Ali.
In assuming the sole responsibility of his son, Dominic, Ali devoted himself to the idea that whatever negatively affected him, would negatively affect his son. His resolve to become a good father, mentor, and role model went hand in hand with his decision to change his sedentary lifestyle.
“It was that association of family that helped me in terms of whenever anyone walks through Shula's Athletic Club,” said Ali. “I greet everyone like family. You would do just about anything to make your family feel welcome and that's what I try to do. It's not that I'm a great trainer, I'm not bad at what I do, but it's communicating wellness and fitness in such a way that people understand where I'm coming from, and to find what fitness means to them longterm, and what it means to their family.”
Ali often passes several Graham company employees in his walk to work every day, many of whom were also recognized in the Inn Key awards held earlier this year.
“The award was given to me, yes, and I received it for whichever reasons they may be, but that was just an extension of everyone here at Shula's Athletic Club and what we do best,” said Ali. “I could not have achieved this award without the input, help and work we do together as the Graham Company family.”