Permission To Speak Freely

What happens when a Navy Sailor turns his passion for fitness into a business while navigating the transition from enlisted Sailor to commissioned officer?
 
This week on Permission to Speak Freely, Damo, Aar on, and Damon welcome Ensign Beniah Williams, founder of True Fitness, for a conversation that goes well beyond the gym. When we originally booked Beniah for the podcast, he was a First Class Petty Officer. By the time we sat down to record, he had earned his commission and was beginning an entirely new chapter in his Navy career. Throughout the conversation, Beniah shares his journey from struggling with his own weight to becoming a fitness instructor, entrepreneur, and Naval Officer. He discusses the challenges of building a business while serving on active duty, his experiences aboard Navy ships, and how his approach to fitness has evolved over the years. The crew also gets into the Navy’s physical readiness culture, whether fitness scores should carry more weight in evaluations, the realities of maintaining fitness while deployed, and the difference between preparing Sailors to pass a test and building a culture of genuine physical readiness. From military leadership and personal accountability to entrepreneurship, nutrition, and the importance of finding a fitness routine that works for you, this episode covers plenty of ground.
 
ABOUT OUR GUEST
 
ENS Beniah Williams | Naval Officer | Founder, True Fitness
 
Ensign Beniah Williams is a United States Navy officer, fitness entrepreneur, and experienced group fitness instructor. Before earning his commission, Beniah served as an enlisted Yeoman, gaining experience across multiple Navy assignments, including sea duty and service at the Pentagon. His passion for fitness began with his own personal transformation. After facing weight challenges early in life, he pursued fitness instruction and eventually earned certifications across more than ten fitness programs and specialties. In 2023, he founded True Fitness, a veteran-owned fitness business focused on making wellness accessible through personalized training, group instruction, and online workouts. Through the True Fitness Workouts platform, Beniah continues to help individuals develop sustainable fitness habits regardless of their experience level, location, or physical starting point. His philosophy is straightforward: fitness isn’t about everyone looking the same. It’s about becoming a healthier version of yourself.
 
CONNECT WITH BENIAH & TRUE FITNESS
 
Official Website: truefitnessdc.com
True Fitness Workouts App: Available for iPhone and Android.
LinkedIn: Beniah Williams
True Fitness LinkedIn: True Fitness | Online Workouts
 
 
 
 
Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptstpodcast@gmail.com
 
 
 
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PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0