Today we’d like to introduce you to Torez Black EL.

Hi Torez, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
While I was incarcerated, losing my grandfather hit me harder than I could ever have imagined. He was a monumental figure in my life—a man who was always there for me, attending every event and driving hours just to visit me in prison. I loved him deeply, and now, reflecting on his absence, it feels as though I’ve lost a father. For weeks, I found myself lost in thought, grappling with my grief. Today, I finally recognize how profoundly his passing still affects me.

In my quest to honor his memory, I turned to fitness as my form of mental therapy. With my background in football and a vivid imagination, I realized that engaging in fitness was the best way to pay homage to him. At that time, my physique was far from appealing, and I held high standards for my partners. I never wanted to be a hypocrite, so I committed myself to deepening my fitness journey.

Training, as I call it, became my sanctuary. Over the 18 and a half years I spent incarcerated, it helped me cope with anxiety and depression, especially during the last four years. Even now, it remains a crucial part of my life. I firmly believe that my “Audio”—the words I speak—must match my “Video”—the character I display. As a coach and teacher, I instill the D.O.P.E. MENTALITY in others, reminding them that “Determination Overthrows Poor Excuses.” This is how my mind operates daily.

Once a DOPEBOY who was caught up in selling narcotics, I’ve transformed my life into one that advocates for mental health and fitness. Three years ago, I earned recognition as a trainer at both LA Fitness and Crunch Fitness. The journey to becoming a gym owner has been a roller coaster ride over the past year, filled with ups and downs. Yet, I am grateful for every moment and have no regrets about betting on myself and walking in my faith.

This path has not only been about physical transformation; it’s about empowering others to believe in themselves and their potential. Each day, I strive to be a living testament to the idea that change is possible, and I hope to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of growth and healing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve certainly experienced God’s mercy throughout my life’s journey. However, the path hasn’t been easy, especially from my childhood. During those years, I took risks that I believed were necessary, which ultimately led me to prison at a young age for selling drugs. I ended up serving two terms, totaling 18 and a half years of my life. While incarcerated, I made a vow to myself to change my mindset. Influenced by some respected and honorable men, I committed to transforming my thinking.

I started with the mindset I had back then, which was rooted in a “DOPEBOY” mentality. I became an alchemist of sorts, determined to save myself from a different reality in the future. I created an acronym and a mantra from the term “DOPEBOY”: Determination, Overthrows, Poor, Excuses. While vowing to change my mindset was one thing, the real challenge lay in passing every test and enduring the physical pain, anxiety, and depression that came my way.

Even today, I align myself with the D.O.P.E.BOY mentality that I embedded in my psyche more than a decade ago. It equips me with the grit to face and overcome daily obstacles, as I walk in my faith.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a passionate fitness coach, who’s now a first time business owner, that now owns a gym.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Mind is the Master
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