She’s gold! Dixon fitness trainer goes global

DIXON – Tameka Deatherage is taking fitness to a whole new level after 15 years as a personal trainer in the Sauk Valley.

Deatherage recently joined My Training Partners, a global fitness brand based in Columbus, Ohio, and Fort Mill, South Carolina. My Training Partners strives to provide women with a one-stop shop for positive mindset, peace, and an empowered, healthy, and fit life.

Co-founders Ryan Andreas and his mom, Natalie Betsko, created the business, which uses trainers who connect remotely with clients as they help them reach fitness and mindset goals.

“Tameka is a golden needle in the haystack of personal trainers,” Betsko said. “She is dedicated to each of her clients and gives them incredible individual attention. She treats every person as though they are her only client. That is a unique talent.”

Andreas echoed his mom’s sentiments.

“Individual accountability as part of a community of like-minded women helps everyone move toward success because the exercise piece will never work if the mental portion isn’t addressed,” Andreas said. “Tameka is the biggest cheerleader for her clients in that respect.”

Deatherage said their fitness philosophies align, and it’s a privilege to work and collaborate with co-workers with like-minded goals.

“My job is always to be knowledgeable, motivating, compassionate and encouraging,” she said. “I want my clients to know they are important, worthy, and stronger than they think they are. It’s exciting that with MTP I have the opportunity to work with people across the country and abroad.”

Detherage is originally from Sterling and moved to Dixon in 2008.

As a fitness trainer, Deatherage has for years promoted health and fitness throughout the area for those young to old. She coached track and field at Newman Central Catholic High School and Challand Middle School in Sterling and was previously an activities director at a nursing home.

Deatherage founded TC Fitness815 in 2013 and launched a fitness apparel line in 2017. She was honored by the Dixon City Council last year as a recipient of the Ike Mercer Memorial Award as a part of celebrating Black History Month.

“It is my responsibility to be someone that clients look to for guidance to teach them how to improve their physical health,” Deatherage said. “I’m there to support them through doubts and fears. While I have largely taught people to strengthen and condition themselves, I’ve always had an interest in the person.”

Betsko said there are so many training and nutrition resources online, it can be difficult for women to identify the right step-by-step approach. Deatherage’s personality is a good fit.

“MTP leads with straight talk on exactly what each individual needs to know to reach her objectives, remove limiting beliefs and negativity about who she is as a person,” she said. “Meka addresses that beautifully and with genuine care.”

“We teach every client to ‘reclaim your body, your mind, and your life to focus on the things that truly matter,’” Betsko said.