Tonal Coach Ackeem Emmons Shares His Ideal Workout Week, Tips for Recovery & Favorite Products

The pro says “Fitness changed the trajectory of my life” after a bad accident
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Next up on ATN’s Q+A influencer series is Tonal Coach Ackeem Emmons. Emmons, whose specialties include HIIT, strength, and conditioning training, says Tonal is the one piece of equipment he can’t live without. “When the gym is too far, or I’ve had a really busy day, or simply want to use my time efficiently, it can’t be beat,” he shared.
The pro, who was in a bad accident years ago, shares that “fitness changed the trajectory of my life.” After getting hit by a car then subsequently losing his job, apartment, and ability to run he was at a fork in the road. “I could wallow, and pity myself, or I could get back up, and rebuild,” he says. It was then he decided to get into the fitness industry and “with this new attitude, my world changed.”
It’s with this same firefly passion that he pushes his clients to be their best. “I want my clients/Tonal members to know that they are stronger than they think they are…so when we’re in a session, and they’ve convinced themselves that they cannot do anymore, I push them across that finish line!”
Keep reading for Coach Akeem’s go-to protein sources, his perfect weekly workout and what he does to recover.
What does a typical weekly workout schedule look like for you?
My favorite style of training is athletic conditioning. I’m very competitive, so being strong, and agile are huge components for me. My weekly schedule looks like this:
- Day one: Pushups, chest, triceps, core, and steady-state cardio
- Day two: Pullups, back, biceps, core, and steady-state cardio
- Day three: Legs, core, and mobility
- Day 4: Arms, abs, and sprints
- Day 5: Play! Pickleball, track work, or anything active/competitive
- Day 6 & 7: Rest day
What’s always in your gym bag?
I love my black Steele Canvas bag, it’s been my gym bag for the past year. It’s great in any weather, and I never have to negotiate what I’m going to put in there. It’s big, it keeps its form and it doesn’t look like a gym bag. I always have a scoop of preworkout handy, in case I need a boost. Also, my Ringo water bottle, which is great for hot and cold beverages. Also a cologne (because smelling bad is rude).
What’s your preferred workout wear?
99.9% of the time I like a tank top. I sweat a lot so the less fabric, the better. And the ASRV 5” liner shorts are phenomenal. I have huge quads, so it’s hard to find a pair of shorts that fit comfortably.
Do you have any products you like to use pre or post-workout?
This is my list: Youth to the People Kale & Super Food Face Cleanser, Kiehl’s daily face moisturizer, COSRX Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.
What items are currently on your wishlist?
The Therabody Jet Boots Pro Plus Recovery Boots. I need these in my life because they offer wireless compression therapy, and from what I’ve seen, also have red light therapy.
What are your favorite ways to get protein?
Tinned sardines are safe and easy to travel with. That and I eat salmon the way many enjoy chicken.
Do you have a go-to breakfast?
During the week, if I have time, I’ll do six eggs over easy with sautéed kale, tomatoes, and avocado. If I don’t have time I’ll have two cans of sardines. On the weekends I’ll make sour cream pancakes (don’t knock it unless you try it).
Training can be hard on the body. What methods do you use to recover?
Rest is something I legitimately have to practice. Like I said, I’m super competitive so I will run myself into the ground just to win, but rest is the key to success! I sauna an hour a week (10 mins a day), do the steam room every other day, and go to sleep to 432 hz (meditation sounds) every night.