March 16, 2022

Unlock Your Greatness: 5 Insights from Aarmy Co-founder Akin Akman

“I use movement to unlock people’s greatness…in the body and mind,” says Akin Akman. Growing up, Akin dreamed of becoming one of the world’s best tennis players. And he trained hard for it. But after a series of injuries and some setbacks, he ultimately set his dream aside to find new ways to channel his competitive spirit.

“I’m not someone who’s afraid to fail,” says Akin. “I feel lucky to be able to do what I do.”

As the co-founder of Aarmy, a New York City-based gym offering unique cycling and bootcamp sessions, Akin has built a following of everyday and celebrity clients who flock to his classes not only to train their bodies, but to transform their minds.

Akin especially has amassed a dedicated group of what he calls his “soldiers.” Known for dishing out powerful affirmations, he’s created a reputation for helping others overcome physical setbacks and break through their mental limitations.

Le Mec had the pleasure of sitting down with Akin to learn how we can all discover a little more greatness within ourselves. What he revealed is that success is not about an ultimate end-goal, but finding ways to win every single day.

Focus On Starting
Everything starts bit by bit. No one is meant to know it all or have it all. Through experience, you’ll build greatness.

Embrace Change
If there’s one thing that you can count on, it’s that your circumstances will always change. It’s the one constant. Learn to embrace this.

Write Down Affirmations
Repeating positive affirmations can be a powerful way to motivate yourself. Write down, “I am…” statements in the present tense. Even if you are not there yet, you will be.

Be Prepared When Opportunity Shows Itself
It is not by luck that you are who you are. It took a lot of practice to get where you are today, and that is unique to you. When opportunities arise, take them.

Redefine What It Means to “Win”
It’s usually big moments that we tie to winning, but winning is focusing on what’s important now. You might not see small goals as winning, but you can create a habit out of small wins, which inevitably lead to much bigger ones. Redefine what you see as winning and you can start to win in multiple ways every day.

Believe In Your Infinite Self
Choose to believe in your ability to be infinite and you will be.