Kenta Seki has spent years shaping the way people move, train, and show up for themselves, but his journey has evolved far beyond reps and routines. What started as a pursuit of followers and fitness deals has grown into a mission to create real impact, inspire balance, and redefine what it means to live well. Here, he shares the principles that guide him, the lessons learned along the way, and why intention matters just as much outside the gym as it does in it.

In your journey as a fitness influencer, how have your intentions shifted over time — e.g. what you aimed to achieve when you started vs. what you aim to achieve now?

Honestly, when I first started, my goals were pretty surface-level. I wanted the sponsors, the followers, the likes… all the shiny stuff. 

Thankfully over time, that shifted. Now I care way more about creating a genuine, positive impact in people’s lives. It feels so much better to focus on purpose and meaning rather than just numbers on a screen.

What are some guiding principles or mantras you live by?

If I were to narrow it down to 3 principles, they’d be:

•  Karma is real.  I’m a big believer that what I put out into the world will eventually circle back, so I try to treat people the way I’d want to be treated.
•  Progress over perfection. Things won’t always be “perfect” and that’s okay! Just focus on doing better each day. 
•  Enjoy the Journey. Life’s basically a road trip - you’ll miss all the good views if you’re only staring at the GPS. So I try to slow down, laugh at the inevitable detours, and enjoy the ride.

What’s the first thing people get wrong when they assume “fitness trainer” is your whole identity?

I love being a fitness trainer, both in person and online, but that’s definitely not my whole identity.

These days there’s so much crossover in the digital space that I get to collaborate with brands in all kinds of fun ways - from apparel and nutrition to tech, beauty, travel and more.

Health and wellness is bigger than just workouts, and I think it’s important not to box yourself in. After all, people are multi-dimensional - I can cue a squat, but I can also geek out over skincare or pack a mean carry-on bag.

Fitness culture can sometimes focus on aesthetics. How do you personally reconcile the “look good” narrative with the deeper “live well” philosophy you embody?

I think it’s totally okay to want to look good - that can be a great motivator! But I’ve found that when you focus on living well and building healthy, sustainable habits, the ‘looking good’ part usually shows up as a bonus.

The key is not letting aesthetics be the only motivation. When you have multiple goals that support a balanced, healthy lifestyle, you feel good, live well - and yes, usually end up looking good too.

You’ve collaborated with some of the biggest names and platforms in fitness. What’s your advice for choosing partnerships that align with your values?

Most of the partnerships I’ve had have happened pretty naturally - either the brand reached out to me or we were connected in some organic way. 

I think it’s a mix of putting yourself out there and a little law of attraction magic (do the work, stay consistent, and the right people tend to find you).

You also have to be very intentional about who you work with, and many times that will mean saying no to certain partnerships. Never sacrifice your values for a paycheck - choose wisely and always play the long game.

How do you intend for your work (videos, programs, social media) to impact someone who is just beginning their fitness journey and perhaps feels intimidated?

I know starting a fitness journey can feel a little intimidating, that’s why I try to create workouts that give beginners a safe, welcoming place to start.

I always offer modifications and progressions so people can choose what feels right for them. My goal is to make workouts feel effective, inclusive, and always a little fun - because if you enjoy it, you’re way more likely to stick with it!

When your energy is low, do you push through with a workout or give yourself a pass?

It depends on the day! It’s important to listen to your body & mind, and do what you think you need on that specific day… so sometimes I’ll give myself a pass or just do something lighter.

That said, most of the time I try to push through and do something because the majority of the time I feel way better afterward. As the saying goes: you never regret a workout!

Do you have a go-to playlist or song that instantly changes your mood?

Absolutely! I have a ‘Feel Good’ playlist that never fails me. It’s packed with upbeat EDM, pop, and hip hop - basically songs that make you want to move, even if it’s just dancing in the kitchen. Think Loud Luxury, Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar… it’s a little mix of everything, but it always flips my mood.

Outside of fitness, what’s something you’re really intentional about protecting in your life (friendships, travel, downtime, etc.)?

The older I get, the more I realize how important genuine human connection is - whether it’s with your partner, friends, or family. 

Relationships don’t just maintain themselves, so I try to be intentional about putting in the effort. It’s one of the best things you can do for your health and happiness.

What’s your best advice for staying consistent when motivation fades?

Motivation comes and goes, and isn’t always reliable. That’s why I focus on having discipline and building consistent habits. If you set up routines and little mental tricks to keep you on track, you don’t have to rely on feeling ‘inspired’ every single day.

Finish this sentence: For me, living with intention is less about perfection and more about…

Making progress, connections, and actually enjoying the ride — not just racing to the finish line.

Keep up with Kenta and see what he’s building next on Instagram.