Derrick Leach didn’t start his journey as the typical fitness trainer. In fact, his story is anything but typical. As someone who grew up immersed in the world of video games, anime, and comics, Derrick was the quintessential “skinny nerd.” The gym was a foreign concept, a place that seemed more intimidating than inviting. While others played sports and reveled in outdoor activities, Derrick found solace in fictional worlds where he could be the hero—strong, confident, and always ready to save the day. But in reality, he was anything but.

Teased for his scrawny frame and told repeatedly to “go eat a sandwich,” Derrick felt disconnected from the world of fitness. His passions lay elsewhere—in the latest RPGs, epic fantasy novels, and the intricate details of anime. The idea of lifting weights or counting macros seemed worlds apart from his life, filled with controllers, keyboards, and cosplay.

It wasn’t until a heartbreak struck that Derrick decided to make a change. The pain of that experience ignited a desire within him to channel his emotions into something constructive. He wanted to transform, not just emotionally but physically. This was the moment he decided to step into the gym, a place that had always felt out of reach. Surprisingly, Derrick found that the gym wasn’t the alien world he’d always imagined. He discovered that he could still enjoy his favorite shows and games while getting stronger and healthier.

As Derrick began to see progress in his own fitness journey, he started wearing shirts emblazoned with his favorite anime characters to the gym. The juxtaposition of his passions and his newfound strength made him feel empowered, and he quickly realized that fitness didn’t have to mean giving up who he was. Instead, it became a way to enhance his identity, combining his love for nerd culture with his goal of becoming physically strong.

Today, Derrick is in better shape than those who once called him weak. He has made it his mission to help others like him—people who feel out of place in traditional fitness environments—realize their potential. This mission led to the creation of Main Character Fitness, a fitness brand that speaks directly to nerds, geeks, and anyone who feels like the gym isn’t meant for them.