Be Better Than Yesterday (BBTY), a fitness and lifestyle brand, will hold its grand opening at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, at the Park Forest Tennis and Health Club located at 290 Westwood Drive.
The business was started by David Kennerson, a resident of Park Forest. Kennerson first developed the idea while attending Southern University, where he played college football. After eligibility issues ended his football career and prevented an NFL future, Kennerson shifted his focus to motivational content online.
“I never failed at my dreams,” Kennerson said. “I just needed to transfer my passion. If I put the same energy into Be Better Than Yesterday as I did with football, the reward would be far greater than the regret.”
BBTY now offers services including personal training, mentoring, motivational speaking, real estate services, and a clothing line for both men and women. The company’s approach emphasizes growth in mental, physical, and community wellness. Its mission is to help individuals “discover and cultivate their best selves from the inside out.”
The BBTY logo features a silhouette of Kennerson running during his NFL pro day tryout. This symbol is meant to represent perseverance and viewing failure as a turning point rather than an endpoint.
Kennerson’s move to open a location in Park Forest began after visiting the Tennis and Health Club and suggesting that he offer personal training there. Currently, BBTY operates during club hours with another trainer, William Franklin. Appointments are available by phone.
Kennerson emphasized that BBTY aims for community engagement as part of its business model: “Being better than yesterday isn’t just for athletes or people who work out. It’s universal. No matter your profession, you can always find a way to improve and inspire those around you,” he said.
Additional information about BBTY can be found on the company’s website.
The Village of Park Forest employs a council-manager government structure with a mayor and six trustees overseeing municipal operations (official website). The village has outlined strategic objectives that include supporting economic growth and fostering community health through various programs (official website). Initiatives such as dedicated commissions promote engagement in local health initiatives (official website).
