We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christopher Oliver. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christopher below.
Christopher, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?
The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career was open a Fitness Facility that combine Mental Health Practices to give our clients/ customers the opportunity to have access to outpatient mental health services. We combined traditional physical health with mental health to give a full experience of change targeting the mind body and soul. Every Client customer has a therapist, an exclusive 12 month treatment plan, and support team to help combat mental health disparities.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Christopher Oliver, also known as Jolly B the Trainer, is a highly respected figure in the fitness and mental health industry in Baltimore, Maryland. My journey began as a college and professional athlete, where I honed his skills and expertise to help individuals achieve their fitness goals. However, his passion for promoting overall well-being led him to expand his focus to mental health.
I became a Certified Life Coach and Counselor, specializing in assisting individuals in overcoming depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, ADD, ADHD, PTSD, and substance abuse. Having experienced his own mental health crisis and successfully overcoming it, he felt compelled to help others do the same.
In November 2019, I opened Innergy Transformation Studio, a 12-month program that utilizes fitness as a tool to address mental health challenges. The program takes a holistic approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the mind and body. It is evidence-based and incorporates various elements such as social skills development, character development, nutritional education, bad habit reduction, and cognitive behavior skills.
The structure of the program includes an intake process, focus on positive character traits, nutrition guidance, reduction of unhealthy habits, commitment boards, and group chats. Each month, there is a specific focus on a character trait, fitness assignment, food task, book assignment, and commitment task. Additionally, community activities like therapeutic hiking sessions and clean-up activities are included to foster a supportive and engaging environment.
Innergy Transformation Studio also caters to individuals dealing with substance abuse issues, providing them with an outlet and a supportive community to aid in their journey towards sobriety.
My dedication to improving the lives of others through physical and mental wellness has earned him the title of Baltimore’s favorite trainer. I am highly regarded for my commitment to making a positive difference in the community. The impact extends beyond the studio, as he is also an author, having written the book “Post Workout: Understanding Life through the Power of Self-Reflection.”
Potential clients, followers, and fans should know that my expertise and experience make me an exceptional resource in the field of fitness and mental health. The program, Innergy Transformation Studio, offers a unique and comprehensive approach to holistic health and fitness, addressing both physical and mental well-being. His dedication, community involvement, and commitment to helping others are what set me apart in the industry.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
After the unfortunate closure of my first gym due to the impact of Covid, I was feeling disheartened and uncertain about my next steps. But I didn’t let that setback discourage me. Determined to continue pursuing my passion for fitness and helping others, I made the decision to reopen the gym, hoping for a fresh start.
One day, as I was preparing the gym for its reopening, a man named Kendrick Lowery walked in. He had a friendly smile and an air of confidence about him. He asked if we could have a conversation about a change he could bring to the gym. Initially, I was hesitant and reluctant to entertain the idea. After all, I had experienced some disappointments in the past with business partnerships.
However, something about Kendrick’s presence and his excellent track record for good character caught my attention. I realized that this could be an opportunity for growth and positive change. Curiosity got the better of me, and I agreed to sit down with Kendrick and hear him out.
As we began our conversation, I quickly realized that Kendrick had a vision and a plan to take the gym to new heights. He had a wealth of experience in the industry and a knack for identifying areas of improvement. I was impressed by his knowledge and his genuine desire to make a positive impact.
After careful consideration, I decided to give Kendrick’s ideas a chance. We started implementing his suggested changes, and to my delight, they were met with great enthusiasm from our members. The gym began to thrive once again, and I knew that partnering with Kendrick was the right decision.
Through trial and error with previous business partners, I had learned valuable lessons about trust, compatibility, and shared goals. But with Kendrick, I had finally found the perfect person to help me scale and grow. Our shared vision, dedication, and complementary skills proved to be a winning combination.
Now, as we prepare to open our second gym location, I couldn’t be more grateful for the chance encounter that brought Kendrick into my life. Together, we are confident that we can make a lasting impact in the fitness industry and continue to inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
In a world where physical fitness was often touted as the key to social growth and popularity, I found myself taking a different path. While I had a deep passion for fitness and had initially started my journey as a personal trainer, I soon realized that my true gift lay in the power of words and speaking.
As I interacted with clients and spent time guiding them through their fitness journeys, I noticed that people were drawn not only to the physical training aspect but also to the motivational and life coaching conversations we had along the way. They sought my guidance not just for workouts, but for inspiration and guidance in various aspects of their lives.
It was a turning point for me when I recognized the impact I could have through my words and the ability to motivate and empower others. I decided to shift my focus and use my gift of speaking to help people on a deeper level. I started sharing daily motivation talks, posting uplifting messages, and offering life coaching sessions alongside my fitness training services.
To my surprise, the response was overwhelming. People resonated with the messages of positivity, personal growth, and empowerment that I shared. They began to see me not just as a personal trainer but as a mentor and guide in their journey towards a better life overall.
As I continued to invest my time and energy into delivering impactful speeches and providing life coaching sessions, my social circle expanded beyond fitness enthusiasts. People from all walks of life started seeking my guidance, whether they were struggling with career decisions, relationships, or simply needed a boost of motivation.
I realized that my purpose extended beyond physical fitness. I had the ability to touch lives and inspire change in a broader sense. It was a humbling and fulfilling experience to witness the transformation and growth in the individuals I worked with.
So, I shifted my focus from posting workout routines to sharing daily motivation talks and insights to help people navigate the challenges of life. The response was overwhelming, and I became known not just as a personal trainer but as a source of motivation and guidance.
Through my gift of speaking, I managed to grow my social circle and impact the lives of many. People began to see me as more than just a fitness trainer; they turned to me for motivation, inspiration, and life coaching. It was a testament to the power of words and the profound impact they can have on individuals.
As I continue on this path, I am grateful for the opportunity to use my gift to uplift others and help them realize their full potential. The journey may have taken an unexpected turn, but it has allowed me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.innergy.fitness/
- Instagram: @jollyb_the_trainer
- Facebook: Christopher Oliver
- Youtube: Jollyb the Trainer