We recently connected with Jason Brazier and have shared our conversation below.
Jason, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?
Keep Showing Up! “I have been working with Coach Jason for a couple of years now. My first time working out with a class, I sat in the car after and cried. I was the oldest, the heaviest and the most out of shape in the class. Everyone welcomed me and made me feel comfortable. Jason called me the next morning, and encouraged me to come back. He watched me, adjusted my exercises and said “we got this” and I believed him. So I kept showing up. I haven’t reached my goal- in fact, I have a way to go. But, I can tell you that 2 years later, I can complete 3 rounds of exercises in 30 minutes. – and I keep showing up. I’m working on showing a before and after picture in the “Posts of Champions” It’s coming! But I can tell you I feel soooo much better, my outlook on life and creating a healthy lifestyle is one thousand per cent better. I’m in my mid-sixties, and you could not have convinced me that I could do what I’m doing now with Jason Brazier 5 years ago. My best friend Deborah told me about Jason, and I just keep showing up. And better health is happening for me because I do. I sincerely thank God for Jason.” M Meredith
Marcia’s story is one of remarkable strength and resilience. In the face of adversity, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to showing up, no matter the circumstances. When the world was hit by a pandemic, and the weight of loss and grief weighed heavily on her shoulders, Marcia refused to be defeated. She faced the unimaginable tragedy of losing family members but found the courage to keep moving forward.
Even when life threw her a curveball in the form of a stroke, Marcia’s determination remained unshaken. Despite the challenges posed by her health, she never allowed it to define her. Instead, she used it as fuel to ignite her spirit and propel her towards recovery.
Throughout her journey, Marcia’s resilience has been an inspiration to all who know her. Her commitment to consistently showing up, whether it was in training or in life, is a testament to her unwavering spirit. She has proven that setbacks are merely opportunities for comebacks, and her story is a shining example of the power of perseverance.
Marcia’s story serves as a reminder that no matter what obstacles we face, we have the strength within us to overcome them. Her courageous and inspiring journey is a testament to the human spirit’s indomitable nature and the incredible things we can achieve when we refuse to give up.
Jason, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As a dedicated fitness professional, my mission goes beyond just helping clients lose weight; it’s about transforming lives and empowering individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle. The journey I embarked on in the park, offering free training sessions, was fueled by a vision to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and motivated to strive for their best selves.
I strongly believe that fitness is not just an individual journey but a communal experience. By fostering strong connections among participants in group classes, I cultivate an atmosphere of support, encouragement, and camaraderie. This sense of belonging is vital, especially for my clients who often juggle the demands of busy careers and family life. Together, we celebrate milestones, encourage one another, and create lasting friendships that extend beyond our training sessions.
Recognizing that each individual has unique needs and goals, I tailor my training programs to fit the diverse backgrounds and fitness levels of my clients. My focus is on creating a personalized experience that respects their preferences and challenges. Whether someone is just beginning their fitness journey or looking to maintain an active lifestyle, I ensure that my strategies are effective and adaptable.
One of the aspects I cherish most about my work is the opportunity to engage with a wide range of ages and fitness levels. My clients, aged from 14 to 75 years young, remind me daily that it’s never too late to prioritize health and well-being. I’ve had the privilege of training individuals in their later years, demonstrating that with the right guidance and support, anyone can achieve their fitness goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their progress and growth.
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. That’s why I’ve developed a fitness app that allows my clients to engage with their workouts from home at their own pace. This flexibility ensures that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always an opportunity to prioritize health. Additionally, my virtual training sessions provide a personalized experience that mirrors the in-person training dynamic, ensuring that everyone receives the motivation and support they need.
Ultimately, my goal is to instill a sense of empowerment in my clients, encouraging them to take charge of their health and well-being. I’m passionate about educating them on the importance of movement and proper nutrition, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.
I truly believe that every person has the potential to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life, and I’m here to support them every step of the way. Together, we can achieve remarkable results and build a vibrant community focused on wellness and strength.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the spring of 2020, the world as we knew it changed dramatically. The COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, forcing businesses to close their doors and people to retreat into their homes. As a fitness professional with a thriving brick-and-mortar gym, I found myself facing an unprecedented challenge. This is the story of how I navigated those uncertain times, pivoted my business, and ultimately found a new path forward.
When the lockdowns began in March 2020, like many others, I was caught off guard. The sudden closure of my gym left me feeling lost and unsure of what the future held. For two months, I struggled with the uncertainty, wondering how long this situation would last and what it meant for my business and my clients.
As the weeks turned into months, I realized that I couldn’t simply wait for things to return to normal. My clients needed me, and I needed to find a way to continue serving them. In June, after much contemplation, I decided to reach out to my email list with a simple question: Would anyone be interested in virtual training sessions via Zoom?
The response was overwhelming and heartening. To my surprise and delight, many of my clients expressed enthusiasm for the idea. They, too, were looking for ways to stay active and maintain their fitness routines while stuck at home. This positive feedback gave me the boost I needed to take action.
With renewed energy and purpose, I quickly set up a schedule of virtual classes. I offered three sessions daily – at 6 AM for the early birds, 12 PM for those looking for a midday break, and 3 PM for the afternoon crowd. This variety allowed me to cater to different schedules and time zones, ensuring that as many clients as possible could participate.
As I began conducting these virtual sessions, I discovered a new sense of purpose. Instead of simply leading workouts, I found myself becoming a source of support and motivation for individuals struggling with the challenges of lockdown life. Many of my clients were grappling with increased stress, anxiety, and the temptation to overeat or become sedentary. Through our virtual sessions, I was able to help them stay active, maintain a routine, and focus on their health during a time when it was more important than ever.
The transition to online training wasn’t without its challenges. I had to quickly familiarize myself with video conferencing technology, learn how to demonstrate exercises effectively through a camera, and adapt my training methods to accommodate limited space and equipment. But with each passing day, I grew more comfortable with this new format, and my clients’ positive feedback fueled my determination to make it work.
As the months wore on and the pandemic showed no signs of abating, I realized that this shift to virtual training might be more than just a temporary solution. Curious about my clients’ thoughts on the matter, I sent out another email survey, asking if they would be willing to return to in-person training once restrictions lifted.
The results were eye-opening. The majority of my clients indicated that they weren’t comfortable returning to a gym setting for at least six months. This response was a pivotal moment for me. It became clear that the future of my business lay in the virtual realm, at least for the foreseeable future.
With this realization, I made the difficult decision to fully commit to online training. This meant letting go of my physical gym space – a place that had been the heart of my business for years. In July 2020, I reached out to my landlord to explain the situation. I informed them that I would not be returning to operate my gym and asked about the possibility of terminating my lease early.
Unfortunately, the response I received was not what I had hoped for. My landlord reminded me that my lease didn’t expire until December 2022 and insisted that I would need to fulfill my contractual obligations. This news was a heavy blow, as I was now facing the prospect of paying rent on a space I could no longer use.
Despite this setback, I knew I had to move forward with my plans. On July 25th, 2020, I made the bittersweet decision to remove all of my equipment from the gym. It was a symbolic moment, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. I informed the leasing office of my actions, hoping they would understand the unprecedented circumstances we were all facing.
For the next year, I poured my energy into building and refining my virtual training business. I expanded my online offerings, created more varied workout programs, and even started producing pre-recorded content for clients who couldn’t make the live sessions. It was a period of intense learning and growth, both personally and professionally.
However, the issue with my former gym space was far from resolved. In June 2021, nearly a year after I had vacated the premises, I was served with a summons from my landlord. They were taking legal action, demanding that I pay the balance of my lease – a staggering sum of over $100,000. The sight of that figure was daunting, to say the least.
The ensuing legal battle was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. On one hand, I understood the landlord’s position – they had a contract, and I had broken it. On the other hand, I felt that the extraordinary circumstances of the global pandemic should have warranted some flexibility and understanding.
As the case progressed, I found myself grappling with feelings of guilt, anxiety, and frustration. Had I made the right decision in closing the gym? Should I have tried harder to negotiate with the landlord? The stress of the legal proceedings took a toll on my mental health, but I tried to stay focused on the positive aspects of my new business model and the clients who continued to support me.
Ultimately, after months of back-and-forth negotiations and legal discussions, we were able to reach an out-of-court settlement. While the terms of the agreement were not ideal, they were more manageable than the full amount initially demanded. More importantly, it allowed me to put this chapter behind me and focus fully on the future of my business.
With the legal issues resolved, I was able to pour all of my energy into growing my virtual fitness empire. I converted my garage in my home into a dedicated studio for filming workouts and hosting live sessions. This setup allowed me to maintain a professional appearance while keeping overhead costs low.
As time went on, I continued to evolve and adapt my offerings. I introduced one-on-one virtual coaching sessions for clients who wanted more personalized attention. I developed nutrition plans and wellness programs to complement the fitness routines.
Now, as I write this in 2024, I can look back on the tumultuous journey of the past four years with a sense of pride and accomplishment. What started as a desperate attempt to keep my business afloat during a global crisis has transformed into a thriving, dynamic enterprise that reaches more people than I ever could have in my physical gym.
My client base has grown beyond my local community, now including individuals from across the country and even internationally. The flexibility of online training has allowed me to help people who might never have stepped foot in a traditional gym due to time constraints, social anxiety, or geographical limitations.
More importantly, I’ve been able to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives during an incredibly challenging time. Many of my clients have shared how our virtual sessions helped them maintain their physical and mental health throughout the pandemic and beyond. Some have overcome significant health challenges, while others have discovered a newfound love for fitness that they never knew they had.
The journey hasn’t been easy. There were moments of doubt, fear, and frustration along the way. The legal battle with my former landlord was particularly trying, both financially and emotionally. But looking back, I can see how each challenge helped me grow stronger and more resilient as a business owner and as a person.
This experience has taught me valuable lessons about adaptability, perseverance, and the importance of being open to change. It’s shown me that sometimes, what seems like a crisis can actually be an opportunity for growth and reinvention.
As I continue to operate my business from home, helping my clients live healthier and happier lives, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey that brought me here. The pandemic forced me to pivot in ways I never imagined, but in doing so, it opened doors to new possibilities and allowed me to reach and impact more lives than ever before.
To anyone facing similar challenges or uncertainties in their business or personal life, I want to offer a message of hope and encouragement. Change, even when it’s forced upon us, can lead to amazing opportunities if we’re willing to embrace it. It’s not always easy, and there may be setbacks along the way, but with persistence, creativity, and a willingness to adapt, it’s possible to not just survive but thrive in the face of adversity.
As we move forward into an uncertain future, I remain committed to evolving and growing alongside my clients. The world may continue to change, but our need for health, wellness, and human connection remains constant. And as long as that’s true, I’ll be here, ready to help people on their journey to better health – one virtual session at a time.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My program is built on three essential principles: Nutrition, Accountability, and Fitness. Each principle intertwined seamlessly, guiding clients toward amazing results. My clients see Results. Give me six weeks to earn your trust.
**Nutrition** is the heart of the program. Clients were welcomed into a world where food was celebrated as a source of nourishment and pleasure. They learned to embrace vibrant colors on their plates, filling their meals with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Each session was filled with exploration, as they discovered new recipes and the joy of cooking. With gentle encouragement, they realized that eating well didn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. It was about balance and making choices that honored their bodies and their cravings. As they savored each bite, they began to see the transformative power of nutrition, feeling more energized and alive.
The second principle, **Accountability**, created a warm and supportive environment. Clients were not on this journey alone; they became part of a close-knit community that was there to uplift and inspire. Daily touch points—3 to 5 interactions—kept the connection strong. Whether through a motivational message, a quick check-in call, or a shared success story in a group chat, clients felt the embrace of encouragement. This sense of belonging fueled their commitment and made them feel accountable not only to themselves but to one another. When challenges arose, they had a circle of support to lean on, reminding them that they were capable of overcoming any obstacle.
**Fitness** was the joyful expression of the progress they made through the first two principles. Clients were guided to move in ways that felt good for their bodies, whether it was a gentle yoga session, an invigorating dance class, or peaceful walks in nature. The focus was never on perfection but rather on celebrating every step toward becoming more active. They learned to listen to their bodies, understanding that fitness could be fun and liberating. As they engaged in these activities, they discovered newfound strength and resilience, both physically and mentally.
In this journey, the importance of **hydration** and **rest** was woven throughout every lesson. Clients learned that drinking enough water was vital for maintaining energy, enhancing mood, and aiding their bodies in recovery. They embraced the habit of sipping water throughout the day, turning it into a refreshing ritual that complemented their healthy choices.
Equally essential was the emphasis on **sleep**. Clients were encouraged to prioritize restful nights, understanding that quality sleep was crucial for overall well-being and recovery. They began to create calming bedtime routines, allowing themselves the grace to unwind and recharge. With restful sleep, they awoke each day feeling refreshed and ready to tackle their goals.
As part of the program, clients were guided to **track their weight** weekly. This practice was approached with a gentle mindset, focusing on reflection rather than judgment. Each week, they would review their progress, celebrating victories and identifying areas for adjustment. This process empowered them to embrace their journey with openness, knowing that obstacles were simply opportunities for growth. Together, they learned how to adapt their plans, ensuring that every step taken was a step toward success.
With each passing week, clients began to experience remarkable transformations. They felt lighter, both in body and spirit, and their confidence blossomed. The support of their community and the clarity of their goals fueled their motivation, allowing them to embrace a lifestyle that was sustainable and fulfilling.
As stories of success spread throughout the town, the program became a symbol of hope and resilience. Participants celebrated not only their physical transformations but also the newfound joy in their lives. The journey was not merely about numbers on a scale; it was about discovering the strength within and nurturing a vibrant relationship with themselves.
In this nurturing environment, where Nutrition, Accountability, and Fitness flourished, clients found their path to amazing results. They became living testimonies of what was possible when one embraced a holistic approach to health, surrounded by a loving community that believed in them every step of the way. And so, the stories of transformation continued to inspire others, inviting them to take the first step on their own journey toward a healthier, happier life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creationperformance.com
- Instagram: @creationperformancefit, @thejasonbrazier
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreationPerformance2020
- Twitter: @thejasonbrazier
