We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joe Stones Mazzone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joe Stones below.

Joe Stones, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success requires unwavering belief in yourself and the value you bring. But to truly believe your service is the best, you must put in the work. Confidence isn’t built on entitlement or ego, but on preparation and mastery. It comes from relentless effort, and that effort drives success. It won’t come without hard work, sacrifice, and discipline. You have to outwork everyone—early mornings, late nights, and missed events if needed.

What sets me apart isn’t natural talent—far from it. It’s my willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed. Sacrifice, discipline, and hard work are my foundations of success. While formal education is valuable, true mastery comes from hands-on experience and going beyond the basics. Dive deep into your passions, live them, breathe them, and keep learning. Success takes time, just like building muscle or crafting a great meal. Don’t give up after a year because society hasn’t labeled you ‘successful.’ Define success on your own terms and aim to improve every year. The only thing you can control is effort. Effort is the key to all success, and it starts with your mindset. While outcomes are unpredictable, if you give your all, you can rest easy knowing you did your best. More often than not, this mindset leads to success.

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.

I am a Personal Trainer with over 15 years of experience and 25,000+ training hours, working with clients of all ages and fitness levels. From teen athletes to retirees in their 80s, competitive bodybuilders to those simply wanting to stay active, I help people achieve their goals — whether that’s losing a few pounds, improving performance, or enhancing overall health.

What sets me apart is my ability to create personalized, effective plans for every individual. I work with clients to define their goals, assess their current habits, and build a tailored program to help them succeed. I understand that fitness is not just physical but mental as well, and that’s where my experience shines. I’m able to connect with clients on a deeper level, recognizing their unique backgrounds, struggles, and mental blocks, and work with them to overcome those obstacles.

In addition to my experience with clients, I’ve competed successfully as a natural bodybuilding athlete in the Men’s Physique Division, winning several championships. I also hold certifications in Weight Loss Management and Sports Nutrition, which further enhances my ability to guide clients toward their goals.

In July 2022, I opened Essential Health & Fitness, a private personal training gym. It’s a unique space that’s dedicated solely to personal training—no distractions, no waiting for equipment, and no guesswork. I make it easy for clients to show up and get to work, knowing I’ll guide them every step of the way. Many of my clients have been with me for over a decade because they trust me to understand their needs and truly care about their progress.

At Essential Health & Fitness, we’re committed to excellence in training, equipment, and content. We focus on what’s essential—cutting out the fads and gimmicks that dominate today’s fitness culture and focus on real health and fitness information for lasting results. We’re here to help our clients with what truly works.

Have you ever had to pivot?

To succeed, you must be ready to pivot when circumstances change. The Covid lockdowns were a perfect example—gyms were shut down, and trainers like me were forced to adapt. I quickly transitioned my in-person clients to remote sessions using Zoom, turning my apartment into a gym and video studio. Luckily, my clients were committed to their fitness, so despite the government’s view of gyms as “non-essential”, we kept our health a priority.

As a result, 90% of my clients stayed, and those who left made room for more committed clients joining remotely than I had in the gym. When life throws you challenges, successful people pivot, leverage opportunities, and find silver linings. When gyms reopened, those who did remote sessions returned, and others continued online—opening a new avenue for business.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

2 books I highly recommend —
For anyone who wants to learn the skills to be more successful, at anything, but doesn’t know where or how to start, read “Maximum Achievement by Brian Tracy.

And for other Personal Trainers who want to start leveling up, opening a studio, become an Independent contractor, or even just manage your business and finances better, I recommend reading “Profit First for Microgyms” by John Briggs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.weareessentialcle.com/
• Instagram: @joestonesfit @weareessentialcle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joestones.mazzone/
• Youtube: @weareessentialcle