I had this next guy on my list of people to interview when Rita and I decided to add the interview section on the blog. Most of you have heard me mention HotBox in my entries and it’s the best workout I’ve found in Nashville. It’s close enough to my Muay Thai workout that I’m used to that I’m comfortable, and tough enough that I feel like I’ve worked out. I leave sweaty and gross and that makes me feel like I’ve worked.
Jamie is one of my favorite people I’ve ever trained with. He’s funny and personable, but makes sure that we work in every class and that we improve technique every time. This interview is a couple weeks in the making, schedule conflicts, the Predators 5K, we were finally able to sit down on Wednesday night and chat for a few minutes before my 6:40 class.
Amos: What’s the story/philosophy behind Hotbox? How did it get started?
Jamie: There was something that happened in the Nashville MMA community called, the Divorce. There was a major divide between the two people and the rest of us feel on either side. Afterwards, a bunch of us didn’t have a place to work out so we started Tennessee BJJ Academy in Spring Hill. It’s really easy to run, sign, mats on the floor...good to go.
I got the idea for HotBox when I was taking my girlfriend, Anastacia, with me to class because she wanted to get in shape for summer. I noticed that she toned up, felt empowered, but there was something missing. Kickboxing to make girls hot, empowered and get them in shape.
I was talking to a friend, and I was living across the street from where we are now. And I pitched my idea, I told him how much money I needed for it. He came back like later with a 1/3 of what I needed. I came here (we’re at FIT Nashville by the way) rented the front room, came back to my friend and said I needed money for mats and bags. I drew up some contracts got 20 of my friends to sign up. April 1, 2010 at 9am, we had our first class.
We’ve been growing ever since. Sarah, one of the instructors, has been here since the first day. Never worked out a day in her life, now she’s hooked. We started out upstairs, 8 bags, in three months we were in a new space and at 108 members. In three more months, we had 300 members and into a bigger space. Now we’re getting the smaller room back to run more evening classes.
Amos: What are some of the biggest struggles that you feel your clients face? How do you hope to help them overcome that?
Jamie: That’s a really interesting question. I think we’re an answer to a question they don’t know how to ask. We’re more than just a workout. We provide a comfortable environment, we don’t do a lot of advertising. We want our clients to feel empowered. We hope that it provides them a chance to prove themselves wrong. This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about work and being determined.
Amos: Being in resolution season, what are your thoughts on fad diet and quick fixes?
Jamie: I hate them. They aren’t real life. You need consistency to get results. There all of these gimmicks out there to help people “lose weight”, but they’re money making schemes. Spokespeople, celebrities who try it, doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Yes, you’re going to lose weight because you’re only taking in 600-800 calories a day. You look malnourished, there’s nothing sexy or attractive about it. Able is so much sexier than small. Strong is hot. Able is sexy. Be bruised, show them that you’ve worked. That’s more sexy than anything.
Amos: What’s your advice for people who are just beginning a healthy lifestyle change?
Jamie: Take it slow and don’t get discouraged. Be consistent and only weigh every 3-4 weeks. You’ll see it before you will see it. Just keep working.
Amos: Any closing comments, concerns, words of wisdom?
Jamie: Personal/Physical, anything and everything is possible. Your body will tell you know, but your mind can do it. It just all takes time. Also, don’t think yourself sick. Just keep trying and working, eventually you will get there.
This is the best workout I've found in Nashville. Tons of new classes are opening up soon, especially more of the 2.0 classes. Jamie is all over the place, knowledgeable, helpful and incredibly encouraging. If you're ever in the Nashville area, check them out. You'll be hooked. I'm still recovering from back to back classes last night, but definitely considering doing back to back again tonight.
Get to sweating.
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