Check out our interview with Beachbody Super Trainer Joel Freeman who’s passion has always been teaching and showing others how to live healthy and fulfilling lives, with a career in the health and fitness industry that spans almost 20 years.
As creator of smash hit programs like LIIFT4™, the 8-week weight lifting and HIIT program, 10 ROUNDS, the 6-week shadow boxing and conditioning program and co-creator of CORE DE FORCE™, the 30-day mixed martial arts-style training program, Joel hopes to motivate even more people to get fit and make healthier choices—all while enjoying the journey!
Follow Joel @joelfreemanfitness
Hi Joel, please tell us a little about you?
I’ve been going hard since 1982 and now am married to a gorgeous goddess for almost five years. We have two furry butthead Bengal cats who never shut-up and basically run our lives. I workout and stay fit so I can enjoy the things that I REALLY like to do, like dirt bikes, jet skis, snow ski…anything that has momentum and gives me an adrenaline rush. I don’t sit still very well for more than a short time, and have to always have something on the calendar to look forward to. I spend time in my garage building things (woodworking), golfing, or taking my dream car ’69 Mustang out for a drive.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Headstrong, determined, fearless
What is your background?
From the beginning, I was usually on the business side of fitness mostly, selling memberships and personal training, managing gyms, worked at the Washington State Department of Health for four years, and was a director for gyms in California – kinda feel like I’ve done it all! Through my almost 20 years in the industry, I’ve taught group exercise classes, personal training, and held all sorts of different certifications. It’s been fun trying new positions in an industry I know so well.
How did you get started in the fitness field?
Literally just needed a job…first fitness job was at 19 working the front desk of a gym and then it just snowballed from there.
What is the #1 thing you like about being into fitness?
The positivity! No one ever starts their health or fitness journey with the intention of making themselves worse or failing. That mentality brings a level of positivity that I love being around. Then, it’s my job to help keep it going!
Now tell us about the success of your popular 10 Rounds and LIIFT4 fitness programs?
With my programs, my hope is to create something that is “lifestyle” based, not just something that someone does once and never again. I love hearing how people are doing multiple rounds of my programs, which tells me that we got it right…we created something that not only gets people results but also something they enjoy and works into their daily lives. I truly believe that’s why people keep coming back to them.
What is the feeling to have two of the top Beachbody’s streaming programs?
It’s been so amazing to see! One of the biggest draws when presented the opportunity to become a Beachbody Super Trainer was the possibility to help more people than anywhere I previously was working. Seeing my two programs staying at the top shows that they’re doing exactly that…helping more and more people!
What is different from your fitness programs to other ones in the market?
I approach the design of my programs from a real-life standpoint. I’ve had a cubicle job, worked 8-5, travel all the time, didn’t know much about nutrition, listened to countless conversations of how people feel lost or don’t know where to start. I take all of that into account. I think that approach makes my programs less intimidating for people, while still giving them killer results. “Success in simplicity” is what I have written up always in front of me during the design process.
Where we can subscribe or be part of it?
Why did you decide to be an entrepreneur?
I actually don’t consider myself one, as most everything I do is working with Beachbody. The few things I do on my own (like apparel, etc.) is just for fun, and I think that’s key in being successful…you have to find the fun in it.
Now tell us for this lockdown period, any tips you can share on what we can do for home workouts?
My programs walk you through it from start to finish! All you have to do is check out all the program materials – they lay it all out for you!
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
The number one thing I’ve learned is you can be stubborn in your goals, but you MUST be flexible in your methods to get there. Every time I’ve thought to myself, “This is it. This is the way to go.” I’ve taken a slap from reality. I’m not anywhere close to where I thought I’d be at this point in my life, but that’s not a bad thing…it’s just a different path and I’m still crushing my overall goals to be happy and successful.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
Filming 10 ROUNDS. We were on the road for six weeks and it was a grueling schedule. There were nights where we were doing laundry in a hotel and not really even sure what city we were in, but the product turned out amazing.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I can’t say because that would give it away 🙂
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
That it’s okay to fail. It’s going to happen to everyone. How you handle it and what learnings you take from it is what makes the failure worth it, so ultimately you can prevent it from happening again.
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
When home, I’m a creature of habit and consistency, same as I convey on social media. After waking up and making sure our furbutts (cats) are happily brushed and fed, I usually take at least an hour or two on social media. Posting something every day has helped maintain staying relevant, but more importantly I take the time to look through everyone that tags me in their stories. I know that engagement means a lot to them when they see that I’m watching. If I’m lifting, I workout at home mid-morning, or if boxing, I head to the gym. The rest of the day is often taken up with social media (I’m on it like a job…that’s how I can keep up with it). Throughout the week, I’ll pop onto the golf course for a round or two or take my “baby” ’69 Mustang out for a cruise. However, the main thing every day for me is, of course, staying up on my nutrition and keeping it spot on so when I travel I don’t have to worry about it as much.
How would your best friend describe you?
I asked one of them, this is what he sent back. “Big kid with intelligence and charisma. One of coolest and most likable guys ever that can’t sit still. His one liners are priceless. Everything goes to the next level with Joel around, but don’t sleep on his attention to detail or how considerate he is, he would do anything for the people he loves.”
What’s next for Joel Freeman in 2021?
Keep doing what I’m doing! There will be some point when I get back in the “lab” and work on new stuff, but right now I love to keep encouraging people to push play on LIIFT4 and 10 ROUNDS. I also love creating “hybrid” calendars with other Beachbody Super Trainers and their programs, because people love that kind of variety.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Designing my life to be as stress-free as possible. Of course, there will always be something that can stress anyone out, but I like to put myself in scenarios and positions so that when that does happen, it’s easy to shrug it off and keep moving forward. If something stresses me out THAT much, then it’s a serious question to myself if I even need it.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Anything that doesn’t taste healthy.
And your favorite cheat food?
Even though I don’t consider it as a “cheat” because it’s not as long as you stay consistent in your nutrition plan….CHEESEBURGERS! I love ‘em!!
What motivates you to keep going and push harder?
As far I know, we have one shot at this thing called “life.” With every year and every experience that goes by, I see how important it is to push it to the limit and enjoy the hell out of all of it…because who knows when it’s going to end??
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Any hair metal song that makes it near impossible to hit the same octave as the singer…like Scorpions, Def Leppard, Motley Crue or Dokken.
Favorite form of cardio?
Boxing!
What are your best 3 tips for someone looking to reach their goal physique?
Find the workouts that you love. If you hate the workout or feel you have to force your way through it, you’ll find every excuse to not do it.
Create consistency in your nutrition. Find what will keep you accountable and works easily for you, like tracking calories or a portion container system…whatever you can stick with.
BE REALISTIC! Every body is different, so results will look different on everyone. Don’t play the comparing game, but look at your own personal journey and wins.
Name one of your strengths?
Eternal optimism…I can see the upside of anything. It tends to annoy others.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Professionally…hopefully have another program or two out, helping more people find their results and consistency. Personally…keep pushing the limit on life and see how much faster I can go, on anything!
Do you support any charity?
I’ve been a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization for over five years. My ‘Little” and I were matched when he was 7, and now is turning 13 this year! It’s been so awesome to be a part of his life and watch how he’s coming into his own. I also raise money for the organization every year, and also work with the National Alzheimer’s Association in fundraising and local events.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
Chapstick, phone and something to drink.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
As that’s typically the day I rest from working out, I enjoy sleeping in and just relaxing, usually with a mimosa or two. If it’s football season, then I’ll be on the couch all day. Summertime, I’ll be outside in the pool and bbq-ing some cheeseburgers.
What do you think of Social Media?
Like most anything at the beginning, I think social platforms were and still are great in a lot of ways. It’s helped us create communities with people all over the world that otherwise would be impossible. But I also believe that like anything, too much can have negative effects…whether it be mentally or even physically. Remembering that social media is literally a snapshot of someone’s life and nowhere near showing everything else that’s going on is SO IMPORTANT. It’s not reality. I use it daily myself, but know full well it’s not where my reality should ever be based.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram and Facebook: @joelfreemanfitness
Website: www.joelfreemanfitness.com
Quote: Stay real, stay loyal, or stay out of my way.
Movie: TOP GUN
Travel Destination: Anywhere with a tropical beach.
Food: Savory over sweet.
Sports Team: LA RAMS / LA DODGERS
Photo Credit: Beachbody
