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Meet Jesse Holland

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Holland.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Looking back, it is easy to connect the dots. In the moment, it wasn’t so clear. My journey has definitely been about faith, not being able to fully see the future but believing I am on the right path, fulfilling my life purpose.

Ten years ago, I sustained a work-related back injury, which led to back surgery followed by an 11-and-a-half month recovery process.

“Until further notice, you are disabled,” my physician said.

I had to limit the amount of liquids I was drinking each day because it was such a challenge to get up off the floor to go to the restroom. To date, this was the darkest and most challenging time in my life.

As part of my recovery process, I was going to physical therapy three times a week. This was the only “social” outlet I had and asked my PT if I could come in before and after my appointments to spend extra time in the office. I wanted to put in extra work in order to speed up my healing, and also because it helped me mentally to be around those who were also going through similar challenges.

I started to learn about the human body, how it functions and I became a sponge. During my last appointment of therapy, on a Friday afternoon, my PT told me the assistant was leaving and asked if I would be willing to take on the role … starting Monday.

There was no hesitation. This is where I was meant to be at this moment in my life. I worked in the clinic in various positions learning everything and all I could. I found such great joy in being a part of the process when it came to other people’s health.

As it was the most challenging time in my life, it was for others as well and I continued this role for a few years. The experience I received by helping and guiding others through their recovery process was indescribable.

But as time went on, it was time for a change.. I knew I wanted to be in health, I knew I wanted to help others but, I didn’t know what my next step was.

Through a close friend, I was referred to an incredible health tech resourcing firm.

Staying in the field of health, I was placing people in needed positions in hospitals around the country. I was helping providers fill roles that were desperately needed to be filled and helping others find jobs. But, I didn’t feel as fulfilled as I had when I was working with people suffering from depression, in bad moods going through, maybe, the most challenging point in their life. There had to be a middle ground …

Eventually, I began working at a Crossfit Facility in sales and personal training and shortly after, transitioned to working at a functional fitness studio (SICFIT). I went through SICFIT’s Coach Instructor Training Program and got certified in Olympic Weightlifting. In 2013, I became a functional fitness coach.

Another step in the right direction

Through the CrossFit community, I had the opportunity to work with Rush Club, a head-to-head competition platform (think Fight Club and CrossFit on one stage). As the strength and conditioning coach for the stage acts and the Rush Chicks (think dance performers with barbells), I had the opportunity of working with many levels of athletes from all different backgrounds. Again, the knowledge and experience gained here was tremendous.

In 2017, I was invited to take a Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hiking trip with the K2Adventures Travel organization, which led to the opportunity of becoming a mountain guide. In my years of service to others, something that I always longed for was to travel. This was a great gift and I jumped at the opportunity.

I became a certified Wilderness first responder and started guiding with K2Adventures Travel. Currently, I guide the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim twice a year, in May and September. I’ve guided the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru on four tours; have been a high altitude assistant guide on Mount Kilimanjaro; and have been an assistant guide on a record-breaking climb on Mount Kosciuszko in Australia with my friend Kainoa Spencer.

Something that I’ve been consistent with for myself over the last five years is running Pinnacle Peak Park every Saturday at Sunrise.

After becoming a guide and training others for obstacle course races and climbing trips, I decided to start inviting others to join me on these runs. All levels of athletes are invited. We gather at sunrise, take a photo and then all take off at the same time. Some hike, some walk & talk, some hike, and some jog. Any and all are welcome to join me each week.

I am driven by the success of others. Movement is key, mobility matters but, nutrition is a paramount to seeing optimal success in our physical practices. As a wellness coach, I guide my community to eat balanced nutrition and encourage post-workout recovery through Herbalife supplementation – a company that has helped me achieve some of my personal best goals.

Nowadays, you can find me at EliteU, coaching movement optimization.

My program and the house principles are based on progression. We build on progressions with all Athletes. I work with a spectrum of professional and collegiate athletes to the novice and younger aspiring athletes teaching them to move in human patterns and have humans train for their target goals. One of my biggest accomplishments while receiving honors this past year, was becoming a lululemon brand Ambassador. I get to partner with a global brand that supports me in building great events that bring community together to grow, sweat and connect.

I am a faith driven man, an Entrepreneur, a Wellness coach, Master Lifestyle coach, a Performance Coach, a Movement Specialist, an International Mountain Guide, a lululemon brand Ambassador, a lululemon collective representative, and a public speaker.

Every day, I wake up feeling blessed and able to guide others through doing what I am passionate about.

Has it been a smooth road?
I look back and think and see the smooth and joyous parts of my journey. But, of course within any story there are challenges.

Having the courage to be true to my brand and program in times of self-doubt has been a consistent obstacle. I work in a very saturated market and separating myself from the others has been the biggest challenge I have battled.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jesse Holland Fitness – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am paid for creating results with individuals that are dedicated to achieving targets. My area of specialization is movement. As a coach I guide my clients through areas of opportunity in what they may not see or understand in their physical patterns on their own. I work with them to become masterful in their movements. If you asked someone in my community what I am known most for, you would probably hear that I believe and care more about my client’s results and success than anyone.

I am most proud that I have been recognized in the community and by lululemon as an industry leader and influencer after changing career paths at the age of 28. I am extremely proud of the trust that my clients put in me to guide them to their targets. I am most proud of the success that my clients have achieved from winning 28 Bikini titles to breaking records of the tallest mountain in Australia to seeing lasting lifestyle changes in my clients that impact their businesses and relationships in their daily lives. No achievement brighter or bigger than the other.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I love about our city is that it is like paradise. We have great weather to be outdoors and active almost year-round. What I like least about our city is that we could have more water here in the desert but other than that Phoenix is an incredible place to live, vacation, or visit.

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