By Jason Walsh
I’m a 5am-er. And the first thing I do is roll around with my pit bulls Ella and Stevie on the bed. Ella is 12, and recently had cancer, so I massage her legs and try to get everything moving for her to make her day a bit easier. Stevie is my little girl, just one year old. Always has me shitting my pants. Both of them bring so much love and support to my life.
Next, I try to get my mind organized for the day. My schedule comes in, and I sit down to meditate after putting on some tea or coffee, which starts to smell really good as my meditation is coming to a close. I always set intentions: Lately, that’s been to just be a force for positivity amongst all the craziness happening in the world. Our 4,000 square foot gym in West Hollywood is open, and I’ve had people come up to me in tears thanking us for giving them a reason to get out of the house, to get a reprieve.
The number one thing that gives me a boost is putting a smile on someone’s face. Telling a good joke. I love humor and love laughter. If I can get someone to laugh, and am showing them something cool that can help them and have an impact on their life at the same time, shit, it may sound like a fortune cookie of an answer, but I think that’s pretty great.
Music is a big part of my morning. At the house, I’ll put on some of my Uncle John’s old vinyls from the 70s. My dad wasn’t around when I was a kid, but Uncle John was my Superman. He was a mountaineer, a NOLS survivalist and a very spiritual dude in his own way. Even 40 years ago, he was talking about being good to the environment, and being good to his body. He’s who inspired me to follow this path. And when I get to the studio, I’ll throw on some James Brown—something with upbeat energy that gets everyone moving and really sets the tone for the day.
I’ll be 45 years old this year, and I pay attention to mental health and recovery more than I ever did when I was younger. I’ve learned there’s so much more involved in what I do than just a workout. We’re talking quality of life with people. Choosing the things you put into your orbit, into your body, the people you hang out with, the products you invest in. It all aids in your wellbeing.
In partnership with HANAH.
Photography by Joshua Spencer
