Meet Jake
With 7+ years of experience, Jake turned injury into insight—transforming setbacks into strength. His coaching focuses on keeping fitness fun, personal, and sustainable, helping clients become life-fit and mentally strong.
I've been a personal trainer for over seven years now. My journey into fitness started when I was 20, working as a plant manager overseeing a pool and gym complex. A series of sports injuries ignited my passion for coaching, as I became fascinated by the complexity of the human body and was determined not to let those setbacks define me. Now, seven years later, I’m still here, pushing forward and continuing to learn every day.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
I think we all struggle with motivation at times, but having been into fitness from a young age, I know firsthand how much better you feel when you're training compared to when you're not. I had an ankle reconstruction in 2022 after an injury in 2020, and the recovery process has been a real challenge. However, it’s strengthened me mentally more than anything else, which has been just as rewarding as the physical progress.
Can you share a significant achievement or milestone in your fitness journey?
Before my ankle injury, I used to do a lot of hiking, and it was amazing being able to deadlift 180kg and then go and do a 100km hike in the hills. I love being life-fit, that feeling is golden.
Do you have a motivational tip for the Flex Fam?
Keep training fun and challenging. Make it personal to you to keep you consistent. Train different styles. Strength, cardio, pilates, and endurance, keep the body adaptable.
What’s the biggest training myth you’ve encountered or believed in during your fitness journey?
"It's all about calories in vs calories out". Sure it's a key metric, but quality matters, especially when you're older. It's about available resources in the body to remain efficient and healthy.
What’s your favourite workout playlist or song that gets you pumped up?
I have a gym playlist made up of hardcore, house, and heavy rock music. I just like vibing while training.
Do you have a fitness-related quote or mantra that motivates you?
Climb the mountain so you can see the view, not so others can see you. It keeps you humble and encourages others to come and share the view.
What were your biggest challenges in building your business to where it is today?
There were 4 things really.
1: Sticking with what I’m good at and collaborating with others who fill my weaknesses (Far more efficient).
2: Not worrying about others as competition. (The world needs more people to help others get fitter not to compete).
3: Playing the long game. Coaches often see business as a “how fast can I get here” but running your own business is hard. You have to look after leads, accounts, onboarding, Marketing, tracking etc. Slow and steady wins the race if done well. Just like training.
4: Realising most people's focus isn’t to be buff, lean, or highly competitive. The byproduct of good training is you get stronger, healthier, leaner. But most people want to be able to show up for their life slightly better than yesterday, have a sense of achievement, have accountability and enjoy life with friends and family. The head game and kitchen game are key.
The coaching business is my side hustle though and not my full-time job. I built this to help make my way back from an ankle reconstruction and have just leveraged it with my coaching which has been a very wise move.
What’s your favourite piece of equipment from Flex?
Hard question. Cast iron Kettlebell's, I love full body engagement and grip is so vital to train. KB's humble you and are so diverse. I just ordered a trap bar and can't wait for it to arrive.
Learn more or follow Jake
Instagram: @jake.bryant.nz
Facebook: PHM Training
Tiktok: @bryantconsulting
