We recently had the chance to connect with Jeff Wilson and have shared our conversation below.
Jeff, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I really like this question. There are of course many different elements we could compare and contrast, but keeping it to these 3, I will immediately say integrity.
It is amazing how often take is overlooked in our society. Especially nowadays. When you really sit down and think about those people in your life that have made a dramatic impact, whether positive or negative, I bet one of the largest components of that impact was probably integrity.
We get taught all through grade school many ways to become more intellectual so to speak, but not necessarily how to live a better life. I think over time that’s come down to just essentially flipping a coin as we go through life, when in reality, this piece of our lives is integrated into every day very frequently and deeply. Whether we’re conscious about that or even care in some cases.
I could go really deep into more problems that I think are problems in our society, and of course then my opinion on solutions, but I don’t think I should here! All in all, I have been told I have a lot of intelligence and definitely a lot of energy. Over the course of my life I’ve worked harder at having and working with the highest level of integrity and as a 38 year old, I can definitely tell you that ship has brought me more fuel to my life than the other.
I hope we don’t lose integrity in our society as time goes by, because right now…there really isn’t as much as I think people will want to commit to admitting. Let alone change about themselves.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jeff Wilson, a coach and personal trainer based in Colorado Springs! I help people get stronger, feel better, and build a body that supports their life. My work blends strength training, smart conditioning, and sustainable habits so progress actually sticks, whether someone is just getting started, coming back from pain, or training for a specific goal like a race. What makes my approach different is that it’s not about crushing yourself or chasing quick fixes, it’s about building capacity and confidence over time. Right now I’m focused on expanding my coaching resources so more people can follow simple, effective plans while still having the option for higher-level oversight when they want it.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I am going to answer to questions at once here. The other question I debated on answering was “What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?” Both really deep and meaningful questions. There was a woman I dated and almost married. In a nutshell, she seemed like no one I had ever dated before. Kind, loving, full of lift, and much more. I was in love. Then one day she flipped things upside down and left. Later blaming me for things that didn’t happen and eventually it led to the biggest betrayal of my life (which is saying something because I’ve been cheated on multiple times).
She actually gaslighted me and led me down a path that changed my life forever. My beliefs about myself, the world and even my religion. I started to see the world in a way that I don’t think I would have, or at least anytime soon after those long months. Side note, this was also during 2020. Fun stuff.
So this relationship shaped my life in ways I, ironically, never would have expected and can now thank her for. Which brings me to the other question, and what part of me has served its purpose. The “nice” guy versus kind guy has differentiated and moved on to becoming a person that could help myself and others on a deeper level. It brought self and outer awareness that I honestly think only an extremely amazing mentor could have taught, but still…would I have really felt it? Probably not. I think I needed to experience the situation in its whole to get to where I am today. I could go deeper into other realizations, but this should do.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
This is crazy! I was just in my counselor’s office the other day and she we started working on the younger self dynamic and train of thought. I’ve gone there before, but not like this. I am starting to talk to my younger self (not in a weird way of course;) more and more to learn about my past and why I’ve learned the world the way I have. Why I think about family and relationships the way I do, and more. Fascinating thread of memories and realizations.
So, what would I say to my younger self? That you don’t need to carry the fears of others, the pain of others and the responsibility of others for them. You’ve already done enough, so now it’s time to smile more and enjoy all the toys you play with in silence by yourself in fear of saying or doing the wrong thing.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
This one is easy. Fitness and even the performance industries at times, focus way too much on quick fixes, diets and “complete life changes” in little boxes with bows…wrapped in money and false facts. There’s almost nothing, if not nothing, that comes easy. Fitness and being well is probably the most important thing you can do in the physical world, while you’re on earth. It shapes the rest of your life and who you become. Not a number on the scale, not a performance marker, and definitely not someone that hates the way they look due to comparisons and misunderstandings.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think that my thyroid and health underlying issues will easily be the most misunderstood part of my life and legacy, let alone my running career. I have Hashimotto’s and it greatly impacted how fast I could get, my mental health, and where my money went early in my 20’s and into my mid to late 30’s. I’m glad I’ve learned a lot and can help more people as my career unfolds, however, I also haven’t gotten much of what I’ve wanted and aimed for to this point. Especially in my running career and goals. I’m at the point in my life where unfortunately most of those won’t happen, and that has been hard. I tried very hard for a long time, and the great thing I can hold on to, was the journey was worth it nonetheless.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Jeffwilsonpersonaltraining.com
- Other: Totalbodyrunning.com
This is my “2nd’ website. Only for runners.
