Jim Bathurst practicing gymnastics and acrobatics for nearly 15 years.
He first taught himself a handstand back in high school, and continued by joining an exhibitional gymnastics club in college at the University of Maryland. There, he was coached on traditional gymnastics apparatus, as well as non-traditional – such as handstands on chairs and flipping through hoops of fire.
He began a career in Personal Training over 9 years ago, winning Men’s Health Magazine “How Fit Are You?” contest twice in a row and “Best Personal Trainer” from the DC City Paper in 2010.
In 2013 he was appointed CrossFit Director of CrossFit Foggy Bottom. That year CrossFit Foggy Bottom won “Best CrossFit Gym in DC” from the Washington Post Express.
Jim also runs the site BeastSkills.com – which offers tutorials for bodyweight exercises.
Because of this site, he has been requested internationally and traveled to numerous gyms for workshops.
In the past several years, he has continued pushing his training in acrobatics through personal study with a number of professional Las Vegas acrobats.
In addition to being on his hands, Jim enjoys lifting heavy weights and has competed and medaled in multiple power-lifting and Olympic lifting competitions.
Jim’s no-nonsense approach and “hard-work above all” attitude has made him one of the most sought after fitness trainers around.
He combines both bodyweight training with weight lifting. He feels that the two compliment one another.
When I had the chance to interview Jim, I was thrilled.
Jim and his videos, website and tons of tutorials has helped millions around the world. He has been at this game of fun and fitness far longer than most.
And the proof is in the pudding.
I wanted to ask this acrobat, gymnast, strength and bodyweight veteran his thoughts and to learn his amazing philosophy.
He has trained with some of the best from Ido Portal to many others.
Here is the interview with Jim Bathurst.
Thanks for your time Jim, to begin….
What’s the most important life lesson you have learned thus far?
Nothing beats hard work.
What’s the most important habit that you think has contributed to your success?
Always analyzing my training to see how I can improve
What’s the most important personality trait that is sorely missing in society today?
Accountability
What opportunities do you see that you don’t have time to take advantage of?
Travel more to meet other professionals.
In one sentence or phrase how would you define success?
Hard work done consistently.
Who are your mentors and why?
No mentors currently, but I have had multiple teachers over the past years. A big thanks to Yuval Ayalon and Yuri Marmerstein for their help.
What is the most important book and or movie you have read or watched and why?
Fight Club – no fear, no distractions. The ability to let that which does not matter, truly slide.
What was the most difficult decision you had to make and why?
Probably decisions I have in my head right now – what’s next?
What was the best decision you made and why?
To start Personal Training full time. Let me get into a profession that I love.
And lastly what question should I have asked you, why is this question important and what is the answer?
What is the worst question people ask you? The answer to that is “how long will this take?” – I get this question all the time. It shows impatience and immaturity.
Thanks again Jim for your time and the opportunity to interview you.
To learn more about Jim check out his website or visit his Facebook or YouTube channel.
