Fitness Guru Shaun Jenkins

ABS!

ABS!

Um, yes, HELLO! Look at that body!!! The definition! The tone! The HOLY CRAP HOW DO I LOOK LIKE THAT ASAP? Why hello, Shaun Jenkins. Shaun is (total cheese but oh-so-true) hands down, the most kick-ass, tough-loving, sweet-but-stern, beat-you-down, inspiring and motivating trainer and group fitness instructor at Equinox in NYC. If you ever want to feel good about your workout (and also want to barf at the end of it), then Shaun is your man. He is THE man.

The man.

The man.

He started as a professional in the fitness world 4 years ago (career change) and in the past year, has become one of the leading instructors at Equinox, a Lululemon ambassador, and a kick-a$$ inspiration. Since his start as a fitness professional, it has become his passion, lifestyle, and career. Thank you, Shaun, for your interview, along with your constant encouragement, motivation, rock-solid-abs, unbelievably tough classes, and being #1 at your job. You rock. And check out this review on Shaun for his group fitness classes. Spot on.

What is your dream for your fitness career?

To become a wellness consultant for individuals and the fitness industry, focusing not only on fitness but a balanced healthy life.

How much time should people exercise in a week?

Optimally an hour to an hour and a half a day 4-5 times a week with varying workout routines. However, it depends on the individuals goals and results desired.

Shaun performing "Jack Rabbits." An exercise so intense and difficult, and of course he does it with such ease and simplicity. Not the case for most people.

Shaun performing “Jack Rabbits.” An exercise so intense and difficult, and of course he does it with such ease and simplicity. Not the case for most people.

How much cardio vs strength training should one do?

Approximately 45 minutes a day of cardio at least 3 times a week varying the types of cardio ie. stairmaster, elliptical and treadmill, contingent on the goals. For example someone concentrating on weight loss may want to increase that time.  How should people split their time? There are 2 options either strength training followed by cardio or split days one day cardio with the next strength training.

What is the best way to build muscles (resistant training, bands vs. weights in the gym)?

The most effective way to build muscle is strength training, which includes weights, resistance bands and body weight conditioning.

Strength training in a Lulu ensemble.

Strength training

Pre and post workout food?

Pre- should always consist of some form of glycemic food for those that aren’t familiar with that term a good place to start is slow digesting carbs, such as oatmeal & quinoa, another great option is as simple as a banana or a rice cake with all natural peanut butter. Post- High protien food immediately following a workout, either a protein shake or in the morning egg whites and avocado are a great choice and afternoon and evening a chicken breast or piece of fish with veggies

What is your philosophy on diet and exercise?

I think this a very case by case answer, your diet and exercise routine needs to align with the goals and results you are seeking, what works for one person is not necessarily the same for the next. With diet in mind I am a firm believer that for the majority of people a good rule to follow is everything in moderation.

What makes your classes different than other workout classes?

I would have to say that the main difference my classes offer is a extreme level of intensity and my desire to have each person go above and beyond what they see as their personal threshold.

Intensity. No joke.

Intensity. No joke.

What classes do you offer at Equinox?

Metcon3: 10 exercises that consist of strenghth, cardio, and core , Shockwave: circuit training with emphasis on Indo-Row machines , Animal Flow: Body weight training, Stacked: Interval training class with 30 second exercises.

The class set up for Shockwave. Shock, it is.

The class set up for Shockwave. Shock, it is.

The 10 exercises written down for Metcon 3. Killer of a class. Would you expect anything less from this animal?

The 10 exercises written down for Metcon 3. Killer of a class. Would you expect anything less from this animal?

Any tips on how someone can get motivated to work out and continue to workout?

One of the best ways I can suggest is find a fitness partner or workout out with a trainer. Follow fitness professionals on social media for tips and inspiration, you can find me on InstaGram and Twitter @theSRJ.

A shot of his multiple-a-day posts on Instagram. A mixture of fitness, words of wisdom, family, food, and fun. The perfect balance.

A shot of his multiple-a-day posts on Instagram. A mixture of fitness, words of wisdom, family, food, and fun. The perfect balance.

Favorite workout gear?

I am slightly biased towards Lululemon since I am a Brand Ambassador for them. Their clothing is fashionable, comfortable and durable.

Shaun is the one who made me obsessed with these drop-crotch-workout pants from Lulu! People constantly stop him in the street asking him about these pants -- they are too cool -- comfortable, easy, stylish, and work in the gym AND out. COME BACK TO THE STORES LULU!

Shaun is the one who made me obsessed with these drop-crotch-workout pants from Lulu! People constantly stop him in the street asking him about these pants — they are too cool — comfortable, easy, stylish, and work in the gym AND out. COME BACK TO THE STORES LULU!

Shaun's Lulu ambassador bio. Congrats!

Shaun’s Lulu ambassador bio. Congrats!

Favorite shoe? 

My personal favorite shoe to workout in is my Nike FlyKnits.

Favorite exercise move?

Burpees hands down…Burpees on deck

The burpee movements shown by Shaun. Shaun put together 30 exercises for 30 days, for Lululemon. He posted it on facebook and instagram tagging Lulu for the whole month of June. Talk about dedication and love. Unbelievable.

The burpee movements shown by Shaun. Shaun put together 30 exercises for 30 days, for Lululemon. He posted it on facebook and instagram tagging Lulu for the whole month of June. Talk about dedication and love. Unbelievable.

Watch out world; Shaun is someone you will see more of. I guarantee that he will be a Fitness Star in no time at all. So follow him on instagram (@theSRJ), twitter (@theSRJ), and facebook (Shaun R Jenkins).

Shaun's picture at the Lululemon store on the Upper East Side. HIGH GIVE GURU SHAUN!

Shaun’s picture at the Lululemon store on the Upper East Side. HIGH FIVE GURU SHAUN!

And experience the Shaun workout by attending his classes (Monday: Shockwave 630am @ 63rd and lex, Metcon 3 1pm @50th and Broadway. Tuesday: Metcon 3 615am @ 63rd and lex. Wednesday: Stacked 7am @ Brooklyn and Metcon 3 @ 54th and 2nd. Thursday: Metcon 3 7am @ 85th and 3rd) and Friday: Stacked 630 am @ 17th and 10th. 5 DAYS OF OPPORTUNITIES TO GET YOUR TUSH KICKED!

schedule

So get up off the couch and go find Shaun! And stay tuned to more Shaun projects as he is currently developing a tutorial video for 30 for 30 — exercises for 30 days — that will be free to download from his site!

Twist and shout!

Twist and shout!

Trust me — Shaun is amazing. Have a great week!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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Josie Girl

6 Comments

  1. Hey just curious to know how much I could get paid to be a brand ambassador for a supplement company? Or how does it work…?

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