Where the Beach Gets Fit

This week on Where the Beach Gets Fit , I’m joined by John Malbon, a local running enthusiast who’s turned his life around through the power of consistency, discipline, and community. He has battled ups and downs but has found his stride by showing up for himself. Through running and the support of the North End Run Club, John demonstrates how showing up every day can lead to monumental personal g...

Ever felt like you could use a little extra oomph? You know, that mental toughness to push through challenges? Well, it turns out the gym might be the secret ingredient.  In today's episode, we chat about the role of the gym in shaping resilience and confidence. Jake Wareing talks to youth coach Despina Titsis, who shares her story from a youth athlete to a gym member and into a coach and ment...

Stuck in old habits and seeking a healthier lifestyle but not sure where to start?  Join Jake Wareing as he chats with Rachel King, a fitness enthusiast and sobriety coach. Rachel is a long-time member of Wareing's Gym and has turned her passion for health into a mission to empower others.  When she made the courageous decision to get sober, she found the deeper meaning and purpose behind her...

In this episode, Jake sits down with LG Shaw, who’s been a huge part of the surf and business world here in Virginia Beach. We talk about everything from the evolution of WRV (Wave Riding Vehicles) and the surf culture to how the Vibe District became such a vibrant community hub. LG shares some amazing stories about how surfing isn't just a sport - it’s also a way to boost your mental health,...

In this episode of Where the Beach Gets Fit, we sit down with Janel McGowan, a fitness professional and coach at Wareing's Gym with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Janel shares how fitness became a core part of her life, from her upbringing to her current role as a coach and mother. Janel highlights the concept of "injury resilience," advocating for strength and recovery r...

In this episode, Jake Wareing chats with longtime coach and family member Jesse Wareing about how discipline and accountability are the foundation for building strong, confident children.  Jesse shares his personal journey of finding purpose through working at Wareing’s Gym and how connecting with kids in the gym helped him realize the importance of effort, consistency, and relationships. Jesse ta...

What happens when a professional athlete’s career is paused by severe injuries? In this episode, Jake talks with Danielle Hart. Danielle grew up in Wareing's Gym. Earned a national title in Volleyball. Now, after several setbacks, she has to find her strength from within to find new wins. Danielle dives into her time at Wisconsin, her achievements in volleyball, and the heartbreak of stepping...

Have you ever walked by a mural that made you stop, think, or even smile? Art has the power to move us, but few people realize the depth of work that goes into creating public art that speaks to our hearts and minds. In our latest episode, I sat down with Seth Lubaton, a local Virginia Beach muralist who's not just painting walls but transforming them into tools for community connection and me...

"If you want the life of your dreams, you have to go out and catch it." In this episode, Jake Wareing sits down with his father, Mike Wareing, to discuss the art of self-leadership and the daily practices that ensure success. Mike shares lessons learned from years of guiding Wareing’s Gym and his own personal growth, touching on the power of visualization and mindfulness. Taking radical re...

How far would you go for what you love? Would you sacrifice almost anything to turn it into your life's work? Michael Dunphy did just that. Growing up in Virginia Beach, he caught the surfing bug early. But this wasn't just a hobby for Michael. He decided early on that he wouldn't settle for a typical 9-5. It's an experience filled with grit, resilience, and countless setbacks. But...

At the heart of every successful fitness coach lies a story of growth and transformation that waits to be told. In this episode, Jimmy Mitchum, the Head Trainer/Coach at Wareing's Gym, shares his inspiring journey from a shy, unsure beginner to an elite coach in the fitness industry. His evolution is a testament to persistence, discipline, and the power of genuine human connection. Listen in a...

Are you pushing yourself too hard or not hard enough? This is a common concern to many people who are trying to be consistent in working out and getting in better shape. Knowing the difference between the pain of progress and pain that might indicate injury is key to long-term health and fitness. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Matt Dancigers, the founder of Nalu Physical Therapy, to discuss t...

Katie Kramer is a beacon of light in the Virginia Beach wellness community. With over 20 years of yoga practice and 15 years of teaching experience, she recently opened her own studio, The Heart Space. But her journey to self-discovery and ownership wasn't always easy. In this interview, Katie shares her story of overcoming an eating disorder, the power of mind-body connection, and the importa...

Imagine having the secret formula that athletes like Michael Jordan and Tom Brady used to transform their talent into unparalleled success. In today’s episode, Harrison and I break down the science of grit. We are inspired by psychologist Angela Duckworth's research on this topic and how it applies to the general population in the gym or at work. Grit is the combination of intense passion and...

Are you looking for some extra motivation and tips on your health and fitness journey? Wareing's Gym has been helping the beach get fit ever since the year 1960. Decades later, we’re still committed to the mission of being the best part of people’s day.  This podcast is a big step in supporting that mission. Where The Beach Gets Fit is a platform for sharing stories and solutions to help our c...