Joe Wicks: A Journey from Adversity to Success
Born in Epsom in 1985, Joe Wicks pursued a degree in Sports Science at St Mary’s University in Twickenham. After starting his career as a teaching assistant, he transitioned into personal training. His early appearance on Channel 4’s game show, The Bank Job in 2012, combined with a growing presence on social media, paved the way for his remarkable success in publishing healthy recipe books and launching his online Body Coach fitness programs. During the Covid pandemic in 2020, his popular ‘PE with Joe’ workouts captivated millions, leading to him being honored with an MBE later that year.
Now residing in Surrey with his wife, former glamour model Rosie Jones, and their four children—Indigo, six, Marley, five, Leni, two, and seven-month-old Dusty—Joe reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his views on work, love, family, money, and health.
Early Life and Family Challenges
Growing up, my father’s struggles with heroin addiction and my mother’s battle with OCD profoundly affected my childhood. I always had this underlying worry about my father relapsing and my mother possibly falling into depression and loneliness. These experiences forced me into the role of a young carer at a tender age. My motivation to inspire others stems directly from these early challenges; I aim to channel my energy positively, encouraging people to think differently and guiding them toward healthier lifestyles.
Coming from a council estate where we relied on benefits, I experienced firsthand the struggles of living on a limited budget, where unhealthy food choices were often the only option. My mother lacked the confidence to cook, which further exacerbated our dietary issues. When I reflect on my journey, I realize it’s this background that fuels my passion for promoting healthy eating.
I kept my father’s addiction a secret at school. The fear of social services intervening loomed heavily over my family, so we never openly discussed our situation. My father’s drug use created a constant state of anxiety; it was a cycle of uncertainty as he would disappear into rehab for months. I often found myself worrying about how this would impact my mother’s mental well-being.
Finding Strength Through Physical Activity
My mother’s OCD transformed our home into a pristine environment, resembling an IKEA showroom. As a child, this made it difficult for me to express myself freely without fear of creating a mess. To cope, I turned to physical activity—exhausting myself was my way of managing bottled-up emotions. Physical Education became my sanctuary; it was my form of therapy. After long runs, I’d return home feeling mentally clear and strong, and that’s the resilience I strive to instill in my children today.
Building a Brand and Embracing Opportunities
I often describe my journey as a ten-year overnight success. Beginning with personal training boot camps, I found myself in the right place at the right time as Instagram and YouTube Live began to flourish. Although many assumed I had a strategic plan for my success, my only vision was my genuine love for exercise and nutritious food.
Years ago, I asked the renowned chef Jamie Oliver, “Why are you still so driven? Why not slow down?” He responded, “When you have an opportunity to connect with people, you bear a responsibility to do good.” That sentiment resonates with me deeply. I understand the impact of my work on others, and it motivates me every day.
Mental Health and Family Life
I don’t rely on therapy, as exercise has always served that purpose for me. There are days when I’m stretched thin, trying to be patient with my children. In those moments, exercise is my refuge—it helps me maintain emotional consistency. Regardless of how I feel, I make it a point to engage in some form of workout each day, which continuously boosts my mental health.
If all my Instagram followers disappeared overnight, I would still be fine because my foundation lies in my family and friends. Many people tie their self-worth to their social media presence, but my support system remains steadfast. I met Rosie just before the launch of my first book, Lean in 15, and she has been my rock throughout this journey. Her presence kept me grounded and shielded me from the temptations of fame, allowing me to focus on what truly matters.
Future Aspirations and Values
With four children already, I still hope to have one more. While Indigo, Marley, Leni, and Dusty keep us busy, we both feel that our family isn’t complete yet. Rosie is entirely on board with this plan, as we both cherish the time we dedicate to our children.
I feel fortunate that Rosie is a full-time mom, which allows me to channel my energy into being The Body Coach. Since the moment we met, I wanted to be near her; she’s been my constant source of inspiration. While my financial success has provided for us, it’s Rosie who has brought stability into our lives.
For me, true success is having children who want to spend time with you. I know that as they grow older, their focus will shift towards friends and partners, which is a natural phase of life. That’s why we decided to homeschool them, aiming to maintain our close-knit bond while we can.
When it comes to conflicts with Rosie, they tend to be minor and rare. We often resort to the silent treatment, but after a few days, we recognize the futility of it and come back together to talk things out. We prioritize resolving our issues without involving the children, as I experienced a different dynamic during my upbringing, and I want to foster a more peaceful environment for my family.
Reflections on Success and Financial Wisdom
If my success were to come to an end tomorrow, I would still take immense pride in the fact that I’ve placed over four million cookbooks into homes, positively influencing the culinary habits of millions. Additionally, I’m proud of the impact my ‘PE with Joe’ sessions had during lockdown, encouraging physical activity when many were struggling.
While money has granted me the freedom to be present with my family, it has never been my primary driving force. My greatest achievement lies in the time I can spend with my loved ones, and I’ve also been able to support my extended family. Even alleviating financial pressures by a small percentage can make a significant difference.
I never received formal education on managing money, but I’ve learned the importance of planning for the future—whether it’s saving a small amount each month or making wise financial decisions. It’s crucial to think ahead; even a modest amount can accumulate over time.
Joe Wicks is supporting ASDA’s Rollback Initiative, which features discounts on 4,000 family-favorite products, averaging a 25 percent reduction in price.
