Name: Jacob Fox 

Business name: Fox Fitness 

Location: 1522 S. Gilbert Road, suite 103, Gilbert 

Website: foxfitnessaz.com 

What we do: At Fox Fitness we offer 1-on-1 personal training, small group fitness classes, weight loss and nutrition coaching. 

Why you chose to work in your field: After experiencing my own health crisis in 2017, I began spending all of my time dedicated to healing myself and studying the underlying causes of our current health and fitness crisis as a broader society. Through this work I am deeply fulfilled by helping people create real and positive life change through improving their health and fitness. 

When and why I chose to start my business: I opened my business in May of 2023. I decided to open my gym because I want to facilitate a space where the average person can come and learn to lift weights, improve their posture and create sustainable nutrition habits. Our gym offers small group classes, so every member gets high quality coaching to ensure proper technique and guaranteed results. At Fox Fitness we believe in helping our clients achieve sustainable results in the gym through optimizing their health and wellness. We are a tight community of people dedicated to real and sustainable improvements in our health and fitness. 

What I like most about what I do: Nothing fills my bucket more than seeing my clients win. I love to guide my clients toward their health and fitness goals through education, inspiration and daily accountability. When my clients get stronger, move better and lose weight, it creates meaning and fulfillment for me. 

What is something many people don’t know about you? When I was in my early 20’s, I suddenly and aggressively came down with irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, psoriasis, brain fog, anxiety and depression. I lost 20 pounds in a matter of months and was feeling lost and confused as to what had happened to me and my health. After not finding sustainable solutions in the traditional medical system, I spent the next four years studying holistic health and fitness through a variety of private institutes. Through the education and integration of proper exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle habits I was able to heal myself. This is where I draw meaning from in my pursuit to help others improve how they feel every day. 

How did you get into your career? I have always had a personal interest in athletics and fitness, but when I overcame my own health crisis in my early 20’s, it propelled me into a deep passion around all things health and fitness. I studied “exercise and wellness” in college and then began an internship at a local gym teaching classes and doing personal training. After completing my internship, I was offered a position as a full time coach and continued pursuing more education through private institutes. I have now been a fitness and nutrition coach for nine years, and I am dedicated to learning more every day. 

What originally brought you to the Valley? I was born and raised here in the Valley. I was born in Phoenix and moved to Gilbert at a young age. I lived in Tempe while attending college and moved back to Gilbert six years ago. 

One thing I want my clients/neighbors to know about me: I thoroughly enjoy teaching people how to exercise, eat and live in order to bring forward the healthiest version of themselves. I believe that our individual health and well-being is foundational to a life of purpose and enjoyment! 

What I am thankful for: I am thankful for my family, friends and the community at Fox Fitness. I truly value the relationships I have, and I feel inspired to continue to learn and serve the community around me. 

People who inspired me (and how): The owners of the first gym that I worked at have inspired me greatly to get involved in and serve the Gilbert community. Jeremy Jones and Luis Galindo previously owned “Funktional Fitness” in downtown Gilbert and have rebranded their business to “The Collective,” which is located in the Epicenter here in Gilbert. Jeremy and Luis have been bringing fitness to the community since 2008 and their leadership inspired me to do the same! 

The owners at the former Funktional Fitness in Gilbert encouraged Jacob Fox to start his own gym.

Courtesy Jacob Fox

How are you involved in the local community? One of my favorite ways to get involved in the local community is to attend the Gilbert Farmers Market every Saturday. Every week I purchase as much of my groceries as I can from local farmers and vendors who are committed to bringing healthy food to the community. This is so important to me because it allows myself and others in the community access to healthy, organic, and locally produced food. Along with this, I have been serving the Gilbert community for almost a decade. The first gym that I coached at was located in the heart of downtown Gilbert, and now I am just a couple of miles from downtown and still spending my time coaching and inspiring people in the community to improve their health and fitness. 

What advice would you give to people entering your field? Focus on service, never stop learning and build relationships with your clients. Ultimately the goal should be to help people improve their fitness, health, and overall well-being so that they can show up more positively in their own lives. This will create a positive ripple effect for the whole community.