Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Walsh.
Hi jason, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Born and raised in Missouri, Jason’s path has been anything but ordinary. While studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he split his time between interning in the school’s strength and conditioning program and managing the late-night rush at Elaine’s on Franklin. That mix of discipline and hustle would come to define his career.
After college, he trained under renowned performance coach Luke Richesson, working with professional athletes and members of the special forces, an experience that honed his philosophy around human performance. In 2005, Jason took that mindset west to Los Angeles, where he helped pioneer and popularize the phrase “train like an athlete,” a concept that redefined the fitness landscape and attracted some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports. His entire business was built the old-fashioned way, through reputation, results, and word of mouth.
In 2014, he turned an idea into a movement with the launch of Rise Nation, the first climbing-based fitness brand of its kind. And in 2022, he expanded that vision into nutrition, co-founding Rise311, a company reinventing what protein can be with a clean, elevated approach to performance fuel.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a business in Los Angeles isn’t for the faint of heart. Beneath the sunshine and glamour, it’s one of the most competitive cities in the world, not just for training, but for attention. Every idea has a dozen imitators before you’ve even finished yours, and the cost of doing anything, from rent to marketing to staffing, can feel like a constant uphill climb.
For me , the early days of Rise Nation were a test of grit as much as vision. There were no investors or corporate backing, just a belief in an idea and a willingness to outwork everyone else. Real estate negotiations fell through. Equipment broke. Payroll was tight. But each setback became part of the story, a reminder that success in a city like L.A. doesn’t come from luck; it comes from relentless follow-through.
Running a small business in Los Angeles also meant wearing every hat, coach, marketer, manager, motivator. “You learn quickly that no one is coming to save you,” Jason says. “You have to be the one fixing the problem, making the call, showing up every day, even when it feels like the world’s stacked against you.”
Yet those same challenges built resilience. The city’s chaos forced creativity, and the pressure sharpened his instincts. It’s that same foundation, forged in the grind of building something from nothing, that continues to drive my ventures today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I focus on people first. My work isn’t about trends, flashy programs, or short-term results, it’s about understanding each individual, what they truly need, and what they want to achieve. I specialize in crafting training and performance plans that are precise, effective, and tailored to the person in front of me, not the industry standard.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with those I work with. I’ve had the privilege of helping some of the most recognized names in the world reach their potential, not by selling hype or chasing recognition, but by staying consistent, honest, and grounded in what actually works.
What sets me apart is simple: integrity, focus, and a relentless commitment to results. I don’t chase trends or endorsements. I don’t let external pressures bias my approach. I meet each person where they are, understand their goals, and guide them with a strategy that’s rooted in expertise, experience, and respect. My measure of success isn’t fame, it’s the lasting impact I leave on the people I train.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
While the industry chases image, I’ve built mine on integrity and execution. I keep my head down and let the work speak, shaping some of the world’s most recognized names without ever needing the spotlight. I might be the only trainer in the industry who hasn’t sold out. I refuse to let my opinion be biased by sponsorships or ambassadorships. I make my own way. I build my own legacy. I don’t sell out for a paycheck.
Success, for me, isn’t followers or fame, it’s the standard I hold myself to every day. My focus is relentless. My belief is unshakable. My compass is steady. I don’t chase trends. I create influence that lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rise-movement.com
- Instagram: risemovement
Image Credits
Michael Muller
