The Power Couple Behind ARETE by JW: John Wilkins and Valerie’s Story of Passion and Fitness
The fitness industry is brimming with success stories, but few resonate quite like the tale of John Wilkins and Valerie. John Wilkins of Sparta, New Jersey, a certified trainer with a relentless drive to help others achieve peak physical condition, has carved a niche for himself in the online fitness world.
owever, the secret sauce behind ARETE by JW, John’s highly successful fitness program and their high-quality fitness equipment online, isn’t just his expertise. It’s the unwavering support and complementary skillset of his wife, Valerie. In this blog, we share with you their inspiring journey, showcasing how their combined passion for health and well-being has fueled the creation of a fitness haven for individuals seeking to build a strong foundation for physical excellence.
Starting Out
John’s path to becoming a fitness guru wasn’t always clear. His dedication to physical fitness, however, was evident from a young age. John understood the importance of a strong core, not just for aesthetics but for overall physical stability and athletic performance. This understanding fueled his desire to delve deeper into the world of core strength training.
Meanwhile, Valerie, an entrepreneur at heart, had already established herself as a successful business owner by the young age of 20. Her experience in running her own business instilled in her a keen understanding of the intricate workings of a business from the ground up. This background would prove invaluable as John’s passion for fitness began to take shape into a full-fledged online coaching program.
Their paths converged, and it was a meeting of minds and hearts. John, with his in-depth knowledge of core strength training and a burning desire to empower others, found the perfect complement in Valerie. Her business acumen and meticulous attention to detail provided the backbone John needed to translate his passion into a sustainable and impactful fitness program.
Building a Fitness Empire: A Team Effort
ARETE by JW isn’t just John Wilkins. It’s a testament to the power of teamwork and the unwavering support a strong partnership can provide. John, with his expertise, meticulously crafts core strength training programs, online fitness coaching, and guidance, all designed to build a strong foundation for physical fitness.
Valerie, meanwhile, oversees the crucial behind-the-scenes aspects. From social media management and marketing/events to manufacturing, shipping, and logistics, she ensures the smooth operation of the entire enterprise. However, they are quick to point out that this isn’t a rigid division of labor. They operate as a team, bouncing ideas off each other and making major decisions collaboratively.
Core Values
John and Valerie’s approach to fitness at ARETE by JW extends far beyond the realm of crunches and planks. They believe that health and well-being encompass a holistic approach. “Health is not only fitness. It’s about moving your body,” Valerie explains. “Being physical, pushing ourselves. It’s also about feeling alive mentally and emotionally. Living and enjoying the now. It’s about nourishing our bodies and balancing the foods that are good for us with foods that we love.”
These core values are woven into the fabric of every training package offered at ARETE by JW through their in-person and remote self-care coaching for busy individuals.
A Personal Testimony
The importance of a strong core goes beyond aesthetics for both John and Valerie. In April 2023, Valerie was diagnosed with a devastating root tear in her right knee. Surgery was required, followed by a grueling three months of restricted movement. Fear threatened to engulf her.
John and Valerie, however, decided to explore alternative options before resorting to additional surgery. This led them to The Finisher plank bar, a core training tool designed by John himself. With unwavering determination, Valerie embarked on a rigorous training regime, utilizing the Finisher bar five days a week for several months.
The results were nothing short of phenomenal. “This Finisher bar helped to build up all the muscles around my knee,” Valerie shares, her voice brimming with gratitude. “Now, a year later, I’m 98% back.”
This personal experience solidified their belief in the effectiveness of The Finisher bar for individuals of all fitness levels.
John Wilkins envisions The Finisher bar as a tool that can benefit everyone, from athletes seeking to enhance their performance through core-focused workouts for improved stability to everyday individuals looking for core strength training exercises for beginners. “The average person can start and be on their way to get fit in 5 minutes,” John explains, emphasizing the bar’s accessibility. “The core is the foundation of our bodies, and I cannot stress enough the importance of building a strong foundation for physical fitness.”
Balancing Success and Family: A Work in Progress
Running a successful business while nurturing a vibrant family life presents its own set of challenges. John and Valerie readily acknowledge the struggle to maintain a healthy balance. “Deep down, I’m a ‘Susie homemaker,” Valerie laughs. “I love to make delicious meals for John and our family. John and I both love to plant and nurture our garden. We enjoy watching the gazillion birds at our feeders and houses. We love to hike all over.”
You may not imagine it when you see them, but the couple shares that, “We have our children and four grandchildren that we want to see all the time. Right now, we don’t get a lot of one-on-one time to do everything we love and enjoy. But we are very grateful to be with each other every day on this journey. In time, the balance will return.”
A Love Story Woven into Success
For Valerie, the biggest challenge lies in finding a healthy equilibrium between family life and the demands of ARETE by JW. However, the rewards far outweigh the struggles. “Knowing where my husband came from and the life he had when he was a kid, to myself helping and being a part of this journey with him now and how successful it is…” her voice trails off, thick with emotion. “…with my love, support, and excitement for him, there is no better feeling to see his dream come to fruition.”
A Real-Life Partnership
John and Valerie are acutely aware of the tendency for social media to portray couples in an idealized light. They strive for authenticity in their interactions, emphasizing that theirs is a real-life partnership, complete with its share of challenges.
Looking ahead, John and Valerie envision ARETE by JW evolving beyond mere core strength training programs and fitness equipment and accessories for sale. They dream of creating a thriving online community where individuals can connect, share their fitness journeys, and motivate each other. “We want to create a space where people feel welcome and supported, regardless of their fitness level,” John Wilkins explains. “We believe that everyone deserves to experience the joy of movement and the empowering feeling of a strong core.”
Join the ARETE by JW Movement
Are you ready to embark on your own fitness journey with us at ARETE by JW? From core strength training programs and online fitness coaching and guidance paired with functional fitness equipment for home workouts, John Wilkins ensures we have something for everyone.
Contact us to learn more about The Finisher, 360 Strap, and our customized exercise plans for weight loss.