Josh Holton has been a Working Against Gravity coach since 2016 and is one of our most seasoned coaches. He is a CrossFit Box owner, avid reader, and musician, and lives with his wife Jess (who is also a WAG coach!) and two kiddos in Michigan.

What originally got you interested in nutrition and fitness?

Originally it was Dan John and reading “Never Let Go”, a collection of his essays about lifting, life, and philosophy on both. Fantastic read. Reading that book really opened my eyes to there being more to exercise and health than just trying to eat less food and run more miles. I still look to Dan John for a lot of inspiration, but more so now, I'm inspired by my family. I want to be around for the long haul, and I can't do that without being the healthiest and strongest version of myself. 

What is one thing your most successful nutrition clients have in common?

They commit to the process. I say this to everyone - “Process > Product,” with the “product” being the ultimate end goal - whatever that might be. When people grasp this idea of committing to the mundane day-to-day things that cause the changes they want to happen to actually happen, it’s a lightbulb moment. 

What’s an essential part of your daily routine?

Waking up early. I get up around 3:30 am every day of the week to stretch, do some reading/listening, and just kind of set the intent for the day. By 6:30 am, I’ve accomplished more than most get done in an entire day. 

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?

Either going to the gym (I am co-owner of CrossFit Due North here in Traverse City, MI) or playing music with friends. 

Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list, and why?

If we are talking about a bucket list, I really want to travel to Antarctica and visit the Falkland Islands, Elephant Island, and South Georgia Islands. I'm pretty obsessed with remote islands in general, but these are the places where Ernest Shackleton landed during his two-year attempt to reach the continent of Antarctica in 1914. He was stranded on his ship, the Endurance, and kept his entire crew alive for TWO YEARS on the ice before sailing a small skiff to South Georgia, ultimately getting help and rescuing his entire crew. I used to work as a merchant mariner, and this story has a special place in my heart. 

What song always gets you out on the dance floor? | What’s your “dance like nobody’s watching” song?

I don’t dance as I tend to freeze up. But I will (and do like to) slow dance with my beautiful wife. “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star is a wonderful song to slow dance to. 

What's something you’d like to learn?

I’d like to learn the piano. I’d like to make ambient synthesizer music someday, as Jourdan Laik (one of WAG’s owners) does.

What exotic animal would you like to have as a pet?

African Serval - a beautiful wild cat.

What makes you laugh the most?

I like dry humor the most. The Office, or Seinfeld-type humor, gets me every time. I also like when people mess up other people's names. I think that's really funny. Or when people fall down. I can’t help myself. 

Learn more about Josh and request to work with him here!