Meet Jamie King, our March Member of the Month! A 36-year-old Raleigh native, Jamie is an entrepreneur, a big movie buff, and also a passionate family man who brings incredible energy to our Oak and Iron community. Whether he’s diving into martial arts or crushing pull-ups (his favorite!) in the gym, Jamie is giving 100%. Since joining Oak and Iron in April 2024, he’s significantly boosted his functional strength and stamina, all while bonding with the 4:30 LIFT crew. Read on to learn more about Jamie!
Describe yourself in 10 words or less.
Man of Faith, Son, Brother, Entrepreneur, Favorite Uncle
Using however many words you want – tell us a bit about yourself.
36 yr old Raleigh native. I’m a huge family man! I have 4 beautiful sisters and an awesome little brother, along with an army of cousins all along the East coast. My full time background has been in corporate sales, and I own an online distribution business. I’m a big movie buff, and love spending time in nature, on quick trips, reading, doing game nights, martial arts and of course training at O&I!
How long have you been coming to Oak and Iron?
Since April 2024
How has your fitness journey evolved over time? From childhood to now?
I grew up playing tons of sports to then narrowing down to martial arts exclusively in my adulthood.
Have you set any specific fitness goals that Oak and Iron has helped you achieve?
My goal when I started at Oak and Iron was to improve my functional strength and stamina. Within my first few months, I saw the difference in the weight that I was able to lift skyrocket, along with an overall improvement in strength and mobility. The programing and instruction are incredible!
LIFT, DRIVE, or STEADY – what’s your favorite and why?
LIFT – I love getting in there with awesome groups of people that often push me, and working to get stronger and stronger together.
The exercises you LOVE to see on the whiteboard… and the ones you DON’T LOVE to see…?
LOVE – Any type of Pull-Ups! DONT LOVE – Wall Sits.. Shoot me
How has the Oak and Iron community contributed to your overall experience? Have you made any fitness buddies or found workout partners here?
The community is amazing! Sometimes with work travel, I’ll have to do the same workouts without the crew, and it flat out sucks in comparison. Our environment propels people to do more than they would on their own. I especially appreciate the 4:30 LIFT crew guys.. Matt B, Mike, Lonnie and Cesar.
What obstacles or challenges have you faced on your fitness journey, and how did you overcome them?
Thankfully nothing significant!
What keeps you motivated to stay consistent with your workouts? How do you maintain discipline, especially on days when motivation is low?
I just love the results too much to not keep chasing them. Personally I live and die by my calendar. So what I’ll often do is book myself into classes when I don’t feel like going. Once I’m booked, it’s done. I have to go!
If you were in charge of the playlist at Oak and Iron, what are a few songs we would hear?
You would hear quite a bit of 60s and 70s funk and soul classics! Stuff like.. Let’s Groove – Earth, Wind & Fire, We Want the Funk – Parliament and Funkadelic, & You Dropped the Bomb on Me – The Gap Band
Give a shoutout to a coach or classmate!
Special shoutout to Coach Diana! She’s the one that referred me to check out O&I, even before she started working there!
What’s your favorite pre/post workout fuel?
XS Ignite powder (Derived from Blood Oranges). After a workout, ill also tear up a “Scramble” from Happy + Hale a few doors down from the gym. (Thanks for working out that O&I discount!)
Who’s your biggest cheerleader?
Definitely my mentors in life, Devon and Renee Wilkins.
What makes you LOL?
Great opportunity for me to shoutout the GOAT in comedy in my opinion, Sinbad! I can watch any of his specials, and I’m crying:)
What’s the last book you read?
Just finishing Bringing Out the Best in People by Alan Loy McGinnis
TV Show or Movies or both?
Movies.. All day
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Observe the masses and do the opposite.
What are you most proud of?
My relationship with God first and foremost. 2nd would be the relationships that I’ve built with my siblings in my adult life. Such a blessing!
Do you have any secret talents?
– I’m halfway decent at accents. Some are much better than others!
To nominate a peer for Member of the Month – email team@oakandironfitness.com
