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You never know who’s watching…
Fitness influencer Jacob Ward learned that valuable lesson during a recent gym session. With nearly 1 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, the London-based runner and cyclist knows his content reaches people around the world. But most of the response he receives comes via DMs and replies.
This past weekend, however, Ward received some uplifting feedback face-to-face. He says a lad approached him in the gym and asked if his name is “Jacob.” After answering in the affirmative, the man told Jacob that he inspired him to get into cycling and running.
That’s music to a fitness guru’s ears!
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“That was the last thing I expected him to say,” he said. “But it made such a big impact on my day. Suddenly, I was having such a good day.”
A long-time content creator (he’s been posting since he was 16), Ward is transparent about the good and bad sides of his job. He recently opened up about the motivation that’s sometimes required for him to start his day. As someone who’s self-employed, it’s all on him.
After a morning of meetings, he says his “funemployed” stretch begins. But he still puts his time to good use, editing IG reels and responding to clients, all with a good book in hand.
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While many fitness influencers have their niche, Ward leans into community. He believes that cycling and running are group sports, despite their individual nature. He organizes a fitness and social club called Better Connections, which he started after he moved to London and felt isolated.
“I wanted to meet new people and I didn’t feel like there was a group out there for me,” he told PA Real Life.
Though Ward’s videos of the group initially performed well, he wasn’t sure if he was having an impact. That is, until a girl who attended one of his events messaged him and said she had made two new friends. “With social media and the running events, you don’t always see the impact that you’re having until you actually have a conversation with someone,” he said.
On social media, Ward shows plenty of those moments.
For LGBTQ+ people, Ward’s message is especially important. Sports and athletics haven’t always been inclusive places.
Though Ward may look the part, he insists he’s an introvert at heart. That’s why he places such an emphasis on connecting with others. “People get the impression when they see my content that I’m a super-confident guy, and I’ve always been a really confident guy, and while it has improved over time, I still get really nervous when I go up to new people,” he said.
Athletics are a way to break down that barrier. That’s one reason why inclusive sports leagues are so popular. Playing a game, or accomplishing an athletic feat, is a great way to connect.
Ward shows us those connections are possible every day. Next time we see him, we just want to pinch his (well-toned) cheeks and say aww!
By the way, the guy who approached Ward in the gym bought him a smoothie. We love a sweet ending.
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