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Fitness expert and Built with Science founder Jeremy Ethier is an FMS and NASM certified Kinesiologist delivering science-based training programs that can all be done at home or in the gym, and whatever level of fitness. With a proven record of success, Jeremy has helped millions of people change their lives through his YouTube channel which boasts 2.57 million subscribers and over 233 million combined video views.
Jeremy’s obsession for finding an evidence-based, objective approach to working out began ever since he was a kid. As a child, he wanted to achieve the aesthetic physiques that he’d see in magazines and Hollywood blockbusters. He began working out with his father, picking up tips from other members at the gym and realized every single person had their own methods, and quick “hacks.” Everything from drinking a gallon of chocolate milk, to eating a dozen eggs – to performance-enhancing drugs. Unfortunately for Jeremy, and similarly for many individuals, he was a naturally skinny kid who had a hard time building muscle, and refused to use any drugs to “cheat” his way there, and these quick fixes didn’t make sense, and often led him to feel terrible. It wasn’t until he started using real, proven research that he started seeing results, and his passion only grew – even training his dad into the best shape of his life, too.
Jeremy created Built with Science to optimize training with methods that are proven and shown through the scientific literature to be the most effective way to train. Jeremy’s goal with Built with Science is to bring a more scientific and research-backed approach to the fitness industry and weed out the BS and “bro-science” that the industry is full of at the moment. Jeremy’s training methods are based on countless hours of research on peer-reviewed studies and trial-and-error. Jeremy’s science-backed training programs include Beginner BUILD, Intermediate BUILD, Beginner SHRED, Intermediate SHRED, Female LEAN, and Female BUILD. Additionally, Jeremy offers 1-on-1 coaching.
StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Jeremy Ethier to discuss his journey and pick his brain for some diet and fitness tips and here’s what went down:
Can you tell us more about yourself? How did you get started in the industry?
I’m half Filipino, half French-Canadian and currently living in Vancouver, Canada. I’ve been obsessed with everything to do with fitness for as long as I can remember. I played pretty much every sport out there growing up, and eventually transitioned that time/energy into the gym environment. I got my personal training certification as soon as I could once I turned 18, and from then on pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology while attaining various other certifications and learning from workshops. Shortly after, I took that knowledge and my obsession with fitness online by posting content on various social media platforms. Through that, I developed a large following and launched my company Built With Science, and eventually got to where I’m at today.
2. How did you develop an interest in fitness and what drove you to pursue that passion onto social media?
Everything just kind of happened naturally. When I first got involved in fitness, I had a rough start. It seemed like I had tried every training/nutrition plan out there, followed the opinions and advice of others at the gym and online, but nothing seemed to “click” for me. I never really got the results that I wanted. It wasn’t until I got more educated, did more research, learned from other professionals within the field, and eventually became a professional myself, did I realize that there is a ton of research out there with regards to fitness. Within this research, it basically tells you “what works” versus “what doesn’t work” when it comes to how to approach your training and nutrition. I was obsessed with this research and spent countless hours digging into it. Based on that research, I created a certain way of training and eating that was proven to work since it was grounded by scientific research. I tested this out with myself and with a handful of clients, and the results it created were incredible. I knew I had developed something special and I knew that it would be a shame if I didn’t share it with the world because I knew just how many people this could help. This is what prompted me to start posting my findings and methods online mainly through YouTube since that’s where I could explain these methods the best. Turns out, there were millions of other people out there who were in the same boat as I once was – frustrated with the distrust in the industry and just looking for “what works”. They loved what I put out and that was the “secret” behind the success of my social media accounts and company, Built With Science. But it’s simple, all I did was shared the truth and that’s all I continue doing to this day!
3. What do you like most about being an influencer?
I love the personal connection you can build with your audience. When I talk to my audience on social media and even when I meet them in person, it’s like we’re family. It’s probably why I get such a strong sense of passion and fulfillment from helping out my audience in any way that I can.
4. In what way has social media changed your life?
I get noticed in public more and more often. I remember the first time someone recognized me in public a couple of years back. It was at the gym. I was shocked and couldn’t believe it, it felt so weird to me. It’s still weird to me now, but I’ve grown to love it. When I meet fans now it’s like we’re family because we’ve already built such a personal connection through social media. We can relate, get along, and joke with each other right off the bat. I love it!
5. What are some of the difficulties of being in the industry?
Obviously, one of the biggest difficulties is being exposed to hate/criticism. It’s one of the downsides of being in the spotlight. No matter how many positive comments I’d read, I used to still get completely bummed out after reading just one negative comment and it would ruin my day. Now, I’ve learned to block that out. It’s a constant struggle but I don’t let that stop me from doing what I love and helping others.
Another difficulty would be not knowing when to “unplug”. Social media can definitely get toxic at times, especially when you’re constantly plugged into it. Learning how to take time away from it, especially when spending time with loved ones, is a constant struggle given that my work is heavily involved with social media.
6. How does your thought process differ when creating content for Instagram versus content for YouTube?
YouTube is my bread and butter. It’s my favorite platform and the platform I dedicate the most time and effort to. It’s where I can be the most informative and deliver the most value in the way I enjoy the most. Instagram just doesn’t provide that same capability for me. Not to mention that my audience is looking for solutions – and most of them head over to YouTube, rather than Instagram, when looking for solutions. So, I treat YouTube as the priority but still use Instagram to share a little more about my personal life and to share short yet informative snippets/previews of my longer YouTube videos.
7. What are your long-term goals for your social media accounts and Built with Science brand?
I’d like to continue growing my platforms and gaining more exposure for Built With Science, as well as continue developing and releasing innovative products and bringing on more talent onto the team. At the same time though, it’s important that I stay true to myself, my core audience, and my values especially as our team continues to grow – especially as we experienced rapid growth and our team grows in size. In an industry full of distrust and misleading information, I want Built With Science to remain the beacon of light and source of truth for people to trust regardless of where the future takes us.
8. When choosing whether or not to work with a brand who wants to work with you, how do you decide? Which brand sponsorship(s) are you most proud of?
I’m extremely picky about this. I look at values. Do the values of the brand align with my values, the values of my customers, and the values of Built With Science? If not, then there’s no way I’d even consider a collaboration with that brand. For that reason, I very rarely do brand sponsorships or collaborations. However, I definitely am open to it if it feels right, and if my audience would truly benefit from it. For example, there’s been a few instances where I’ve personally used products that I genuinely am a fan of, and gladly share that to my audience because I know they’d value it as well. As for sponsorships I’m most proud of, I’m more proud of the extremely knowledgeable researchers I’ve collaborated within some of my videos. I just recently collaborated with world-renowned spinal researcher Dr. Stuart McGill on one of my latest YouTube videos which went great. I’ve always been a huge fan of him and his work, so getting to put out content with him was a big achievement for me.
9. If someone is going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?
Keanu Reeves. I think he best matches my personality. He seems down to earth, calm, collected, yet has a sense of humour as well.
10. What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
I would like to focus on continued growth, awareness, and expansion of our team and product line for Built With Science. I’d also like to start taking up more hobbies, learning new things, and just setting more time aside for myself. Surfing, for example, is something I’ve always wanted to start devoting more time to learning. Traveling and seeing more of the world is definitely another priority of mine!
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
Last good movie I’ve seen: I don’t watch too much TV, but the other night my girlfriend downloaded Disney Plus and played Moana for us. Honestly, it was quite enjoyable!
What do you consider beautiful and why? I find it beautiful when people aren’t afraid to be vulnerable. For example, in the private Built With Science Facebook Group that we created exclusively for members of our training programs, new members are encouraged to post and introduce themselves to a community of tens of thousands of strangers who they don’t know at all. Typically, these new members are quite insecure about their bodies and are lacking in confidence. So the fact that they are able to muster the courage to make that introductory post and expose themselves and their insecurities to a group of people who they don’t even know truly is beautiful to me and is then met with overwhelming encouragement and positivity by our community.
What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? I would love to take my whole family on a trip. Growing up, my parents would always take us on trips around the world – Mexico, Hawaii, the Philippines, etc. I would love to now return the favor and take the time to treat my parents and siblings on a family getaway to somewhere we’ve always dreamt of going yet never had the chance to like Bali, Indonesia! That’s definitely going to be the first thing I do once we’re able to travel again.
Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” Free climb El Capitan (3,000 feet high).
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? I have stretch marks that run horizontally along my back that I got years ago when I first sprouted up as a teenager. They’ve stuck with me since then, and I get asked all the time what they are. I used to be very insecure about it. But now it doesn’t bug me at all, and I wouldn’t change it. I’ve realized that flaws are beautiful. It’s what makes me, and every one, unique. It’s not something to be ashamed of or insecure about.
You can follow Jeremy Ethier via his Instagram account. For workout and nutrition tips, visit the Built With Science YouTube Channel and his official website: Built With Science.
Jason Harris
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