Coach Josh Wood is a Hobart fitness educator with more than 15 years of experience as a competitive powerlifter, combat sport athlete, wilderness and hiking guide, and a dad.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I was raised in the American Midwest, and grew up in Minnesota where the winters last for seven months and temperatures regu­larly reach -40c. Luckily, I emigrated to Australia in 2008 and settled in Tasmania in 2018 to raise a family.

Tell us a bit about what you do.

I run an online personal training business that specialises in helping busy parents and professionals become strong for life, so that they can do what they love to do as long as they love to do it.

Tell us about your motto, “Strong for Life,” and how that shapes your perspective on fitness.

Strong for Life means being capable of taking on all of life’s adventures. It’s about being able to say ‘yes’ to new challenges, staying active, and increasing your healthspan so that you can kick ass well into your golden years.

What is one thing about being a fitness coach you wish more people knew?

Honestly, the biggest part of the job is creating solutions. Everyone has unique challenges in their life and it’s my job to help you overcome those so that you can make your health and fitness a priority – which in the end makes life easier and more enjoyable.

What are your tips for busy parents wanting to start their fitness journey?

My number one tip is do the smallest thing first. Too often we get stuck in analysis paralysis. We think there are a million things we have to do to be fit, and it causes many people to just not start. The best thing you can do is take the smallest possible step first, and do that until it’s no longer an effort. For many people, that’s as small as walking for 10 minutes after every meal. That’s 30 minutes a day, three and a half hours a week, and 182 hours a year. That’s life changing, and it starts with 10 minutes.

Last year, you gave a talk at TEDxHobart about eating like an adult, available on YouTube. In brief, how can one start to eat like an adult?

The absolute most important aspect to eating like an adult is coming to understand that your future is created by the decisions you make today. To eat like an adult is to make conscious decisions around your food, and take ownership of the outcomes. This is important not just for you but also for your kids and those that are learning from you.

Who do you admire?

The people I admire most are those that see adversity as an opportunity. People who overcome challenges to make something of them­selves are always admirable. These can be business owners, parents, artists, or anyone really. I don’t have one person in mind, because there are so many people in daily life that I admire.

Favourite podcast or tv show?

I don’t watch a lot of TV (or listen to a lot of podcasts), but I’m a big fan of animation and love Avatar the Last Airbender. Yes, it’s a ‘kids show’ but it’s one of the best examples of storytelling in modern television.

Secret vice?

Not sure it’s a secret, but I’m a big fan of coffee. It’s a daily must-have, and I can be a bit of a snob.

What are you reading now?

The Book of the New Sun quadrilogy by Gene Wolfe.

Do you have any pets?

I have a bunch of chickens, and this year they hatched a bunch of chicks!

What was your first job?

My parents ran a gourmet beverage and coffee wholesale business when I was growing up. I went to tradeshows and worked in the ware­house from when I was 11 or 12.

What are your daily news/social media habits?

I’m active on Instagram and get most of my news through pages like Ground News. I’ll check in on what is happening in the world on most days.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Imago, Elizabeth Street.

Lunch: Anywhere that has a good Reuben sandwich. I think The Lobby is the top right now.

Dinner: Big Henry’s food van – the best poutine in town!

Dream holiday destination?

I would LOVE to explore Scandinavia or Sweden.

Favourite Tasmanian secret?

It wouldn’t be a secret if I told you! But seriously, any place with big trees is a favourite.

Parting words?

Practice gratitude each day. Be grateful for where you are and what you have. That’s a game-changer.