Meet JP Purkey | Personal Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with JP Purkey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JP, what do you attribute your success to?
Honesty. Plain and simple. It doesn’t do anyone any good to promise or claim to know something if you actually don’t. The only thing I do promise to a prospective new client is that I will never BS them. If I were to tell them I can guarantee them success or that I know every question when in actuality I can’t or don’t, it would be the biggest disservice. I never want to appear as something I’m not. The only way to do that is admit when I don’t know something, refer out when I can’t help, or terminate a relationship because there isn’t enough value being brought to that individuals experience. People appreciate honesty and I got into this business because I like to help people.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
You know I never intended to own my own business. I started working for a company and to be honest, I let my ego get the best of me. So I left and and didn’t have a plan. At one point I even thought I wanted to go back to school and realized that was not for me. I had no choice but to take the few clients I had and grow it into a successful business. I got some business cards to hand out and started asking my clients if they knew of anyone that may want to work with me. I used to actually leave cards in different gym’s in my clients’ condo buildings hoping someone would find it and call me. I would scan Facebook community pages, post flyers, and offer free sessions. I didn’t know what I was doing but I didn’t have a choice. Over time I started developing a network of physical therapists that started referring their patients to me once they finished PT. They saw that I have a unique background because of my degree in sports medicine and experience. Athletic trainers are the bridge from injured to return to play. So I’m able to take someone who was injured and get them back to the activities they love. I had found a niche that worked for me and was successful at it. My business steadily grew and I even had opportunities to give presentations, offer community classes, and show fitness in a different light for people.

Then came the time that Patrick and I decided our time in Chicago was over. We wanted to move somewhere that was totally different for us. That’s how we ended up in Boulder. Talk about being worried about my business and going back to square one. It was tough telling my clients. Most of them I consider friends and definitely cried when I shared my news. I’m a sap though so that’s not a surprise for anyone that knows me. I, like a lot of people, doubt themselves, but most of my clients said they wanted to continue training virtually. I honestly couldn’t believe it. I think it speaks to how much I care and how I deliver my training programs. I was so grateful they wanted to continue with me.

We do have a few friends that live in Denver and all of them said I should have no problem in Boulder because of all the athletic/fitness obsessed people here. That was reassuring but I still had to put in the work so I went back to how I started Perpetual Movement Fitness in Chicago, by any means necessary. The one thing that was most beneficial were the Facebook community pages. I got three clients right off the bat and they were so helpful. They started referring me to people and my business has been continuously growing. I found there is a huge demographic here that doesn’t value the outdoor sports like most people think. Which is great because I love working with people just starting out on their fitness journey and teaching them the fundamentals. Another positive, and something I never thought would be possible, is I’m actually looking to bring someone on because it’s getting to the point I wont be able to see everyone and deliver a program to my standard. Which is exciting and terrifying at the same time.

This journey has been filled with uncertainty, success, excitement, and self-doubt. But it’s mine and I’m proud of it. I’ve been able to meet so many people with different backgrounds that’s it’s done nothing but add to my experience. Even though I created PMF out of necessity, it’s ultimately given more back to me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We definitely have to hike the Chautauqua Trail because you can really appreciate the Flatirons from there. Other hikes I would take them on is the Canyon Loop Trail and the Mt. Sanitas Hike for a spectacular view of Boulder. We actually did this trail right when we moved here and it rocked us.

Food wise there are a few places I’d stop for certain reasons. Centro Mexican Kitchen on Pearl has one of the best margaritas. Avery Brewery because of the atmosphere and wings. Then if we want to get a little classy we’ll go to Green Briar Inn. They have a Beef Wellington that is to die for.

One reason I love living here is because of the skiing. Last year we got the Ikon pass so that’s all I know so far. Copper Mountain was my favorite followed by Winter Park. This year we got the Epic pass so make sure to ask me next year!

I wish I could give more but I’m still exploring myself! I have a list of things about a mile long that I want to do. The one thing I appreciate about Colorado is just being outside no matter what the weather. There really is a sense of calmness that washes over you. Even walking our two dogs, Mya and Kali, on random trails is an adventure.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
You know there are so many people who have helped me along this journey. I’ve leaned on friends and the different knowledge they have. My friends mean more to me than they will ever know. However, there are three in mind that I have to recognize. First and foremost my partner, Patrick Everett. He’s had his own success in life that gives me drive to be successful in my own right. He’s helped me navigate some pretty tough situations and celebrated all of my successes. His patience with my craziness is beyond appreciated. Second would be my mentor and friend, Kate Hudak. We met at Indiana University while I was getting my Bachelor’s in Athletic Training and she was getting her master’s. She helped me become a great clinician but also been an a reliable sounding board. She’s helped me launch a virtual program as well as designing my website. Her opinion has helped shape my business, Perpetual Movement Fitness. Last, but definitely not least, is one of my first clients, Jane Browne. After about a year of working together she told me, “You’re an idiot if you don’t know how good you are”. That’s stuck with me and when I’m doubting myself her brash, spitfire voice pops into my head. While we don’t work together anymore she is a dear friend and loyal supporter.

Website: https://www.perpetualmovementfitness.com

Instagram: @perpetualmovementfit

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-purkey-0a907489/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerpetualMovementFit

Image Credits
Kevin Shih