Los Gatos, California
Jason Khalipa is many things: an athlete, a champion, a philanthropist, an innovator, and, most of all, a father. His introduction to the fitness world was working at the front desk of a conventional gym. Soon he found himself in the world of Crossfit, training his way to the CrossFit Games, where he became champion in 2008.
After winning the Games, his focus and his philosophy shifted. He founded NCFIT to change how people think about fitness – focusing on daily effort and movement instead of body composition or winning titles. This intense focus on consistent effort would echo into the other parts of his life when Jason and his wife committed to their daughter's cancer recovery. Jason wrote a book about their story and now hosts regular blood drives to raise money for families dealing with childhood cancer. Jason’s life outside of his successful fitness career revolves around his family. He enjoys starting the day with a walk with his daughter before school to bring that principle of movement into her life.
He dives headfirst into whatever his children take an interest in, helping them find intentional movement, and wants them to take comfort in the outdoors. We hope to be more like Jason and keep moving day after day.
What goes through your head when you first wake up in the morning?
I try to evaluate first thing in the morning. What can I do that day to reach my potential as a family man, businessman, and athlete? Regarding workouts, I constantly remind myself to put out my best effort and not have regrets later on about how I could have performed.
Where is your favourite place to train?
I like to take classes at our NCFIT gyms and work out with my family in our garage.
Tell us a favourite story from a day out in the wild.
My favourite stories have shifted from competition days in CrossFit to spending time with my children and sharing the benefits of fitness. My daughter and I walk each morning before school; the connection we make and the benefit of movement to start the day are something I’ll remember forever.
Is there any love-hate relationship with any aspect of what you do? Can you describe what that is?
I’ve seen tremendous benefits from my workouts when I push myself to the limits of my abilities. These benefits aren’t only physical but mental as well. The challenge becomes getting yourself to that place. The fitter you get, the more it hurts.
What sound or noise do you love?
What sound or noise do you love?
Crack of a freshly built fire.
What would be your day job if you weren’t doing what you are currently doing?
Roast coffee, make beer, and cook barbecue.
