The sooner you stop comparing yourself to others or competing with others the quicker you can focus on your own growth and what you need to do to become your best self.
Richie Van Houten
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Jersey City, NJ
Richie has been in the fitness industry for over 15 years, owning and operating his own gym in Jersey City, NJ. Richie went to James Madison University on a wrestling scholarship and graduated with a bachelors degree in Kinesiology & Sports Management. A former Professional MMA fighter, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt ( NoGi world champ *brown belt) who now focuses on training Professional Fighters & Professional athletes. Recently cornering UFC Champ and #1 female fighter in the world Valentina Shevchenko for her last 4 title defenses. Richie is currently working on opening his new state of the art Gym called CULTR in Jersey City NJ. Which will include Boxing/kickboxing classes, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu , MMA, CrossFit, Strength, Hot Yoga and 3000sq ft Recovery Space.
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10 MINUTES WITH RICHIE
Q: WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR TWENTY-YEAR OLD SELF?
Q: WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM FITNESS THAT HAVE SERVED YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE?
Consistency and Discipline. If you want to improve and or see results, you need to show up and work hard everyday. Same goes for work and relationships. Scheduling my workouts and sticking to them help me mentally win in other areas of life.
Q: WITH ANY NEW MODALITY YOU GET INTO, HOW DO YOU APPROACH IT IN ORDER TO MASTER?
With an open mind and open ears. As a martial artist I love learning new modalities and seeing how the movements and mindset can relate.
Q: WHAT’S THE ONE WORKOUT YOU ALWAYS DREAD? WHAT’S THE ONE WORKOUT YOU ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO? WHY?
Dread long Runs.
Look forward to Jiu Jitsu or MMA sparing. When sparing you can’t think of anything but defending yourself and finding your openings.
Q: WHAT IDEA, PERSON OR BOOK HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL IN YOUR LIFE? WHY?
Too many to name but I always recommend “the miracle morning”. Helps get you into a morning routine that sets you up for success for the rest of the day.
Q: WHY DO YOU PRIORITIZE FITNESS IN YOUR LIFE?
It is my life so it always take priority. I have to much energy and need to get it out someway or Id drive my wife crazy.
Q: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE FAILURE? HOW HAS THAT SET YOU UP FOR LATER SUCCESS?
Wouldn’t say it’s my favorite but definitely a pivotal point in my life. When opening my gym 18years ago. I lost all my start up money in a ponzy scheme (over $125k) at the age of 23 and didn’t have money left to finish build out etc. took a lot to finally get open but lesson I learned was. There are no shortcuts, if you want something only way to get it is through Hard Work!
Q: WHAT’S ON YOUR FITNESS BUCKET LIST?
Checked off marathon so I guess the next would be Ironman!
