With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re shining the spotlight on one of BodyKore’s powerhouse ambassador couples: Michelle and James Hurst. They’re not just partners in life but also in fitness, business, and everything in between. Their journey together is proof that couples who lift together, stay together!

How It All Started

Michelle and James have been together for 14.5 years, and their love story kicked off in a very Vegas-y way—at a pool party in Sin City! Fast forward to today, and they’ve built a life centered around fitness, entrepreneurship, and, of course, having fun along the way.

Training as a Team

If you think working out with your significant other sounds intense, try training with James! Michelle says they work out together often, but when it comes to challenging each other, he "tries to kill me." Safe to say, there's no slacking allowed in their sessions!

Their home gym is stacked with BodyKore essentials—including the Universal Trainer, Belt Squat and Hip Thrust. For both of them, the convenience of having high-quality equipment at home has been a game-changer and a huge part of their success.

During the pandemic, James said having the Universal kept him sane and in shape, allowing him to exert his built-up energy/anxiety. Further praising BodyKore, he says, "I love how they continue to improve their engineering and come out with new functional equipment."

Balancing Love, Business & Life

As IFBB Pros and business owners, Michelle and James spend a lot of time together, making it easy to prioritize their relationship. Whether it’s traveling, hosting friends, or even a competitive round of miniature golf, they make sure to enjoy life beyond the weights.

But that doesn’t mean they’re always in “fitness mode.” One of the biggest challenges they face as a fit couple in the public eye is that fitness often becomes the only conversation topic. Sometimes, they just want to relax without being asked about macros and muscle-building!

The Kitchen Dynamic

Fitness might be their shared passion, but cooking is James' domain. He takes charge in the kitchen, while dishes are a team effort. Sounds like the perfect balance!

Advice for Other Couples

Not every couple shares the same fitness drive, and Michelle and James have simple advice for those in different workout routines: "Be supportive of each other regardless." No matter the goal, mutual encouragement is key.

Their success—both individually and as a team—comes down to one thing: communication. Whether it’s business, training, or just life in general, they make sure to stay connected and on the same page.

5 Tips for Getting in Great Shape

Want to build strength, stay consistent, and see real results? Take these expert tips straight from Michelle and James:

1. Progressive Overload is Key – Keep challenging your muscles by increasing weight, reps, or intensity over time. Progress = results!

2. Prioritize Compound Movements – Exercises like squats, deadlifts, and pull-ups engage multiple muscle groups, helping you build strength efficiently.

3. Train with Purpose & Intensity – Focus on proper form, controlled tempo, and the mind-muscle connection to maximize gains.

4. Stay Consistent – Great results don’t come overnight. Stick to your plan, trust the process, and keep showing up.

5. Fuel Your Body & Recover Well – Nutrition, hydration, sleep, and stress management all play a huge role in your performance. Take care of your body, and it will take care of you.

Whether you’re training solo or with your partner, these fundamentals will take your fitness to the next level!

What’s Next for Michelle & James?

With Michelle taking time to focus on family after her mother's passing and James working on building even stronger relationships in business and life, 2025 is all about growth, balance, family and friends.

One thing’s for sure—whatever they take on next, they’ll do it together.

Find Michelle on IG: @MichelleIFBBPro. Find James on IG: @ObeyTheBolt.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the fit couples out there—keep lifting each other up, in and out of the gym!

[Photo credit: IG @realdavidart]