From creating hit songs to crushing workouts, James Maslow is passion personified. From his days on the Nickelodeon show Big Time Rush to touring the world with the band of the same name, James has always given his all, proving he’s as dedicated as he is talented. Now, James is gearing up to inspire his fans in a whole new way by partnering up with BodyKore and MetPro for the Maslow Moves Fitness Challenge, kicking off January 1, 2025.

With his fourth home gym (cheekily named JimGym 4.0) freshly outfitted by BodyKore at his new home in Tennessee, James is not only on a mission to help his fans kickstart the year with a focus on health, fitness, and self-improvement, but to challenge himself as well.

Road To Fitness

James’s fitness story began with martial arts when his trainer/mentor taught him about weight training. James shares he had gone from a “chubby” kid to a “scrawny” kid, searching for something that would define how he looked and carried himself. He found that in the weight room. “I loved the feeling of it, the results of it, and the discipline of it,” he said. “Twenty years later, and I’m still doing it.”

Over the years, James’ fitness routine has evolved from general weight training to CrossFit to working out with renowned bodybuilders like Mike O’Hearn. But in recent weeks, he has taken more of a scientific approach to training while diving deep into nutrition, thanks to the help of Angelo Poli from MetPro. “I’ve learned more in the last few weeks about my metabolism and how to put on size than ever before,” he shared, adding that Angelo’s training is helping him take his physique from “pretty good” to a steady state of excellence.

No Excuses

For James, fitness is more than a way to stay in shape—it’s vital for his creativity, discipline, and mental health. “Fitness is the single biggest alleviator of stress for me. It allows me to do everything at a higher level,” he says.

With a busy schedule that includes touring, acting classes, and developing new projects, James relies on his home gym for convenience. “Having a home gym buys me back hours in the day. It’s right there—no excuses, which allows for consistency.”

When asked about how he balances it all, James says he has decided that true balance doesn’t exist if you’re striving for greatness. To him, finding balance means settling for mediocrity, and that’s not where he wants to be. He believes in pouring energy and focus into his goals, even if it makes other areas of life harder. It’s a trade-off he says he is willing to make to achieve the level of success he aspires to.

Role Model with a Mission

James recognizes his unique platform and the responsibility that comes with it. He admits he didn’t embrace being a role model in his 20s, but now at 34, he thrives under the pressure. “I love it because it motivates me to be the best version of myself, and whether that should be my responsibility or not, I am completely content with making it my responsibility,” he says.

James hopes the upcoming Maslow Moves Challenge inspires his fans to set their own goals and stick to them. As for his own goals? James is actively building what he calls a “superhero physique,” aiming to add 15 pounds of muscle for potential action star roles and fitness magazine covers. “Why not? The little kid in me still wants it, and I can make it happen,” he says.

The Maslow Moves Challenge: What It’s All About

The Maslow Moves Fitness Challenge created in partnership with BodyKore is designed to be accessible to everyone, no matter where they are in their fitness journey. Starting January 1st, 2025, participants will have access to tailored workouts. They can also opt in for a 30-day trial of MetPro’s nutritional guidance and state-of-the-art app, which James praises for its ease of use.

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you. That’s the mantra on the wall in JimGym 4.0, and it’s the spirit James hopes everyone brings to this challenge.

Join the Movement

The Maslow Moves Fitness Challenge is free to join. Whether you’re new to fitness or a seasoned pro, James wants everyone to jump in and motivate each other to make 2025 their best and healthiest year yet.

Be on the lookout for details coming soon on how to sign up for this exciting fitness challenge!

[Photo by: Justin Schmalholz]