Justin Watson
Super Bowl Champion, Justin Watson established Studio Physique Athletic Club in July 2004. Born in Bronx, New York, but raised in Pasadena California, Justin was a star running back at Marshall Fundamental High School. He became the first athlete in the high school’s history to earn a football scholarship to a Division I college, San Diego State University. Justin played three seasons at San Diego State before signing as a free agent with the Saint Louis Rams.
During his rookie year, the Rams played and defeated the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV. Justin describes playing in the Super Bowl as an incredibly surreal experience. Because it was not a “shut out” game, it was particularly exhilarating. Justin and the Rams had to especially “be on their game” in order to ensure victory. Justin equates the feeling of playing such a close and significant game with constantly holding your breath in anticipation of the outcome - a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can never be duplicated.
After playing three successful seasons for the Rams, Justin retired from the NFL in 2001. Unlike some others who retire from the NFL with no specific aspirations, Justin knew that he possessed a gift to motivate people – in their fitness goals and otherwise. Working with world-renowned coaches, trainers and athletes, Justin learned what it takes to motivate and inspire others to reach maximum fitness levels. Using this knowledge, he led training sessions for the team and was constantly solicited for fitness tips and advice. He knew that he could use this gift after the NFL and beyond.
Justin started Studio Physique with the goal of assisting young men and women achieve their athletic goals. His focus was to provide a training center for youth with professional athletic aspirations. Since such a facility was not available when Justin began his athletic career, he felt that young athletes could greatly benefit from the knowledge and experience he gained in the NFL. After successfully leading many youth programs, Justin decided to expand his client base by opening up his gym to people of all ages.
Although there are many personal trainers in Los Angeles, Justin’s approach to fitness is unique from others. He takes into account every aspect of the person’s life to help him/her achieve their fitness goals. Balancing all components of life, he believes, aids in overall health and wellness. Learning and teaching his clients about how to achieve balance has led Justin to learn about and incorporate different techniques of fitness. Mutual respect and the ability to recognize the individual needs of his clients allow Justin to coach them to success.
The question that Justin is asked most by people beginning to workout is “how long will it take for me to see changes in my body?” The answer remains the same – it depends on two things: the person’s current fitness level and the person’s commitment to getting in shape. Justin believes that once a person reaches a level of fitness where s/he is able to execute a program that will truly change the body, it will happen however there must be a commitment in order for the person’s fitness goals to be achieved.
During these difficult times, Justin is particularly cognizant of rising stress levels of his clients. Because of his close relationships with his clients, Justin recognizes when someone is experiencing higher than normal levels of stress and modifies workouts to address/alleviate some of this stress.
As Studio Physique continues to grow and expand, Justin’s continued dedication, motivation and teamwork allows for many great endeavors in the future.