In this energizing and practical episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, Lesley Moffat is joined by fitness expert Jonathan Simos, who shares easy, sustainable strategies for weaving exercise into even the busiest teaching schedule. Jonathan opens up about his journey from injury-prone teenager to Guinness World Record holder and certified trainer—showing how fitness transformed his body, mindset, and life.

Lesley and Jonathan dive into the parallels between building a healthy body and teaching music: mastering fundamentals, staying consistent, and doing things the right way to prevent damage. Whether you are brand new to exercise or struggling to stay consistent during concert season chaos, you’ll walk away with doable tips to improve your physical and mental wellness.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to break down effective full-body workouts into simple, time-saving routines
• Why fitness is a “keystone habit” that benefits every part of your life
• Ways to stay active even when your schedule is packed to the max
• Lesley’s personal push-up journey and how tiny consistent actions lead to transformation
• How to find movement you enjoy—so you’ll actually stick with it

You’ll also hear about Jonathan’s upcoming fitness venture, why coaching matters, and how building strength can help you show up stronger for your students and yourself. This episode is your reminder that taking care of your body isn't selfish—it's essential for a sustainable, joyful teaching career.

Guest Info:

Follow Jonathan on Instagram: @jonathan.simos

Check out his upcoming program and community: neuxist.com