Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Christopher.
Hi Jamie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story didn’t start in a gym — it started with a realization about self-worth. For over 12 years I worked in education, pouring myself into others and trying to balance life, work, family, and what I thought was “success.” But after years of trying to manage stress and keep everything going, I reached a point where I knew I needed to care for me first. That decision would change everything.
I began seeing a therapist, and through that work I learned something vital: if I don’t take care of myself — emotionally, mentally, and physically — I can’t show up fully for others. That shift in mindset led me to truly choose myself — and that became the foundation for iChoseMe.
iChoseMe started as a personal statement — a reminder that I deserved the same love and care I gave to everyone else. It grew into a movement focused on self-love, self-responsibility, and doing what’s best for yourself without guilt. iChoseMe is about encouraging others to value their worth, take care of their wellbeing, and pursue their passions — mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Around the same time, I discovered something else that healed me: movement. Exercise became my stress reliever and my passion — a space where I felt energized, confident, and free. That passion, combined with my background in leadership and education, motivated me to take it a step further. I wanted others in my community to feel that same joy — where fitness becomes fun, not a chore.
That’s how iCM Fitness came to be. The name even stands for iChoseMe Fitness — a fitness experience rooted in joy, community, and empowerment. Our goal is simple: offer group fitness classes driven by music, where people have so much fun with others that they forget they’re even working out. It’s about moving together, losing weight, reducing stress, making friends, and feeling inspired.
Today, iCM Fitness continues to grow — with classes like Xtreme Hip Hop and community events that bring people together to move, laugh, and support one another. What started as a personal journey of self-care and self-love has become a place where others can discover their strength, find community, and choose themselves every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
September 3, 2022 will always be one of the best days of my life. The grand opening of iCM Fitness Studio wasn’t just the launch of a business — it was the culmination of a year of faith, persistence, prayer, and perseverance. Almost one year to the day after signing the lease, the doors finally opened. That day was filled with joy, gratitude, and an overwhelming sense that I had stepped fully into my purpose.
But the truth is, getting there wasn’t easy — and neither was what came after.
Behind that celebration were countless roadblocks, delays, financial strain, and labor pains. I financed everything myself, believing deeply in the vision and trusting that if I stayed faithful and consistent, it would all work out. For 14 months, I carried the studio on my own — emotionally, physically, and financially.
Eventually, reality set in. Despite the passion, the community, and the love poured into the space, the income simply wasn’t enough to sustain it. Making the decision to close the studio was one of the hardest moments of my journey — especially after such a powerful beginning.
For someone who had gone over 20 years without credit cards, this season forced me into unfamiliar territory. I took on debt trying to keep the dream alive — something I never expected and never planned for. It was humbling. It was heavy. And at times, it tested my confidence and faith.
But even in that struggle, I remain deeply grateful for the journey. The studio taught me lessons I could not have learned any other way — about resilience, humility, adaptability, and redefining success. I learned that choosing yourself doesn’t always mean things go as planned, but it does mean honoring growth, trusting the process, and continuing forward even when the path changes.
Throughout this journey, I am endlessly grateful for my biggest supporters. My husband, Drew, has been my rock — believing in me from day one and standing by my side through every high and low. My son, whose pride and joy keep me motivated, has been a source of inspiration every step of the way. And to the community, friends, family, and clients who showed up, both in person and in spirit, your support meant everything. Even those who doubted me also played a role in my growth, and for that, I am grateful.
The studio may have closed, but the purpose did not. That chapter didn’t defeat me — it strengthened me. And it reaffirmed the message behind iChoseMe: sometimes choosing yourself means letting go, learning, and rising again — wiser, stronger, and more aligned than before.
Again, I am deeply grateful for the incredible support from my husband, Drew, my son, and the entire community — from friends and family to clients and the instructors that believed in mu vision. THANK YOU ! Your encouragement and belief in me have been the backbone of this journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Professionally, I am a group fitness instructor, wellness advocate, and community builder. I am the founder of iCM Fitness and the creator of the iChoseMe brand — both rooted in the belief that choosing yourself is not just important, it’s essential. My work blends movement, music, mindset, and community to help people care for their bodies while also nurturing their mental and emotional wellbeing.
I specialize in high-energy, music-driven group fitness, including step-based formats such as Xtreme Hip Hop and Xtreme Burn. My classes are known for being fun, welcoming, and empowering — spaces where people of all fitness levels can show up as they are, feel supported, and leave feeling stronger and more confident than when they arrived.
What many people don’t see is how much of this journey has been supported by my family. My husband, Andrew, has been by my side since day one — supporting my vision, standing in the background when needed, and believing in me even during the seasons when things were uncertain. His unwavering support has been one of the greatest blessings in my life and career.
I am also incredibly proud to be a mother. My son is one of my greatest accomplishments and my daily motivation. Everything I do — every risk I take, every lesson I learn, and every step forward — is rooted in showing him what perseverance, faith, and resilience look like in real life.
What I am most known for is making fitness accessible and enjoyable, especially for those who may have felt disconnected from traditional gym spaces. I don’t just teach workouts — I create experiences that encourage stress relief, confidence-building, and self-belief through movement and music.
What I am most proud of is the community I’ve built — people who continue to show up for themselves, support one another, and grow together. I’m proud that even through challenges, including closing my studio, I stayed true to my mission and continued to evolve rather than give up.
What sets me apart is my authentic, purpose-driven approach. My journey hasn’t been perfect, and I don’t pretend it is. I lead with honesty, heart, and real-life experience. I believe fitness should feel good, self-care should feel empowering, and success should be measured by impact — not just titles or spaces.
At the core of everything I do is a simple message: choose yourself, move with joy, and trust the journey — even when it doesn’t look the way you imagined.
In addition to running iCM Fitness and iChoseMe, I also work at Target, where I continue to develop leadership, operational, and people-management skills. Balancing a corporate role alongside entrepreneurship has taught me discipline, adaptability, and the importance of building sustainable dreams.
Prior to this chapter, I spent over 12 years in education, where I developed a passion for mentoring, motivating, and helping others grow — skills that now show up daily in my fitness classes and community work.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans are rooted in growth, sustainability, and purpose. While the journey hasn’t looked exactly the way I imagined, it has given me clarity about what truly matters — impact over image, community over perfection, and progress over pressure.
I plan to continue expanding iCM Fitness by focusing on group classes, community partnerships, and accessible fitness experiences that meet people where they are. Rather than rushing back into owning a physical space, my goal is to grow intentionally — building strong relationships, consistent programming, and opportunities that allow both the business and the community to thrive.
With iChoseMe, I plan to further develop the brand as a message and movement centered on self-worth, resilience, and self-care. This includes expanding merchandise, sharing my story through speaking opportunities, and creating spaces — both online and in person — where people are reminded that choosing themselves is powerful and necessary.
On a personal level, my future plans include continuing to grow as a leader, wife, and mother — modeling perseverance, balance, and faith for my family. I’m committed to doing the work, staying flexible, and trusting that each season brings new purpose.
Most importantly, I plan to keep showing up — for myself, for my community, and for the vision — one step, one class, and one choice at a time.
Pricing:
- $10 per class
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays at 7pm
- Averaging 12 class per month
- Monthly plan of $99 per month availabe
Contact Info:
- Website: https://icmfitness.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icm.fitness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icmfitness
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@icmfitness
