At Tempo, we aim to empower our entire community to find the strongest versions of themselves—through thoughtfully designed content, artificial-intelligence-powered form correction, and of course strength training itself.
With that, we're incredibly excited to introduce a new member of the Tempo coaching team who will help us further this goal. A former high school teacher, certified personal trainer, and physique competitor, Coach Jonathan Ibrahim will be responsible for further elevating strength training on Tempo. With Jonathan as your coach, you'll learn the ins and outs of every movement, experiment with different timing, tempo, and weight structures, and focus deeply on building muscle and strength.
With on-demand classes, a debut strength training program, and more on the way, we pulled Jonathan away for a quick Q&A to get to know him a bit better.
Q: Jonathan, we're so excited to have you here! Please tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into fitness.
Fitness began for me in high school where I started weightlifting as a class. I immediately fell in love with it and kept weightlifting after the class was over. Before I started fitness, I was extremely insecure, unsure of myself, and afraid to challenge myself. After discovering strength training, I saw my potential, and I saw failure as just a learning experience to do better or do different next time.
My inspiration to get into fitness professionally came from my desire to become someone great! Though weightlifting in and of itself doesn’t make one great, it placed me in the mindset to want to achieve greatness at all costs. I am willing to risk being outside my comfort zone.
Q: Awesome. It's clear you're passionate about fitness. Can you tell us more about your fitness background?
I am a certified personal trainer, and I have a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition. I’m also certified in Kettlebell work as well as trigger point therapy for any injury management and prevention.
Previously, I ran cross country and track during high school, and I participated in CrossFit in my early fitness career until I finally fell into professional bodybuilding where I compete at least once every year or so.
Q: You've certainly spent a lot of time learning so much about fitness! Now that you're a coach, how would you describe your teaching style?
My teaching style is very biomechanically focused. Instead of worrying about completing the movement just to complete it, I focus on the intention placed on the movement, and where the body and limbs should be from start to finish. This allows for proper muscle recruitment and the inevitability of becoming stronger.
Q: Love that—we're all about proper form around here. As you'll be focusing a lot on strength training, why do you think it's so important to incorporate this type of strength training into your fitness routine?
It is important for members to incorporate this style of training because it allows for your body's ability to function as it was intended to. This style is about focused contractions and nuanced movement cues to help build specific muscle strength and overall body strength.
Q: How will this strength help our members in their daily lives?
It allows members to become more confident in themselves and become more knowledgeable. It opens up a whole new world of information they can share with family and friends of all ages, and being strong will make everyday tasks feel that much easier.
Q: Couldn't agree more. As our community is formed of such different people, what's your advice for Tempo athletes who may be struggling with or are new to strength training?
My simple advice is to be patient with yourself. Do not be overzealous with your goals because the number on a bar or in a journal won’t hold value if you don't perform the movement well. Take your time.
Q: Great advice. We promise we're almost done. Can we ask, why did you decide to join the Tempo team?
Fitness has always been my passion, and I wanted an opportunity to spread my knowledge and passion with as many individuals as possible. Tempo gave me that chance and that platform.
Q: And what are you looking forward to the most? What do you want to accomplish here at Tempo?
I am looking forward to creating new, fun workout programs that I can share with everyone. These classes and programs are workouts that I have personally tested, and I'm excited for people to experience them. Beyond that, I aim to help members advocate for their own goals on and off the mat.
Q: Finally, now that you're part of the awesome coaching team, what’s your first impression of your fellow coaches?
They’re a great group of people! Amazing, fun, and energetic. They made me feel welcome on my first day.
You can now find Jonathan's classes on your Tempo. Simply filter for Jonathan in your Classes tab. You can also join Jonathan's first program, 3 Week Gain Strength: Heavy Lifting, from your Programs tab. Connect with Jonathan in our Official Facebook Community and follow him on Instagram.
