Who is Joe Wicks?

Joe Wicks, affectionately known as The Body Coach, has become one of Britain’s most recognizable fitness personalities. Born Joseph Trevor Wicks on September 21, 1985, in Epsom, Surrey, England, he transformed from a struggling personal trainer into a household name who inspired millions to embrace healthier lifestyles. His journey from handing out flyers at train stations to becoming a fitness icon demonstrates that dedication and authenticity can lead to extraordinary success.

Joe Wicks

The Body Coach

Biography Information
👤Full Name	Joseph Trevor Wicks
🎭Known As	Joe Wicks, The Body Coach
🎂Date of Birth	September 21, 1985
📍Place of Birth	Epsom, Surrey, England
🏴Nationality	British
💼Occupation	Fitness Coach, Author, TV Personality, Entrepreneur
🎓Education	Sports Science, St. Mary’s University, Twickenham
💑Spouse	Rosie Jones (m. 2019)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Children	4 (including Marley and Indie)
🏠Residence	Richmond, London, UK
📅Active Years	2009 – Present
🎖️Notable Honor	MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) – 2020
🏆Guinness World Record	Most viewers for a fitness workout livestream (955,185) – 2020
📺TV Shows	Dragons’ Den, PE with Joe, The Body Coach (Channel 4)
📱Social Media	4.7M+ Instagram followers, 2.7M+ YouTube subscribers
📚Notable Books	Lean in 15 series (The Shift Plan, Shape Plan, Sustain Plan)
🎯Specialty	HIIT Workouts, Quick Healthy Recipes, 15-Minute Meals
💰Business	The Body Coach (Multi-million pound fitness empire)

Early Life and Family Background

Joe Wicks grew up on a council estate in Surrey with his two brothers, Nikki and George. His childhood was marked by challenges that would later shape his compassionate approach to fitness and wellness. His father, Gary Wicks, worked as a roofer but struggled with addiction issues throughout Joe’s youth. Meanwhile, his mother, Raquela Mosquera, a social worker of Spanish and Italian descent, provided stability for the family during difficult times.

These early experiences gave him a unique perspective on mental health and the importance of physical activity as a tool for emotional wellbeing. He attended Blenheim High School and later NESCOT technology college, where he began developing his interest in sports and fitness.

Education and Career Beginnings

Academic Journey

After completing his secondary education, Joe Wicks pursued Sports Science at St. Mary’s University in Twickenham. Initially, he trained to become a PE teacher, envisioning a traditional career path in education. However, his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for direct impact led him to change direction. He qualified as a personal fitness instructor, a decision that would ultimately change the trajectory of his entire career.

Early Career Struggles

Between 2009 and 2014, the Joe Wicks coach we know today was still finding his footing. He worked briefly as a teaching assistant before starting his career as a personal trainer in London gyms around 2009. The beginning was far from glamorous. He launched a bootcamp company called “Rumble in the Park” in 2011 and spent countless mornings handing out flyers at train stations, hoping to attract clients.

Financial struggles, low pay, and frequent rejections were constant companions during these years. At his peak, he worked up to 35 hours per week, which eventually led to burnout. These challenging times taught him resilience and the value of connecting with people on a personal level—skills that would prove invaluable when he later transitioned to digital platforms.

The Social Media Breakthrough

Building The Body Coach Brand

In 2014, everything changed. Joe Wicks launched #TeamLean on Twitter, and his following quickly grew to 10,000 people who resonated with his positive, no-nonsense approach. In January 2014, he started posting 15-second recipe videos on Instagram, creating the now-famous #Leanin15 concept. These quick, accessible recipes showed people that healthy eating didn’t require complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

YouTube Success

The Joe Wicks YouTube channel, “The Body Coach TV,” launched in 2014 and became a game-changer. His first video garnered over 6 million views, proving that people were hungry for approachable fitness content. Today, YouTube Joe Wicks content has accumulated over 2.7 million subscribers and more than 282 million views. His energetic personality, combined with effective workout routines, made fitness feel achievable rather than intimidating.

His Instagram following exploded to over 4.7 million followers, all drawn to his authentic approach and results-driven programs. The Body Coach brand focused on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts and emphasized accessible, quick fitness solutions that fit into busy modern lifestyles.

Business Empire and Digital Innovation

Publishing Success

Joe Wicks recipes became bestsellers when he released “Lean in 15: The Shift Plan” in 2015. The book sold over 900,000 copies and was followed by “Lean in 15: The Shape Plan” (2016) and “Lean in 15: The Sustain Plan” (2016). Multiple additional cookbooks published through 2020 cemented his status as a trusted authority on quick, healthy meals and fitness guidance.

The Joe Wicks App and Digital Products

In 2015, he launched the 90 Day SSS Plan (Shift, Shape, Sustain), offering subscription-based personalized training programs for around £150. The Joe Wicks app provided on-demand workouts and recipes, allowing users to access his guidance anywhere, anytime. The Body Coach website became a hub for selling plans and products, and in 2018, he even launched a kitchenware range.

This multi-million-pound business now employs dozens of staff and has global reach across books, online coaching, and digital products. The Joe Wicks net worth has grown substantially as a result of these diverse revenue streams, though he’s remained committed to making fitness accessible to everyone regardless of their financial situation.

Television Career and Media Presence

Early TV Appearances

Joe Wicks first appeared on television as a contestant on Channel 4’s “The Bank Job” in 2012, long before his fitness empire took off. By 2016, he had his own segment, “Joe Wicks: The Body Coach,” on Channel 4, which ran for 3 episodes as of 2020. He became a regular guest on popular UK shows including “Saturday Kitchen,” “This Morning,” “Good Morning Britain,” “Loose Women,” and “Lorraine.”

Joe Wicks Dragons Den

In January 2025, he made his debut as a guest dragon on BBC’s “Dragons’ Den” (Series 22), bringing his business acumen and fitness expertise to the panel. This Joe Wicks Dragons Den appearance showcased his evolution from fitness coach to successful entrepreneur capable of evaluating other business ventures.

Documentary Work

In October 2025, Channel 4 aired “Joe Wicks: Licensed to Kill,” a documentary where he created a protein bar from legal ingredients he claimed were dangerous. The documentary explored controversial issues within the health and fitness industry, demonstrating his willingness to tackle difficult topics.

Partnerships

He appeared on Apple Fitness+ in January 2024, offering exclusive 10-minute Strength and HIIT workouts with Fitness+ trainers. These partnerships expanded his reach to international audiences and demonstrated his versatility across different fitness platforms.

PE with Joe: The Pandemic Phenomenon

A Nation’s PE Teacher

When COVID-19 lockdowns began in March 2020, Joe Wicks launched free daily live Joe Wicks workout sessions on YouTube starting March 23, 2020. Designed to keep children and families active during an unprecedented time, these sessions made him the “PE teacher to the nation.” The initiative continued for almost one year, ending on March 5, 2021.

Record-Breaking Impact

The impact was staggering. Over 15 million people tuned in within the first week, and videos were viewed over 60 million times in just eight weeks. On March 24, 2020, he achieved a Guinness World Record for most viewers in a fitness workout livestream, with 955,185 concurrent viewers.

Despite earning over £150,000 from the series, he donated all earnings to NHS Charities Together. An additional £200,000 was raised from branded T-shirt sales, all going to support frontline healthcare workers during the crisis.

Training Philosophy: Joe Wicks Exercise Methods

The Workout Approach

Joe Wicks exercise programs focus primarily on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). His sessions are short and effective, typically lasting 20-30 minutes, requiring minimal or no equipment. This accessibility makes his workouts suitable for all fitness levels, from complete beginners to seasoned athletes.

He incorporates core workouts, strength training, and active recovery into his programs. The key principle is consistency over perfection—he encourages people to show up and do what they can rather than pursuing unrealistic ideals.

Joe Wicks Seniors Programs

Recognizing that fitness is for everyone, Joe Wicks seniors programs offer modified exercises that accommodate different mobility levels and physical limitations. These specialized workouts ensure that older adults can safely participate in his fitness revolution, proving that age is no barrier to improved health.

Nutrition and Meal Planning

Joe Wicks meals emphasize high-protein options for fat loss and muscle gain. His signature 15-minute meal preparation focus removes the excuse that healthy cooking takes too much time. He takes an anti-fad diet stance, openly criticizing diet pills, shakes, and quick-fix products that promise unrealistic results.

One popular example is the Joe Wicks chicken pie recipe, which demonstrates how comfort food can be made healthier without sacrificing taste. The chicken pie Joe Wicks created showcases his philosophy: make nutritious food enjoyable and accessible. His approach advocates for home cooking and nutritional education, making healthy eating feel achievable for busy families.

Personal Life

Joe Wicks Wife and Family

Joe Wicks wife, Rosie Jones, married him in June 2019. Together, they’re raising four children, including Marley and Indie. The family resides in Richmond, London, where he balances his demanding career with being a present father and husband. He frequently shares glimpses of family life on social media, showing the authentic challenges and joys of parenting while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Joe Wicks Brother and Family Connections

Joe Wicks brother, along with his other sibling, remain part of his close family circle. His experiences growing up with his brothers on a council estate influence his commitment to making fitness accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Clearing Up Confusion: Pete Wicks vs Joe Wicks

Are Pete Wicks and Joe Wicks Related?

A common question people ask is: are Pete Wicks and Joe Wicks related? The simple answer is no. Is Pete Wicks related to Joe Wicks? Despite sharing the same surname, Pete Wicks and Joe Wicks have no family connection. Pete Wicks is a reality TV personality known for appearing on “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE), while Joe Wicks is the fitness coach and Body Coach founder.

The confusion is understandable given their shared last name and British fame, but are Joe Wicks and Pete Wicks related? No, they are not. Are Joe and Pete Wicks related? No family ties exist between them. Is Joe Wicks related to Pete Wicks? Definitively not—they simply happen to share a common surname.

The EastEnders Connection

Joe Wicks EastEnders Character

Another source of confusion involves Joe Wicks Eastenders. There was a character named Joe Wicks on the BBC soap opera “EastEnders,” but this is entirely separate from the fitness personality. The Eastenders Joe Wicks character appeared on the show from 1996 to 1997, portrayed by actor Paul Nicholls.

What happened to Joe Wicks in Eastenders? The character left Albert Square after a dramatic storyline. However, this has nothing to do with the real Joe Wicks, the Body Coach. The coincidence of names occasionally causes confusion online, but they are completely unrelated—one is a fictional television character, the other is a real-life fitness entrepreneur.

Charitable Work and Advocacy

Major Fundraising Efforts

Beyond his business success, he has demonstrated remarkable commitment to charitable causes. In November 2020, he completed a grueling 24-hour workout challenge that raised over £2 million for Children in Need. This extraordinary effort earned him a Gold Blue Peter Badge and showcased his dedication to using his platform for good.

Patronage and Community Impact

In June 2021, he became Patron of The Amber Foundation, a youth homeless charity. This role reflects his understanding of how difficult circumstances can affect young people’s futures. He regularly donates fitness equipment to schools and community centers, advocates for children’s fitness and mental health resources, and promotes nutrition education and cooking skills for families.

His passion centers on making healthy living accessible regardless of background—a mission rooted in his own experiences growing up on a council estate.

Recognition and Awards

National Honors

In 2020, he was appointed MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the Birthday Honours for his services to fitness, mental health, and charity. This recognition from the British government acknowledged his significant contribution to national wellbeing, particularly during the pandemic.

Additional Accolades

His Guinness World Record (2020) for most viewers in a fitness workout livestream remains a testament to his unprecedented reach. He received the Broadcasting Press Guild (BPG) Jury Prize (2021) for “PE with Joe,” and earned an Honorary Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Science from St. Mary’s University (2022), followed by an honorary degree from Loughborough University (2024).

He was named in the Top 10 of Glamour UK’s “100 Sexiest Men” list (2017), recognized as one of Forbes’ top influencers worldwide, and honored as YouTube’s number one trending and breakout creator of the year.

Controversies and Public Discussions

ADHD Comments

In 2024, he sparked controversy by claiming ADHD is caused by diet. This statement met with criticism from health professionals who pointed out that ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with genetic and neurological factors. The incident highlighted the responsibility that comes with having a large platform and the importance of staying within one’s area of expertise.

Industry Criticism

His “Licensed to Kill” documentary in October 2025 explored health and fitness industry issues by creating a protein bar from legal ingredients he claimed were dangerous. This work demonstrated his willingness to question industry practices and advocate for consumer safety, even when it might be controversial.

Legacy and Lasting Influence

Transforming the Fitness Industry

Joe Wicks transformed the fitness landscape with his social media-first approach. He made fitness accessible and fun for millions, pioneering quick, effective home workout content that influenced how fitness coaching is delivered digitally. His success proved that authenticity and genuine care for others could build a massive global audience.

Cultural Impact

He became a household name in the UK and internationally, demonstrating the power of social media for fitness education. His ability to adapt during the pandemic showed the importance of flexibility and innovation. He inspired healthier lifestyles across all demographics and proved that success can come from humble beginnings.

From struggling personal trainer to MBE recipient, from council estate kid to multi-millionaire entrepreneur, his story resonates because it feels achievable. He didn’t rely on expensive equipment, exclusive gym memberships, or complicated nutrition plans. Instead, he showed that positive energy, consistency, and simple, effective methods could change lives.

Conclusion

The journey of Joe Wick (as some misspell Joe Wicks) or Joe Wickes (another common misspelling) exemplifies how passion, persistence, and authenticity can create extraordinary impact. Whether people discover him through searching “who is Joe Wicks,” stumbling upon his recipes, or joining his workout sessions, they find someone genuinely committed to improving lives.

His empire spans books, digital products, television appearances, and charitable initiatives, yet he remains grounded in the simple mission that started it all: helping people feel better through movement and nutrition. In an industry often criticized for unrealistic standards and empty promises, he stands out as someone who genuinely cares about making fitness accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyone.

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