We all want to be healthy, but the journey to get there can be long and arduous. Tamara Jackson, “Coach Tam”, owner of 265 Point Total Fitness, finds it to be her mission to break down barriers between individuals and their fitness goals. Tamara speaks from experience, having undertaken her journey to fitness a few years ago.
In addition to being a coach and business owner, Tamara is also an author. Her book, 265 Point, is described as “authentic, honest, and encouraging”, and chronicles her journey back to health after gaining 100 pounds. The story highlights her faith, her determination, and her success, which are the inspiration for 265 Point Total Fitness.
The “Point” in the title of her book and the name of the fitness center refers to the point we all reach when we decide we are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Everyone’s weight number may be different, but the sentiment is the same. Coach Tam’s philosophy is that there are three building blocks to making a successful change in your life. First, you need a spiritual connection. Second, you need to experience a change of mind. Third, you need to put in the work and train. This revolutionary approach of integrating mind, body, and spirit, is designed to reach every person who wants to be healthy, even those that feel they may not fit in or may not be successful.
Tamara started her journey to fitness on a personal level. Speaking with individuals and groups while promoting her book, she began to notice recurring commonalities and differences. Wanting to expand her knowledge and ability to serve a diverse population, Tamara received her fitness certification from the American College of Sports Medicine. Expanding on that certification to reach her clients and provide them with mental and emotional strength, she also attained her certification as a Health Coach from the American Council on Exercise. In 2013 she opened 265 Total Fitness in uptown Charlotte, later relocating to Matthews. Tamara is committed to breaking down her clients’ barriers to enjoying good health by understanding that we all know we need to be healthy, we just need to determine why we aren’t doing it…yet.
265 Total Fitness offers group classes that are supportive and fun. These classes start as early as 5:45 a.m. and as late as 7:30 p.m. and provide a consistent environment led by fitness instructors who are knowledgable and who care about the clients. Being in a class with others on the same journey, but maybe at different levels, helps clients to make connections and feel success, increasing the likelihood that they will continue their fitness journey. While results vary, it is not uncommon to lose up to 15 pounds in the first 30 days of the program. Coach Tam also provides one on one coaching programs for individuals in need of extra support in their fitness and nutrition goals.
In addition to the fitness classes, 265 Point Total Fitness also offers Bible Study. The company is Christian based but welcomes individuals from all faiths. For these classes, clients undergo a 30-minute workout followed by a transition to Bible Study where they focus on making connections between mind and body. Continuing with her goal of having clients make lifelong connections, there are also Socials where members bring board games and other activities to enjoy fellowship, build friendships, and enjoy a supportive and fun environment.
Giving back to the community is important to Tamara Jackson. Each quarter, 265 Total Fitness participates in community service projects that give back to the community on a local level.
Tamara fully believes that the right environment and the right support make all the difference in attaining a healthy lifestyle. Mind, body, and soul need to be nourished equally. To that end, Tamara offers four opportunities each month for prospective clients to try 265 Point Total Fitness and see if it will be the right fit for them. Her STRIVE program, in its 7th year of inception, is offered every other Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. and every other Saturday at 7:45 a.m. There is also a current promotion for a free two-week trial. The programs are free of charge and allow individuals to find out what makes 265 Point Total Fitness a truly unique fitness experience.
There is a plaque on the wall at 265 Total Fitness that reads, “Your Race, Your Pace”. It has become the mantra for Tamara and her clients because regardless of where you are in your health and fitness journey, you are welcome at this fitness center. The instructor leads the class, but each individual participates at their own pace and with necessary accommodations. At 265 Point Total Fitness, good health is an attainable goal. There is no judgment, just plenty of support, encouragement, and love.
For more information and to sign up for classes, please visit 265 Total Fitness at 7800 Stevens Mill Road, Suite G, in Matthews. You can also reach them via telephone at 980-368-4265 and on the web at 265point.com
