Meet Nicholas Valentine
We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicholas Valentine and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicholas, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always believed that there’s no real reward without some type of risk. But the key isn’t to avoid risk—it’s to manage it with discipline, not emotion. In the Marine Corps, we faced high-stakes situations where risk was a given. But we never acted recklessly. We followed critical procedures, assessed the mission, and made calculated decisions based on necessity and logic—not fear or impulse.
That mindset has carried over into every part of my civilian life, especially at F45. Whether I’m designing a workout, leading a team, planning an event, or making staffing decisions, I know that risk is part of the equation. But I also know how to navigate it—how to slow down, evaluate, and make smart calls under pressure. Risk is constant, but with the right systems and mindset, it becomes a tool for progress, not something to fear.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m always excited about what the future holds—because I know how much I’ve already overcome to get here. What sets me apart has always been my work ethic. I’ve never waited for opportunities to come to me—I’ve created them through consistency, discipline, and drive. That mindset has helped me earn promotions and achieve things others gave up on.
But it hasn’t been easy. There were plenty of moments where I felt like quitting. What got me through was a mentality I still live by: there’s no other option but the one you’re working to achieve. That tunnel vision, combined with the lessons I’ve learned—especially patience and humility—has shaped not only who I am, but how I lead and coach.
What I want people to know about me and the F45 brand is simple: this is for everyone. Whether you’re a former D1 athlete, a mom or dad of three, an 80-year-old grandparent, or someone just trying to start a fitness journey—F45 meets you where you are and helps you level up. My story’s still being written, but every chapter is built on grit, growth, and helping others find their own strength.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Start off with some drinks and sushi at Tsukiji Sushi Sen, best sushi in Santa Monica. Then go over to Hinanos for some more drinks and pool. End the night at the house watching Studio Ghibli movie. Over the rest of the week id take them up and down the westside, trying food and drinks, going to F45 for workouts and experience all of then amenities of this coastal paradise!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Major Schuller. He was my Operations Officer during my time at my second unit in the Marine Corps, and he truly embodied what it meant to be a warfighter and a lead-by-example kind of leader. A decorated enlisted infantryman who earned a commission and became a mustang, he brought a rare mix of grit, humility, and strategic thinking to every situation.
Major Schuller didn’t just preach leadership—he lived it. Watching how he operated under pressure, how he took care of his Marines, and how he held the standard made a lasting impact on me. I still carry his example into every room I walk into—whether it’s leading a team at F45, coaching on the floor, or managing behind the scenes. He deserves a lot of credit for shaping not just the Marine I was, but the person I continue to strive to be.
Website: https://f45training.com/studio/santamonicamainst/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nick_valentine96
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