Most Struct Club members know Jamilah “Jam” Middlebrooks as their app coach. But behind-the-scenes, Coach Jam has been a nationally competitive runner, racing in the NCAA Division 1 for Georgia Tech. Grab her featured HIIT Burn Run on the Struct Shop.
“What’s the necessary ingredient for a great workout?” you might ask.
A fire playlist that gets you in the mood.
It all started with track and field. I spent over a decade running track and even participated in an NCAA program while in college. Throughout my time as a semi-professional athlete, my pre-race routine mostly remained the same: I played my typical race-day games with teammates, and then every moment leading up to the big race consisted of me relaxing with headphones jammed into my ear. I needed the right music to help fuel my soul and then dominate and shake the nerves. Though my mood was the driving force for the genres I chose, I typically settled on hip-hop, R&B, and sometimes pop.
Music always made me feel comfortable and it never failed to assist me in getting my mind to the places it needed to be.
Jam as a powerhouse student-athlete, all while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering at Georgia Tech.
Let’s fast-forward to now.
I am no longer on a team or constantly in the presence of overachieving student-athletes. I don’t have major fitness milestones that must be achieved to prep me for major meets - it’s just me. And although I still rely on music in my everyday life, especially in fitness, it exists in a much different way - motivation. I need the music to be my competition, coach, and cheerleader to get through the types of intensive workouts that I prefer to do.
Working out to fast-paced music that I really enjoy is simply the only way that I can exercise; so the best, most particular playlists are always key. In a way, you could probably see how this matters now more than ever.
My ingredients for my fitness way of life include a desire to push myself, plus a dash of Drake and Future, a sprinkle of Roddy Rich, a dabble of Doja Cat, and then DaBaby to bring it home.
Check me out on the Struct Shop to get a taste of the secret sauce!
Ready to lace up with Coach Jam? With the right workout set to the right soundtrack, all lights are green. Let’s JAM!