Summer is around the corner, and as Drake once said, it’s time to start wearing less and going out more. But beyond how you look in your clothes, physical fitness has a deep impact on your mental health and overall well-being.
That’s exactly the mindset Jeff T. Blue lives by. As co-founder and director of fitness at TRAPHAUS—a Black-owned NYC-based Pilates studio that blends trap and house music—Blue believes movement is our superpower. It’s how we move through the world, and how we move toward the life we want.
His motto, #OnPurposeWithPurpose, is all about aligning your actions with your dreams. “I tell people all the time, if your feet are standing still—if your feet are cemented where they are—then you’re not really going anywhere,” Blue tells GU. “Your mind can take you but so many places. Your feet have to follow.”
How do you even begin?
For those looking to start their fitness journey, Blue recommends something simple: look outside. “Open your window. That’s where the inspiration starts,” he says. As the weather gets warmer, build movement into the activities you already do every day. Instead of hopping on the bus or train, try walking your route. You’ll be surprised how much shifts just by putting one foot in front of the other.
“You’ll see so many beautiful things. You’ll see different people. You’ll see different cultures,” Blue says. “That’s the beautiful part of just getting outside—seeing your neighborhood, seeing what the day has in store for you. [You’d] be surprised. You might walk right into your blessing.”
When it comes to setting goals, Blue is all about keeping it real. Whether you’re trying to tone your body, lose weight, gain it, or just become more active, don’t expect results overnight. “I think that that’s the hardest part for most people—we tell ourselves we want to do these things, but we forget how much actually goes into it. Or we just don’t know,” he says.
Instead of focusing on the end result, focus on becoming the best version of yourself—one small step at a time. “A win is a win,” Blue reminds us. “Sometimes, that’s all we need to put a smile on our face and keep us going.”
It’s not just about goals—it’s about community. Blue emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who understand the journey you’re on. “Sometimes what you need is just somebody who sees your vision and understands,” he says. “Sometimes people just need somebody else to push them as well.”
As you map out your summer plans, don’t just chase the idea of a ‘summer body.’ Instead, craft a summer mindset—one that centers consistency, joy, and purpose. Because when you move with intention, everything else begins to fall into place.