Joe Wicks Reflects on Childhood, Success, and Family Life

Joe Wicks, the renowned health and fitness coach, has opened up about his challenging childhood and how it shaped his current life as a successful author and family man. Born in Epsom in 1985, Wicks faced significant hurdles during his formative years, which he now reflects on with a mix of nostalgia and understanding.

Wicks studied sports science at St Mary’s University and began sharing recipes and workouts on social media in 2014 while working as a personal trainer. His Lean in 15 videos quickly gained traction, leading to a bestselling publishing career. During the pandemic, his impact grew further as he hosted daily livestreamed PE lessons, raising over £1 million for charity and earning an MBE for his contributions to health and fitness.

Growing up, Wicks describes himself as a “messy eater,” with his diet largely consisting of ultra-processed foods. He recalls a childhood where his family struggled financially, with much of their resources consumed by his father’s heroin addiction. His mother, who left home at 15, faced her own challenges with mental health, including anxiety and eating disorders.

“Even as an adult, I really struggle to eat junk food in moderation,” Wicks admits, acknowledging the influence of his upbringing on his relationship with food. He describes his childhood home as a place of strictness and cleanliness, where noise was not tolerated. “I was quite on edge, and me and Mum would row a lot,” he says.

His turbulent family life took a toll on his academic performance, with Wicks struggling in subjects like maths and English, though he excelled in physical education. “Movement helped me process what I was feeling,” he shares, noting that running to school became a vital outlet for him.

As he entered his mid-20s, Wicks began running boot camps, determined to be his own boss. “I didn’t want to work in a leisure centre for a tenner an hour,” he explains. His commitment paid off, and he eventually built a successful business, earning around £1,000 a month.

In 2014, Wicks’s social media presence exploded, leading to a book deal. His first book, Lean in 15, sold 1.4 million copies, exceeding all expectations. “I was amazed when it ended up selling so well,” he reflects, highlighting the turning point in his career.

When the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, Wicks quickly devised a plan to engage with families at home. “I’m going to do a live workout on YouTube on Monday and I’ll call it PE With Joe,” he told his brother. Despite suffering a broken hand just before the launch, Wicks persevered, and the first live session attracted nearly a million viewers.

Now, Wicks measures success in terms of stability and connection. “Having nice food, and the heat and gas on; the things that I didn’t experience as a kid,” he states. His family life has shifted dramatically since meeting his partner, Rosie, and becoming a father to four children.

“I’ve done a lot of healing when it comes to my relationship with my parents,” he notes, underscoring the importance of family in his life. He is conscious of the time he spends with them, saying, “It’s my biggest fear, losing my family.”

Wicks emphasizes the necessity of care and love in childhood, reflecting on his own upbringing. “When I look at that picture, I think about the care and love a kid needs,” he says, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned from his chaotic childhood. His experiences have cultivated a deep understanding of the struggles faced by his parents, and he now appreciates the journey they have taken.

As he promotes his latest book, Protein In 15, Wicks continues to inspire others with his story of resilience and transformation. His journey from a chaotic upbringing to a successful fitness mogul serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of nurturing relationships.