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Release Date: 
Monday, April 27, 2020

Former HFC instructor, professional athlete offers virtual fitness classes

HFC alumnus and former instructor Jimi Varner is an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer. He is offering free fitness classes remotely during the pandemic.
HFC alumnus and former instructor Jimi Varner is an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer. He is offering free fitness classes remotely during the pandemic.

During his career, HFC alumnus and former instructor Jimi Varner has wrestled alongside Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He has trained Detroit Red Wings legends Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom, as well as Detroit native and former Cleveland Cavalier Ira Newble, among others. He has appeared on MTV’s I Used to Be Fat and NBC’s The Biggest Loser. He has also written eight fitness books.

“I began going to in-person auditions for roles when they were casting for personal trainers in weight loss reality shows for about two years before finally landing a deal with MTV,” said Varner, of Oakland County. “I worked on The Biggest Loser as a consultant. I was The Biggest Loser‘s Midwest trainer for contestants who were going to the show’s finale and needed to continue losing weight at home.”

“Jimi’s Live Daily Workouts”

These days, Varner, currently a personal trainer for Powerhouse Gym in Novi, is conducting virtual workouts several times a week to help people stay in shape and have an outlet during the current COVID-19 pandemic. They’re called Jimi’s Live Daily Workouts, which air live on Facebook or YouTube Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

“The virtual workouts are free to everyone. No equipment is needed; they’re all bodyweight exercises. There is a donation link for $10 if people would like to support my mission and content. I started these workouts shortly after Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ executive order in an effort to help my clients and followers get a safe and effective workout at home.”

No two classes are the same

Varner noted that no two classes are the same, and they are appropriate for all ages and fitness levels with safe progressions and modifications for each exercise. The virtual workouts are uploaded so they are available to the public immediately afterward and can be done at the most convenient time.

A 1991 alumnus of Fordson High School in Dearborn, Varner graduated from HFC in 1998, earning his associate degree in exercise science. He later attended Wayne State University. Since 1997, Varner has been an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer.

“I believe that anybody with the will to start where they are can make immeasurable improvements to every area of their life,” said Varner. “It doesn't have to be expensive. Trust me, I've trained individuals from all walks of life and every economic condition. I want to encourage anybody who's ready to take control of their health and make their life better to follow me – to just reach out – and I can help you achieve your goals. Let's work together as a community to stay safe and healthy in this pandemic.”

Originally, Varner wanted to become a physical therapist. But after shadowing physical therapists, he realized that personal fitness training was a better fit for his personality and skill set. It also allowed him to bridge the education he received at HFC with some creative liberties essential to a successful career in personal training.

Hanging out with The Rock and Stone Cold

Varner spoke about being a professional wrestler, a sport he discovered when he was 15. After graduating from Fordson, he attended Al Snow’s Bodyslammers Pro Wrestling Gym in Lima, OH. From 1994-2000, Varner was a professional wrestler who went by Jimi V, the Comeback Kid. He competed in the WWF from 1997-99, working alongside Johnson, Austin, Kane, the Blue Meanie, to name a few. He turned down a long-term contract in 1999 to pursue a career in fitness and personal training.

“The insane stunts and year-round travel were taking a toll on me,” he said. “As much as I loved entertaining people, it was best for my long-term health that I stepped away.”

“The most interesting thing about Jimi was discovering that he had become a professional wrestler," said Dr. Carole Sloan, Director, HFC Fitness Leadership program. "This was the antithesis of how I had come to know him as a quiet, studious, devoted, and introverted student. I have followed Jimi’s career over the years and was not surprised at his success and his induction into the Michigan Independent Wrestling Hall of Fame for 2019. His dedication to all he does is reflected by his success in the fitness and health field.”

“Wellness at Work”

In 2007, Varner taught a volleyball and exercise class for HFC faculty and staff. From there, he taught weight training and exercise science. He also rewrote the curriculum for the Fitness Leadership program and was involved in HFC’s “Wellness at Work” program.

“I loved the hometown feel (of HFC), growing up primary in the Dearborn area. I found some great friends in both the staff and fellow students,” he recalled.

It was a hard decision for Varner to leave HFC. At the time, it was becoming increasingly difficult to balance a full-time training business, corporate consulting, speaking at various events, and his TV commitments. On I Used to Be Fat, he served as a personal trainer for high school seniors preparing for college.

“I was the knight in shining armor type, the personal trainer sent to rescue to high school teens and their parents from bad lifestyle habits,” he said.

Helping people improve their lives

When asked what the best part of his job is, Varner laughed and said the answer may sound cliché, but it’s also the truth.

“It’s the opportunity and privilege to help countless people improve their lives and get healthy,” he said. “A healthy body and mind can get you through adverse times like we are currently facing.”

“Jimi Varner is an excellent example of the success a student can achieve as a graduate of the Fitness Leadership program at HFC,” said Sloan. “After graduating from HFC, Jimi taught in the College’s ‘Wellness at Work’ program, helping improve the health and fitness of faculty and staff. I admired Jimi because he was always eager to be involved with activities for Fitness Leadership students and ‘Wellness at Work’ sponsored activities. Since graduating, Jimi has mentored many of our graduates through the College’s internship program. We have been very fortunate to have graduates like Jimi willing to give back to the college.”

For questions about “Jimi’s Live Daily Workouts” or to donate, contact Varner at JimiVarner@aol.com.