Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Babicka.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Working out with my kids on the beach has opened up a new world. When my son, Prentice, was three months old, I got a Bob double jogger stroller. The first day we went to the beach, I rocked out some burpees and made a video for social media. It’s something that means so much to me that I wanted people to see what I experience so they could feel what I feel. Friends and followers on social media are really inspired. When I run on the street or boardwalk or sand on Miami Beach, I get cheered on by the likes of very religious figures, businessmen and women, to joggers, to garbage men, beach attendants, all walks of life. It feels like I’m breaking some boundaries. What comes so natural to me may not come so natural to other dads…or moms for that matter, but they see it’s possible and they see I mean business while I am simultaneously enjoying myself and my children.
I work out every day (unless there’s just absolutely no way to get it in – very early morning flight and traveling all day or an emergency of some sort). I typically do Barry’s three days a week in Miami Beach or Midtown and do Babeachka with my kids 4 days a week. Missy and I spend the morning with the kids and get them fed and dressed. Prentice is ALWAYS a willing participant unless he’s napping. Layla, on the other hand, can be a challenge! Either she’s into it or not- she may just want to spend time with mommy and not get sandy before school. If not, I pull out every mind trick in the book to have her come with us in our BOB double jogger stroller to most glorious fitness regimen the Universe has ever created. She always ends up enjoying herself. There is nothing better than spending time with my children in nature and do something physical. I may have to entice her with a surprise and new exercise moves. But if she’s unwilling, I don’t push it, it has to be something she wants.
Missy discovered the simple truth that a yoga mat will keep her cleaner and sturdier on the sand, we can expect much more beach fitness from mommy. This a huge draw for Layla. If Layla doesn’t make it, I put two 25 lbs. dumbbells in her place and do weight training on the beach. After my workout with Prentice, I circle back home to scoop her up to take her to school. Both the beach and Layla’s school are in jogging distance (gotta love Miami Beach!). Round trip to the beach and back is about 4 miles. I have weights, bands, mats, jump ropes and all different things in my stroller to work out with, but my favorite is Prentice. So, when he’s not napping in his stroller, we are working out together. He’s a big boy! 35 lbs. now and as he grows the workouts become more intense. I occasionally use him as a weight. The connection is deep and it’s so much fun! My kids are everything to me. EVERYTHING. I have all of the nurturing qualities of a mom. I LOVE to do everything: change diapers, give bottles, baths, feedings, multiple outfit changes for Layla. I do it ALL and all because I want to. My babies are used to me holding them and because of this, they have a trust with me. So when It comes to working out, they are used to it and it enhances our bond. They see my passion and desire to get physical.
Working out is like showering for me, it’s a daily routine. If I don’t do it, I get irritated. So, first and foremost, I am motivated to work out to keep me centered and in good spirits. It just feels so good to work out and lasts me all day long! My family is my biggest motivator. My wife, Missy, who is as insane as I am about working out. It’s what we do. My two, growing fitness motivators, my son, Prentice, and my 5-year-old daughter Layla, push me because I know they are watching my every move. They motivate me to be fit – spiritually, mentally, and physically. My mom and dad are SUPER active and have always excelled in sports and are big motivators. My dad was starting running back for Princeton and he was and is a huge influence in my life. Filming my workouts all me to perform beyond my full potential.
My main goal is to get in as much daddy time every day as humanly possible. Taking care of and spending time with Layla and Prentice, as well as, quality one on one time with Missy is a top priority. I plan my workout accordingly. I’m programmed. My day starts with fitness, revolves around my children and is immersed in work.
I found a way to spend time with my kids and get a badass workout in and have fun. This is HUGE. Work with the Little Lighthouse Foundation is around the clock. This is my biggest challenge. I can work nonstop so I set boundaries. Morning and dinner time is a crucial family time. Family comes first. My team knows that I will always work my ass off and do a great job, but nothing is more important than family.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has! Not yet!
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in producing inspiring beach workout videos with my family in a budgeted time. I am currently working on group fitness for kids. My wife, Missy, and I (and kids just instructed our first workout for 19 students from Homestead with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami at South Point Park. We will be doing them monthly for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. I am getting a huge response from close mom and dad friends that have kids. My wife and I just did our first Babeachka Recess Takeover at my daughter’s school and will commence with other Miami schools when the school year starts up. The teachers are very appreciative of that we are tiring them out during lunchtime I am most proud that I can share the solution to spend quality time with kids in nature and get in a phenomenal workout while having a full-time career. I am the Executive Director of the Little Lighthouse Foundation and a devoted dad to my two kids and husband to my wife.
The best compliments come from close friends. Not one compliment in particular. Telling me that I am an inspiration and that I motivate someone is such an incredible reinforcement. My Miami mom and dad friends are very, very supportive and tell me how good it is for the kids. Supporters of the Little Lighthouse Foundation are supporters of my fitness regimen- at our last fundraiser, it was the number one conversation piece. I receive a very positive response from my social media community and compliments that have really blown me away. I was inspired to keep inspiring and I continue to create videos and share my story in hopes that they will work out having no excuses.
Is there something we can do as a city to improve the outlook for businesses like yours?
Miami Beach is one of the best places to experience God’s miraculous creation and the most picturesque landscape for creating inspiring fitness videos and enjoying quality time with your family. I am deeply connected to water. Aren’t we all? It’s in our makeup. I am at one with the ocean, our most gorgeous light blue ocean, the ocean air, the flow of the waves, the sand, the rocks, the sky, the sun, the clouds. It’s heavenly. I love the beach and whenever I’m on the beach anywhere in the world, I get physical. There’s nothing like working out in nature. The high that I get from being with my kids plus the high from nature, plus the high from working out is a dopamine overdose.
I work out on the rocks on Miami Beach! I cannot tell you how many people have no idea where we shoot our workout videos! Just remember “30 ROCK” and you will find it! It’s a stretch of beautiful rocks on the beach behind the Faena Hotel stretching to behind the Edition Hotel (32nd Street to 29th Street on Miami Beach).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Babeachka.com
- Email: Jonathan@Babeachka.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/babeachka
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/babeachka
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/babeachka
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/JonathanBabicka
Image Credit:
PhilNice Creative
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
