Project Summer: Meet Les Mills Celebrity Instructor Adam Bramski

This Les Mills celebrity instructor admits he’s shy and failed gym class—and got so much stronger.

This summer, we’re bringing you inspiration from some of the top celebrity fitness teachers and athletes and sharing their summer workouts, power songs and more. Adam Bramski is a top Les Mills instructor who travels the world—and still teaches. Read on to find out why thousands of people follow him for inspiration in the studio and on social media. Your dream summer starts here.

24Life: What’s your go-to source for inspiration?

Adam Bramski (AB): My mom. She’s on her own fitness journey and hearing about her small victories throughout the day keeps me dialed in. She always knows exactly what to say or do to make me feel better—it must be a “mom thing.”

24Life: What do you teach? Why the formats you like?

AB: I teach a ton of programs from Les Mills to TRX to Water. The two formats that I love the most are BODYPUMP and BODYATTACK. Weight training is my passion and doing it to really good music in BODYPUMP gives me the best of both worlds. The energy and intensity in BODYATTACK feed my soul—it’s an endorphin rush you can’t describe. The best part is watching your class do things they never thought they could do. That glimmer of confidence they have in their eyes lights me up every time.

24Life: Why is fitness so important to you?

AB: I never played sports growing up. In fact, I failed gym class. Exercising has given me so much mental strength and confidence. Some principles you learn in the gym like “pushing yourself further than you thought,” “hanging on even when it gets really tough” and “embracing failure” can be applied outside of the gym. It’s made me a stronger person not only physically, but mentally.

24Life: What is your ideal workout (in 24 minutes or less)?

AB: My ideal workout is something I can do at the gym or on the road. Short, intense and effective. We all struggle with limited time and sometimes limited equipment so bodyweight HIIT training tends to be my go-to when I’m on the road.

24Life: What’s your greatest passion, outside of the work that you do?

AB: My 2-year-old niece, Ruby. We have the same birthday and share such a special bond. She LOVES “exercising.” I play BODYPUMP music and she does squats, push-ups, bear crawls and she loves jumping on the BOSU. I think she’s going to be a gymnast one day.

24Life: Describe your perfect summer day.

AB: I’d wake up early and enjoy the beautiful Chicago sunrise. I love training in the morning so I’d do a HIIT workout on my rooftop. I’d make my favorite go-to breakfast: protein pancakes (egg whites, 1/2 banana and oats). The summers are the BEST in Chicago so I’d head down to the beach. It’s a great place to clear your mind, too. After that, I would catch a class with Nikki. Those are always a surefire way to keep me motivated. I love training weights at the gym in the evening. There is so much energy and buzz, it’s contagious and keeps you pushing hard. My favorite dinner is simple—chicken and veggies—so I’d grill up some of that. But … I would definitely save some room for some ice cream. That’s a staple in my house!

24Life: What’s your no. 1 stressor and your surefire stress buster?

AB: The amount of responsibilities I have. I manage three gyms, teach and travel all around the world training and presenting for Les Mills. It’s a lot to juggle. When it gets overwhelming, I always remind myself of my “why.” When I realign myself with “why” I do what I do and remember the impact it has on people, it makes it so worth it.

24Life: What is one thing your students/fans/friends don’t know about you?

AB: I’m shy! I don’t like being the center of attention.

24Life: What’s your secret to getting stuff done?

AB: I love waking up early. The earlier I wake up and get my workout in, the more productive my day is. I’ve learned that sometimes things won’t get done and that’s ok. I don’t beat myself up over it. Tomorrow is a new day!

24Life: What is your theme song/power song for summer?

AB: Nicki Minaj is my go-to for summer jams. I’d like to think I would have been a rapper if I wasn’t doing fitness.

24Life: What book is on your night table?

AB: “You Are a Badass” By Jen Sincero—it’s SO good!

24Life: Any interesting performance rituals that you have before you teach/work/train?

AB: I always un-tie and then re-tie my shoes twice (weird, I know). Then I spend a few minutes alone getting in the right state of mind so I can be fully present for the people in front of me. I try to bring my best self to my classes every time, no matter how my day was.

24Life: Best advice you’ve given or gotten in 24 words or less?

AB: Own who you are. No one is you and that is your power.