Meet Jamar Robinson | Jamar Robinson | Former Chemist Turned Wellness Coach & Founder of PLAYHRDTRAINHRD

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamar Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamar, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, it started with me just being that friend—the one everybody came to for workout tips or mindset advice when life felt heavy. I’ve always had a passion for helping people feel stronger, inside and out. But the real shift came when I realized how powerful fitness was as a tool for transformation—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

At the time, I was working as a chemist and teaching college-level chemistry. I loved breaking complex things down and helping people understand—but I knew I was called to do the same thing in the wellness space. I wanted to create something that wasn’t just about reps and sets, but about building discipline, clarity, and self-mastery through movement.

So in 2012, I decided to start PLAYHRDTRAINHRD as a way to merge those worlds—science, teaching, and wellness. The vision was always bigger than fitness. I wanted to build a brand that helped people level up in life through consistency, mindset, and community. I didn’t just want to train bodies—I wanted to help people train their minds and lead more intentional lives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is transformation. It just happens to look like fitness on the outside—but it’s mindset, discipline, and healing at the core.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just train bodies—I teach people how to rebuild themselves from the inside out. I help folks master the discipline it takes to stay consistent when motivation fades. I show them how to shift their mindset, rewire how they see themselves, and create a system they can sustain—physically, mentally, emotionally. That’s the work I’m most proud of.

PLAYHRDTRAINHRD isn’t just a fitness brand—it’s a movement. A lifestyle. It’s built for people who are tired of starting over, tired of feeling stuck, and ready to become who they were meant to be. What I’m building is bigger than workouts—it’s about helping people find balance, take back control of their lives, and lead themselves with intention.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I started in 2012 without a roadmap—just a passion to help people grow and a vision that kept me up at night. I left a full-time career as a chemist and professor to pursue this work because I knew I had something deeper to offer. I’ve faced financial stress, burnout, self-doubt—everything that comes with betting on yourself. But I overcame it through consistency, prayer, reflection, love/support from family and staying connected to my “why.” That’s why I’m so passionate about teaching others how to build a mindset strong enough to carry the weight of their goals.

I’ve learned that challenges aren’t signs to stop—they’re part of the qualification process. Discipline over motivation. Every time. If I could share one thing with the world, it’s that real change doesn’t start in the gym—it starts in your mind. And once you learn how to show up for yourself, everything else begins to shift.

PLAYHRDTRAINHRD is here to guide that shift. Whether it’s through coaching, digital programs, or community events like the Mindful Walk Series, my goal is always the same: to help people feel stronger, think clearer, and live with more intention. Because when you train your body and your mind together—that’s when the breakthrough happens.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, here’s how I’d show them a real Atlanta experience:

Day 1 – Welcome to the City
We’d start the trip with brunch at Le Petit Marche—good food, good people, and a perfect intro to the city’s neighborhood vibes. After that, we’d walk the Atlanta Beltline to soak in the energy, art, and culture. Later, we’d pull up to 404 Restaurant & Bar to unwind and ease into the week with good music and even better conversation.

Day 2 – Movement & Mindset
Morning workout at The Loft Athletic Club, where I train and get it in myself. After that, we’d grab açaí bowls at Playa Bowls or hit Perfect Pear for a recovery drink. The rest of the day would be about slowing down and getting intentional—maybe a sound bath or a quiet moment to tap in and reset. That night, we’d head to Agave, a personal favorite of mine for the vibe and the food.

Day 3 – Art, Culture & Creative Flow
We’d spend the day at the High Museum of Art, followed by a trip to the Trap Music Museum to balance out the high art with the culture. Later, I’d bring them by 404 Grounds/Kenekt Cooperative—a powerful space for Black creators, entrepreneurs, and healers. Dinner would be light, maybe something quick before catching an event or open mic.

Day 4 – Nature & Reflection
We’d head out to the Chattahoochee River trails to reconnect with nature and get some peace. That midday moment would turn into journaling and coffee on the Beltline—getting some words out, letting the city move around us while we ground in. Dinner that night would be something relaxed like Roc South or Real Tacos—simple, satisfying, no pressure.

Day 5 – Community & Balance
This day would be about pouring into purpose. We’d link up with dope people doing real work at 404 Grounds, swing by a few Black-owned businesses, and talk life, legacy, and growth. That evening we’d keep it chill, maybe cook at home or hit another hidden gem around the city.

Day 6 – Reset & Recharge
We’d hit the gym or take a mobility-focused day at The Loft, followed by a light morning routine of journaling and a walk. Later, we’d tap in spiritually—whether it’s meditation, breathwork, or just unplugging. That night we’d do dinner at Agave again—because once ain’t enough.

Day 7 – Reflect & Ride Out
We’d close out the trip with Sunday brunch at Atlanta’s Breakfast Club. Then maybe one last ride through the city, playlist on, letting everything settle before they head out. ATL leaves you with something if you move through it intentionally—and I’d want them to take that feeling with them when they go.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely. My journey wouldn’t be what it is without a few key people and communities. First, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my sons—they’re my daily motivation. Everything I build is rooted in the example I want to set for them: that discipline, integrity, and purpose can change lives.

I also have to give credit to my mother. Her love, passion, and dedication to education shaped me in ways I’m still discovering. She’s been a teacher for over 47 years—and still going strong. That passion for teaching, for pouring into others, is in my DNA. I carry that same energy into my work today—just in a different classroom.

My oldest sister, Tracey, also played a major role in my development. She was the one who introduced me to fitness, meditation, and personal growth. Her influence sparked something early on—a deeper awareness of how wellness is about more than just the physical. She laid the foundation for what would become my life’s work.

I have to recognize my clients and community as well. There were people who believed in me when I was still figuring it all out—who showed up consistently and trusted me with their health, mindset, and growth. That trust is sacred, and it’s fueled everything I’ve built.

Professionally, my background as a chemist and college educator gave me structure and discipline, but stepping fully into the wellness space helped me find purpose. I’ve had the opportunity to work with brands like Nike and lead community-based projects like the Mindful Walk Series with the Atlanta Beltline. Each of these experiences sharpened my mission.

Lastly, I’m grateful for every mentor, book, and challenge that helped me grow. From spiritual practices to personal development work, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about becoming someone who can carry the vision when no one’s clapping yet. And for everyone who helped shape that version of me—I’m grateful.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jplayhrd

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playhrdtrainhrd

Other: TikTok: TikTok.com/playhrdtrainhrd

Image Credits
Picture with Kids is from Kerri Phox of Phox Poxtography.. Gyn shot by Thomas Jones of GSMP