Unsettled 🤝 Wandering Weights

Have you hit a new squat PR in front of Big Bend National Park?

No?

Take a few notes from James Jackson. 

AKA @wandering.weights on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

James went from working a remote job in Pittsburgh to full-time content creation while traveling around US national parks. Not only is James camping and hiking, he also brings his portable squat rack to create content along the way. 

I chatted with James about his experience, what he’s up to now, and the lessons he learned along the way. 

There are so many good nuggets of wisdom in here. Enjoy 😋.

Learn more about James’ journey in our Q&A:

• Background & Journey

• Wins & Challenges

• Work & Life

• Health & Fitness

• What’s Next?

Background & Journey 

“I've always been into health and fitness, I played sports as a kid. Naturally, that transitioned into weightlifting once I quit sports. One of my missions in life is to live a healthy lifestyle and be the best I can be. Traveling is a bit newer. 

I lived with a few friends in Pittsburgh for the longest time. Our time came to an end because they had girlfriends, and new jobs, so things dispersed naturally. I didn't know what I wanted to do, so I decided to travel more. 

I took a trip to Yosemite National Park, visiting some family living in the Bay Area. I thought maybe I'd go and check out some more national parks.

After a few months, I moved, drove out West, and have been exploring ever since.”

Wins & Challenges

What are your favorite parts about traveling and exploring the national parks?

“The sights are spectacular. I enjoy meeting people on the same journey. You meet a lot of young couples doing van life and visiting national parks, as well as older folks doing the same thing later in life. 

It’s always nice having those conversations because they often say, 'You're on the right path. You're young, capable, and able to do everything you want to do. We're in our later years and wish we could do more of the crazy stuff.'  

I enjoy those conversations and learn a lot about myself. Doing all this on my own has helped me develop confidence and traits I probably wouldn't have otherwise.”

What are the biggest challenges throughout this journey?

“Being alone has its positives and negatives. I’d love to have my friends with me more often, but it's rare for people to be able to pack up and travel for weeks on end. While I enjoy the solo time, it’s a mixed experience.

The way I travel is relentless. I keep going from place to place, and I often burn out. For example, last week, I started in Colorado and hit five or six destinations, all remote, and requiring camping.

This constant movement can be exhausting.

I mix camping with hotels and Airbnbs. Camping is great because you’re in the action, but it’s also a lot of work and can be tiring. It’s a challenge, but all part of the adventure.”

Work & Life

What does work-life look like for you?

“This venture started two years ago, I had a remote job which gave the flexibility to go and travel. I would go for a few months at a time, pick a destination, and hit everything in the area. 

The trip I'm on now started because the company actually didn't make it. I took that as a sign to start my own thing and travel full-time.

I felt like I had prepared myself to do that for a long time. So I just took it as a sign and started doing content and making the most of my opportunities while I have it.”

How has your perspective of work, life, and travel changed?

“Before I started doing this, I didn't know what I wanted to do in life. I felt like I was going through the motions. Like many, I just followed suit with everybody else and what you think you are supposed to do. 

When I made the decision to travel, I was never so sure about anything in my entire life. It felt like a mission that I had to take advantage of my time.

Time moves pretty quickly. And I'd hate to be one of those older folks looking back on life with regret. 

I want to be on the other side and say there are so many things that I did. I'm so thankful I made the jump and took the risks to do that. There's a time and place for work for everybody but I don't think it should be a focus in life. 

Make it a priority to do the things you want to do instead of giving your time to something or someone that you don’t want to give it to.”

Social Media & Content Creation

When you started this journey did you expect to gain a social following?

“No, not really. I started the wandering weights page almost a year ago. And I had no idea what to do in terms of social media. You definitely learn a lot as you go. To get better at things you have to embrace being bad first. 

I’m proud of myself for taking the risk because I was so new to social media. At first, I had a sense of caring what people thought but now I don't care and life opens up when you figure that out. 

But in terms of expectations for this, I didn't think this is where I would be. I'm thankful I've had these opportunities and hope to continue growing and learning.”

What’s up next for you?

“I am going around the perimeter of the United States right now. I had been working with a few organizations doing sponsored trips, which is probably one of the coolest things that's come out of doing social media content.

I am hosting a trip to Alaska next year where we’re going hiking, kayaking, and enjoying the outdoors. I’d love to do more trips like that. 

After my trip around the US, I’d love to do more international travel. But for now, I like to have things up in the air. It’s more fun that way. You never know who you might meet along the way.”

Health & Fitness Advice for Travelers

In addition to your portable squat rack, how do you maintain your health and fitness while traveling?

“One of the biggest tips I give others is to live an active lifestyle outside the gym. Most of the time, when we are not in the gym, we sit at a desk which is not the way to a healthy lifestyle. Being out in nature and hiking is the most fun way to exercise. 

There are a lot of ties between hiking and life and health and fitness, working your way to achieve certain goals. You work so hard to get to the top of something, but also it's fun being out there and going through the struggle. ”

The Unsettled fam comes in all forms, but we all share the passion of making our dreams a reality. 

It all starts with one leap of faith to get out of your comfort zone and take a chance on yourself.

Whether you’re traveling to new places, starting something new, or just looking for a fresh perspective, Unsettled is here to support and inspire you every step of the way.

James embodies what it means to be Unsettled from his beliefs to his actions.

If you want more inspiration like this, follow @wandering.weights on Instagram, TikTok, & YouTube.

And if you see James in a national park lifting weights, ask to set in, it will make his day. 

Wanna share your story?

Regardless of where you are in your journey, if you feel unsettled, let’s chat.

If you have a story to share, I wanna listen.

No story is too big or too little, there is always something to learn from.

Book a call & get featured in an upcoming newsletter.

Have the best weekend!

✌️ out,

Faith Foushee