Interview with OMFIT trainer, Jace Balbach.

Dear Friends,

If you read my January 1st letter then you found out about our new fitness app, OMFIT. To help you learn more about it, I thought it would be fun to do an interview series with a few of our trainers over the coming months. First up is Jace Balbach, who teaches some of our HIIT classes. Jace is a bright light and the quintessential mix of DailyOM and OMFIT. By the end of the interview, I wouldn't be surprised if you are up, out of your chair, and ready to move your body. Here we go!


Madisyn Taylor: Hi Jace. For those who don't know, explain what HIIT is and why it's so popular right now.

Jace Balbach: HIIT is an acronym for "high-intensity interval training." The methodology behind HIIT is that movements are typically performed in short bursts of high-energy output followed by shorter or equal times of rest. In HIIT we want to keep the heart rate elevated throughout, and here is the best part...we are usually working out between 10 and 30 minutes. This kind of process has incredible benefits such as maximizing caloric burn in a short period of time. Many people tell me that they want to work out but don't have enough time. Well, this may be one of the main reasons HIIT is so popular. It eliminates that excuse due to its time-friendly setup. Beyond how time-effective HIIT is, I also think our population really resonates with the high energy of HIIT classes because we are always on the go, and this style of working out coincides with this. Most of all, we generally know something works when we feel it, and HIIT training will absolutely make you feel it!

MT: Tell me what you love most about OMFIT.

JB: As a trainer for OMFIT, I am absolutely in love with the entire team. Everyone is so excited about what they are doing, and you can feel it in our productions. We truly are delivering the next generation of fitness. The fact that you can customize music is something I have never seen or heard of on a fitness app. It is so user-friendly, and the quality of picture and sound is on point! What I love most about OMFIT is really the name! Om is a yogic term of the universe, and I just find it so beautiful that there's a blend of yoga energy mixed with fitness. Also, to be part of this incredible online fitness movement is so energizing and amps me up. Every day I set up for production knowing that we have the ability to reach thousands of people. Woah!

MT: How has HIIT changed your own life?

JB: HIIT has had a monumental impact on my life. There was a time when I wasn't in a very positive place or state, and I was searching. I received my certified personal training license in 2011, and the rest is history. As a trainer and student of fitness, I was always drawn to the higher-intensity parts. I owe this to my personality type! I enjoy the hype! For me, HIIT training started from the moment I realized that I wanted to become more conditioned as an athlete and move toward the idea of functionality. I lifted heavy weights for so long and I reaped great benefits from it, but in time it no longer aligned with my new vision of what strength was for me. HIIT was the pinnacle of functional training for myself. The control over my body and breath was where I wanted to be, and HIIT training provided this platform for it to happen while also gifting me the ability to stay creative in my movements.

MT: Why did you choose HIIT as your discipline? What are the benefits?

JB: I didn't choose HIIT, it chose me. Ha ha! I say this because I had a real authentic connection with this style of training. I never really knew the science behind HIIT, all I knew is that it was an ass-kicking, rip-roaring good time. Every workout left me dripping in sweat and breathing like I just ran from a bear. This is my kind of training. One benefit I have personally experienced is a heightened ability to work and live life at a higher level of intensity, mentally, spiritually, and physically. With consistent practice, another benefit for me has been fat loss and actually maintaining my weight, which was a win-win!

MT: Why do you work out?

JB: Working out is my way of finding balance, along with practices such as yoga. However, working out has such incredible benefits for the body and mind. Regarding balance, my wife and I like to indulge in the food scene, which is another reason to work out! To maintain is to do equal part intake and equal part output. Therefore, we crank on a HIIT class, then maybe go grab a beer and vegetarian nachos. Working out for me goes beyond the weight room or studio setting though. I try to do three HIIT classes a week and integrate other activities such as rock climbing or bouldering. I also love to get in a good power vinyasa class for that physical exertion and mental clearing. Life has so much to offer us regarding ways to get fit, and this is why I love working out, for the endless possibilities and ways to do it!

MT: What do you think makes you a great OMFIT trainer?

JB: My passion for people is what makes me a great OMFIT trainer. I chose fitness initially to make a positive impact and change in my life. In time I realized what great medicine this was for everybody. Regarding my training style as an OMFIT trainer, I bring it! One thing I believe in, and you will see and hear multiple times, is the push. I am a communications major, and one of the best ways to influence and motivate someone is in what you say. My training style is filled with positive and uplifting affirmations to get you through those tough moments. I also have a yogic style of teaching in the sense that I'll drop some wisdom every once in a while just to shift the energy. My passion for change can be felt in the way I teach. I love people and being in the presence of those willing to change. Energy is a reciprocated phenomenon, and the energy students bring to classes is what fuels me and vise versa. I love what I do!

MT: How often should people take your classes?

JB: HIIT training is something we implement into other fitness practices. If all you can do every day is a 20-minute HIIT session on the OMFIT app, then do it! We need to discover what works best for our bodies. Personally, I do at least three HIIT sessions a week that are anywhere from 20- to 45-minute workouts. My OMFIT workouts are intelligently designed to target specific parts of the body while also getting our HIIT cardio on every time! My recommendation for most people would be to use the app at least three times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes.

MT: What's different about an OMFIT class versus an in-person class?

JB: An OMFIT class gives you the ability to alter your music to your liking, which is a huge plus. The kind of music your trainer brings to class is what you're generally stuck with, but this app frees this up for you! Also, you get the ability to really drop into your own space. Sometimes in the gym/studio setting there are variables that can influence your workout in a negative or positive way. Our app gives you the ability to really hone in on your own practice and make it your own!

MT: How does the customized music feature in OMFIT change the HIIT experience?

JB: This right here is a game changer! OMFIT literally makes your workout your own with a personal and professional guide. HIIT is high energy and music influences this greatly. I'd throw on something with a good, consistent, non-lyrical beat. This is my personal favorite for classes like these! We all have our flavor, and the music customization feature lets you create your experience.

MT: How do you manage to smile and be happy while working out?

JB: It's the only way! Ha ha! If you take my class, you'll understand how keeping a smile on your face helps eliminate, well, temporarily shift, the pain. All jokes aside, being happy and having a smile on my face while I workout is a natural response for me. In short, I choose to live a happy life and love to smile. I have taken classes from other trainers who didn't smile or look happy, and I must say it wasn't exciting. I am here to give you an uplifting, powerful, fun, and high-energy experience. Not being happy or frowning just doesn't work with that.

MT: Thanks, Jace, for taking the time to introduce yourself to my DailyOM readers. I think they will love you as much as we do.

App Overview

If you're looking for incredible fitness classes to support your journey to a happier and healthier lifestyle, our new OMFIT App is what you've been waiting for. You'll get instant access to hundreds of 20, 30 and 45-minute classes at your fingertips 24/7, for every fitness level and ability. Choose from great classes including HIIT, Yoga, Barre, Indoor Cycling, Pilates, Trampoline, Face Yoga, Cardio Dance, and Kettlebell--with new classes added daily. And, for the first time ever, you can combine your favorite music styles to create a completely customized music experience to fuel your workout--with over 100+ music genres to choose from featuring the world's biggest artists.


Learn More


Didn't I tell you Jace was positively charming? When we take the time to work out, our teacher should be somebody we enjoy. For our OMFIT app, we searched the globe for the best trainers to bring you a new and unique experience. I hope you enjoyed hearing about our new venture. Until next time.

Be well,

Madisyn Taylor
Co-founder
DailyOM and OMFIT