Joe Wicks, known widely as The Body Coach, made waves recently as he made his much-anticipated guest appearance on BBC One’s popular series Dragons' Den. The fitness guru joined renowned investors such as Deborah Meaden, Sara Davies, and Steven Bartlett to lend his expertise to budding entrepreneurs hoping to secure investment for their ideas.
Wicks, whose high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts have captivated millions, has successfully carved out his niche as one of the leading figures in the health and wellness industry. His business acumen and passion for fitness have led to his impressive net worth, currently estimated at over £55 million.
Reflecting on his past struggles before he became the icon he is today, Wicks shared, “I’d bicycle 40 minutes to Richmond really early in the morning and set up all my equipment but no one would turn up. I found the whole period really challenging.” Such candid reflections offer insight not only to his resilience but also to the hard work and dedication required to succeed.
Wicks’ entrepreneurial ventures, primarily through his business Joe Wicks Ltd, have proven lucrative. Significant portions of his earnings stem from his online fitness programs, including various nutrition plans, which have amassed around £24 million, according to reports. Wicks operates with notable financial success, posting profits of £6.8 million recently from his business endeavors.
His fitness app, which gained substantial traction during the pandemic, charges subscribers £69.99 annually, with over 130,000 users reportedly signing up as of 2020. Beyond apps and nutrition plans, Wicks has captivated audiences on YouTube, where he holds more than 2.7 million subscribers, generating considerable revenue from advertisements.
But Wicks’ contributions extend beyond personal profit; he has authored 12 books, including the widely successful Lean in 15 series, which sold over 77,000 copies within its first week on the shelves. The rise of his literary success mirrors his ethos of health and fitness, making him not just a trendsetter, but also a reliable source of knowledge in the fitness community.
When asked about his surprising role as a guest dragon, Wicks admitted, “I would never have sat at home thinking I’m going to go on Dragons' Den, but they reached out. I was quite nervous.” Despite his success, he expressed feeling out of place, stating, “I don’t feel like a businessman. I never had ambition to build a company.” This humility and grounded perspective are refreshing, particularly when juxtaposed against the high-stakes world of business investment.
The format of Dragons' Den challenges entrepreneurs to present their ideas to seasoned investors who then decide whether to invest their money. Wicks’ participation reflects the show’s evolution, inviting influencers from various fields to inspire and guide the next generation of entrepreneurs.
On taking part, Wicks commented, “I can’t wait to step inside the den and meet all the brilliant and passionate entrepreneurs. My own story shows me and others with the right mindset and hard work can achieve anything.” This message resonates deeply as viewers tune in, eager to learn and be inspired by both the dragons and the visionaries they’re supporting.
Wicks has also been lauded for his charitable efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He launched the widely popular 'PE with Joe' video series, which not only kept families active during lockdown but also raised over £580,000 for NHS charities. His dedication to making fitness accessible has also led him to participate in various fundraising events, including one for Children in Need, securing over £2 million for the cause.
His charitable endeavors highlight the importance he places on community and personal responsibility, making him not just a business figure but also someone who deeply cares about changing lives through health education.
Wicks’ transformation from struggling fitness trainer to influential entrepreneur encapsulates his resilience and commitment to growth, both personally and professionally. His recent venture on Dragons' Den marks another chapter in his remarkable narrative, blending fitness, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship.
With Wicks as part of the Dragons' Den team, viewers can expect powerful insights crackling with energy along with business knowledge. His participation is set to motivate aspiring business owners to not only seek investment but also learn invaluable lessons from his highly successful, albeit unique, career path.
It is clear Joe Wicks has built more than just a brand; he has established himself as an emblem of hope and achievement, encouraging others to reach for their dreams. Whether through his fitness programs, business ventures, or charitable initiatives, his impact on the community continues to grow, inspiring countless individuals every step of the way.