The Fundamentals of Feeling Good​

Strong, mobile, and pain-free for life—that’s the goal at JDT Training in Chinderah. High-performance movement coach Jared de Thierry has spent over two decades helping people of all ages build lasting fitness without the burnout or injuries. His secret? Nail the fundamentals, stay consistent, and surround yourself with a supportive community. We caught up with Jared to talk simple wellness wins, recovery that works, and why connection is just as important as conditioning. 

Your coaching philosophy emphasises moving well for long-term health—how does that translate into daily wellness routines for people of all ages and activity levels?

We focus on coaching fundamental movement patterns which become the foundation of your overall fitness. Regardless of your age or fitness level, moving freely and efficiently allows you to progress your fitness levels safely and reduce the risk of injuries. Having the ability to do the things in life we enjoy doing pain-free for as long as possible is key for long-term health, both physically and mentally. Our training encompasses strength, mobility, aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, agility, balance and coordination.

An equally important aspect of my training philosophy is connection. By fostering an environment where individuals can be themselves, we create a sense of belonging and cultivate a culture of acceptance. Having a supportive team that encourages and holds you accountable is vital for overcoming one of the biggest challenges to any routine: commitment.

With over 20 years of experience, you’ve seen trends come and go. What wellness, or recovery,
practices do you believe actually stand the test of time?

Keep it simple. We focus on 4 key elements to overall health and wellness. 

1. Exercise: While we can discuss the benefits of various training modalities, the bottom line is that any consistent form of exercise will enhance your overall health. Whether you enjoy walking, swimming, strength training, or yoga, keep at it. Ideally, a balance of strength, aerobic, and anaerobic conditioning is optimal.

2. Sleep: I wish I had prioritised sleep earlier in my life. Quality sleep is the best recovery tool available to us, with research recommending 7-8 hours per night. We all know how a poor night’s sleep affects the following day.

3. Diet and Hydration: While I’m not a dietitian or nutritionist, developing a balanced, nutrient-dense diet tailored to your lifestyle is crucial for optimising health. We often know what we shouldn’t eat, but discipline is key. I recommend seeking professional advice when needed.

4. Community and Connection: Strong social connections are vital for our mental health, providing a sense of purpose and belonging. Cherish your relationships with friends, family, and community groups, and invest in them.

Practices like saunas, ice baths, red light therapy, meditation, and mindfulness have their benefits, but if you’re not working on nailing the basics, you won’t be giving yourself a real shot at optimal health.

JDT offers online programs with guided progress tracking, breath work and exertion monitoring. How do these digital tools support better recovery, sleep, and stress management?

Accountability is crucial. Having support from someone who encourages you to stay on track is essential for reaching your goals. Not everyone has access to a personal trainer or a comfortable training environment nearby. Fortunately, online coaching tools have advanced significantly, helping people remain engaged and connected. We create personalised training plans tailored to your goals, available equipment, training experience, and fitness level. Our programs include recovery practices, coach check-ins, and detailed workouts to help monitor and track your progress effectively.

In a community like the Tweed, many lead active lifestyles. What advice would you give someone wanting to get more mobile and strong without needing a full gym setup?

Seeking the support of a coach or personal trainer is an excellent starting point. If you have friends or family members who are members of a gym or fitness studio, consider joining them for a session. We warmly welcome anyone looking to enhance their strength and mobility while joining a community dedicated to improving all aspects of health. If you’re ready to begin your journey at home without any equipment, we offer a fantastic 5-week bodyweight introduction program designed for individuals aiming to boost their strength and mobility.

Wellness is more than physical—it includes mental and emotional health. How do you encourage clients to build habits that nurture mindset, consistency, and joy in movement?

Discipline is freedom. I firmly believe that mental and emotional health is cultivated by consistently showing up for yourself. It’s about repeatedly engaging in activities that you know are beneficial. This commitment builds self-belief and confidence, making you enjoy the process even more as you improve. While many recognise the physical benefits of exercise, the mental advantages are often underestimated, including mood regulation and stress relief. Fitness doesn’t have to be complicated; just keep showing up, and see the transformation unfold.

A large aspect of JDT Training is the junior program. Who is this program designed for, and what can participants expect?
Our training program is designed to create a safe and supportive environment for juniors, allowing them to develop self-esteem, resilience, and athletic skills, no matter their fitness level. Our Grom Squad, tailored for ages 10–12, emphasises high energy and fun while exploring movement in a team-focused setting, fostering respect and foundational movement patterns. For participants aged 13–15 who progress into our junior program, we focus on enhancing athletic performance and mental resilience while refining foundational movements before introducing weights. Throughout their training journey, juniors are encouraged to cultivate discipline and respect, ensuring they feel supported and empowered in all aspects of their fitness development.

You also work in the high-performance space, training surfers on the Pro Junior Series, Qualifying Series, Challenger Series, and World Tour. How do you balance coaching with running your gym?

I’m fortunate to work with an incredible team of surf coaches, which allows us to support athletes from Australia and around the world. Having trusted coaches on board means each athlete gets the guidance they need to chase their goals and reach their potential.

Right now, I’m planning a series of high-performance camps with local coach and current Australian ISA Head Coach, Adam Dufner. These camps give competitive surfers the chance to sharpen their skills and prepare for their 25/26 seasons. Together, we focus on providing the tools and insights necessary to elevate performance and compete with the best in the world.

To stay updated on camp dates and details, visit www.jdttraining.com and register your email. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out.

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