Jesse Ramos Jr. came to Hell's Kitchen in 2021 after switching from retail banking to personal training. You can often find him working out with clients at Pier 84. This is Jesse's West Side Story.
So what is your New York story? Were you born here or are you a recent arrival?
I'm originally from sunny Southern California. I was born in Bakersfield and raised in Ventura County. I moved to NYC in March 2021 and stayed at a friend's apartment in Harlem while house hunting for 5 days. I didn't know much about the neighborhood, but my friend kept talking about Hong Kong, so I looked at 47 apartments and settled on River Place on West 42nd Street and 11th Avenue. It was love at first sight, so I applied on the spot. I never expected to live in a high rise, especially since I'd been living in my sister's summer trailer while saving up to move here.
I never imagined leaving the only place I ever called home, but after 34 years in a small town, I knew it was time to leave and grow up. There were some challenges, but they all taught me perseverance.
What was your first job and what are you doing now?
I grew up in a single-parent household with little money, so I started mowing lawns to make extra cash. My neighbor, Sheila, taught me landscaping. My first real job was at Carl's Jr., where stress, unhealthy eating habits, and personal insecurity caused me to gain over 50 pounds, reaching 255 pounds at my heaviest. Despite my misfortune, I maintained a positive attitude on the surface.
Most recently, I worked in retail banking for 14 years where I rose from teller to Assistant Vice President and managed teams on the West Coast and Manhattan. In 2007, I became passionate about fitness and lost over 90 pounds, maintaining that weight for 10 years. This experience inspired me to embrace fitness as a career.
In 2021, shortly after moving to New York, I got certified in fitness while working at a bank. One week after passing, I trusted my career change instinct and quit my job. I transitioned from finance to fitness and now work with clients one-on-one, teach group classes, and aim to build an authentic online presence. My fitness philosophy is an integration of physical, mental, spiritual, and financial wellness.
What's your favorite moment in New York so far?
So far, Pride 2022 has been my favorite part of New York. It was my first year here, so I was just starting to feel more confident. As a gay man who grew up in a very conservative small town, I had to hide a big part of myself from the world because my fears controlled who I really was deep down. Seeing everyone at Pride being carefree, respectful, happy, and proud of who they are, I finally felt the peace and safety I'd been waiting for my whole life. I was in Washington Square Park, and we all stripped down to our underwear and jumped into the pond and just danced. It makes me so emotional when I think about it.
Why do you like Hell's Kitchen?
I love the culture of Hong Kong, the location and the beauty of the Hudson River. It's far enough away from Times Square to avoid the crowds but close enough to join in on the action.
The restaurants, coffee shops, parks, Intrepid, and most importantly, Target are the main reasons I love this area. Now that the weather is nicer, I've been encouraging my clients to incorporate the outdoors into their routines with runs along the Hudson River and outdoor workouts at Pier 84. It can get easy to get stuck in the gym all the time, so it's important to vary things up.
The sun always seems to shine in this area!
What is your super power or hidden talent?
I believe my superpower, or special talent, is my unmatched energy. I have the ability to change people's moods, push them out of their comfort zone and unlock what is already inside of them.
This is something I didn't understand until I started working with people, and the feedback I got from them made me realize that it's a gift and not something to be ashamed of. Every time I hear that I've inspired someone, it really lifts my spirits and I'm grateful that I was able to help even just one person in their life. The world can be a cold place, but being able to shed some light in some way is why I'm here on this earth.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I dream of being the next Richard Simmons. It's my mission to join Peloton and inspire millions of people to live a better life every day. One step at a time. I offer group, one-on-one and virtual training, as well as nutritional and behavioral coaching to help you achieve and maintain your fitness goals. It's hard to prioritize health while being a super busy professional and working parent. I created a presentation on how to implement healthy habits based on my experience losing 90 pounds while running multiple financial centers.
My guiding principle is to help people live longer, healthier lives. We only have one life on this earth, and making it how we want it is the key to truly transforming our life. Let it go or be dragged down!
Jesse's favorite Hell's Kitchen spot
Baked Criolla Empanadas — 888 8th Avenue (intersecting W52nd and 53rd Streets)
These are hands down the best empanadas in New York. I first found them in the underground market at Columbus Circle, but they've just opened a new location on West 52nd Street and 8th Avenue. The recipes are direct from Argentina, and owner Mario Vivas has captured the essence of Argentina. What I love most about them is that they're freshly baked. I recommend the Malbec Beef, but they also have a ton of other delicious flavors.
Nicole Squash — 476 W42nd Street (bordering 9th/10th Ave)
This is a really fun place to play squash, the staff is friendly and you can switch up your cardio workouts to maximize your cardio and improve your agility. Playing against the white walls makes you feel like you're inside a virtual video game.
Oslo Coffee Roasters — 620 W42nd Street (bw 11th/12th Ave)
This coffee shop is hidden away in the Silver Tower, but you should definitely give it a try. Try their amazingly healthy smoothies, delicious coffee to give you an energy boost, or if you're feeling hungry, try their amazing avocado toast! It's a great place to meet and chat with friends over coffee or take a stroll down to the Hudson River.
J's Style — 746 9th Avenue (intersecting W50/51st St)
Style on J is an amazing fashion store that is part of the LGBTQ+ community, and while anyone can shop here, the owner Jason always stocks the most amazing styles that make him feel truly sexy as a proud gay man.
Pier 84 — West 44th Street and 12th Avenue
I love this pier, it has a great view of the Intrepid and overlooks Midtown with views of the Hudson River. I bring my clients here for outdoor sessions to feel inspired that we can live in such a magical city. It really inspires the way we think.
Strand Nails — 500 W43rd Street (corner of 10th Ave.)
These ladies are always so polite and so funny. They have such positive energy and their prices for pedicures and foot massages are very reasonable. I am in the era of self-care and this store has always helped me take care of my feet.
El Mil Sabores — 695 9th Ave (intersecting W47/48th St)
I recently discovered El Mil Sabores, which means “a thousand flavors” in English. I am proud to be Mexican-American. I have had the most authentic Mexican food in California, but it was hard to find in New York until I found this place. They also sell canned El Pato sauce. I have been cooking with it for as long as I can remember.
Follow Jesse on Instagram @bbtfitness and check out his website If you know someone who would be perfect for West Side Story (or would like to nominate yourself), fill out this form: w42st.info/WSSnominations
For more West Side Stories and reader recommendations, check out the Hell's Kitchen Local app on W42ST.
