Looking for a coach who knows his stuff, brings the hype, and makes sure you leave class feeling like a powerhouse? Meet obé’s newest Strength and HIIT instructor, Josh K.
A born-and-raised New Yorker, Josh has spent over a decade in the fitness world: coaching, training, and even running his own gym, Bolt Fitness. With a background in physical education, he’s armed with the know-how—but let’s be real, it’s his energy that’ll keep you coming back.
His classes hit that sweet spot: structured but fun, challenging but doable, sweaty but satisfying. Expect athletic-style strength training that goes beyond the basics, plus HIIT workouts that are pure fire. No matter your level, Josh has got the modifications to ensure you leave feeling strong.
Off the clock, Josh is all about family time—aka chasing his two-year-old at the trampoline park and hanging with his newborn. A lifelong sports buff and house music fanatic, he brings that same intensity and passion to every beat and rep.
Get to know him better below, and follow along at @joshkrantzfit.
How did you get into fitness?
I was always an athlete. I love all types of sports activities. I’ve played just about everything: football, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, now pickleball. I’m really engaged in anything that has movement.
And that just carried over from a younger age into high school, then college. I always knew I wanted my career to revolve around fitness, but I wasn’t sure to what extent, whether that would be as a coach or teacher.
I got my degree in physical education at Queens College, as well as a wide variety of various certifications, and taught for the New York City Department of Education as a physical education teacher for quite a long time. I split my time between those two—personal training plus teaching the youth in elementary school. Now, I’m a gym owner, with my own facility, called Bolt Fitness.
What are your Strength classes like?
I like to throw in a lot of tri-sets or super sets. Although we focus on strength, I like to tie two movement patterns together—whether that’s a push or a pull, upper or lower—depending on the class.
I also love to push the pace and add a bit more high energy. Really tying in functional, athletic movements. When I can, I’ll throw in rotational aspects and different types of movement patterns, but I’ll always have that structure with the essentials: a squat, hinge, press, row, core It’s an athletic style that’s high energy even though it is strength. I think you can accomplish both.
What about HIIT?
The HIIT approach is high energy. You’ll get athletic, explosive movements—but modified for all ability levels. That comes with teaching for so many years!
You’ll see tons of options, whether it means something low-impact or simpler versions of the exercises in class. No matter what, you’ll get the opportunity to go all out, work hard, push the pace, get a good sweat, and feel great afterward. Challenged, but capable.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Very energetic, very motivational. Fun, structured, and focused—a mix of everything. I’m definitely a coach, and people appreciate the knowledge I bring, but I think they gravitate most toward the energy. I’m part motivator, part energizer. My motto is “Let’s go!”
How do you want people to feel leaving class?
Invigorated, empowered, strong. I think it’s finding that mix between feeling like you worked really hard, but also like you can take on whatever else you got for your day.
What’s your favorite part of being a fitness instructor?
Definitely helping people reach their goals. Whatever that is, everybody has something different they’re striving for. As instructors, we really get to help people in so many different ways. Whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional, the biggest takeaway is that we’re in the service industry of helping people. Seeing them feel accomplished and like they’re reaching their goals is the best feeling.
Now let’s get to know you outside of class!
Coffee or tea order?
I’m not a huge coffee guy, but I’ll take a caramel macchiato.
Go to workout snack?
Overnight oats.
Instant mood booster for you?
Good weather.
Favorite pump-up music?
House music, EDM—especially if I’m teaching a class. But I also like to mix it up!
Any hobbies?
Aside from sports, my hobbies are being a dad and being with my kids. They get all of my energy when I’m not at work. So right now, my biggest hobby is going to the jumping place.
Next spot on your travel wishlist?
We travel a lot. That’s always been something that my wife and I like to do. We’ve done a bunch of different places in Europe, but next up is Aruba, with the kids.
What are you watching right now?
We always try to throw in a show—one episode a night. Right now, that’s Night Agent on Netflix. It’s a thriller. I love a thriller.
What does your day off look like?
Wow, a day off. What are those? If I had to imagine, it would be a super slow morning with the fam, no rush to go anywhere. Breakfast, relax, and then it could be anything. Just take a walk, go to the park. We have a dog too. So something all together—slow and relaxing.
Favorite spot to play vs. to watch?
Growing up, I always played ice hockey—I was a goalie. So I would probably get back out on the ice and play if I could. For watching, I feel like a good basketball game is the best.
If you could only do one workout for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It’s going to be full body. An athletic, power/strength workout with some explosive movements, some strength, and then some conditioning.
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