We sat down with Lou Alexander, CEO and Founder of Big A88 Jogger and former NFL Athlete, to learn more about his new company (founded on March 27th, 2020) and how he transitioned from a Pro Football Career into jogging and apparel.
RockMyRun: What is Big A88 Jogger? How did it start?
Lou Alexander: What started off as a joke on social media, I started to incorporate jogging into my workouts. Soon it began to pick up steam, with a community of like minded individuals that were looking to get better and find a way to work out during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a former NFL athlete I have always pushed inspiration and motivation to the individuals that needed it the most. Also, showing the process of how I lost 100lbs gave others hope that they too can achieve monumental health goals also. Our appeal is not only for style and having the best “Swagg” it’s for empowering the masses. We inspire and motivate through action and accountability.
The Big A88 Jogger apparel/movement has a mission to help you drive towards finding your true self and achieving greatness at the BIGGEST level.
RMR:What was your athletic highlight?
My athletic highlight was making it to The NFL. It was always a dream to see my name on the back of a NFL jersey, I’ve only dreamed of that. It was amazing that I was able to accomplish that goal.
RMR: When you were in the NFL, what was your daily exercise routine? What is it now?
LA: My day in the NFL started at 6:00am with breakfast followed by watching a film. By 8am I was getting ready for the weight room, and during the prep for workout, music was blasting in my headphones. By 10:30 the workout was complete, and I was off to the last film session before lunch and practice at 2pm. Once practice started at 2 it was go time, I would always attempt to hype everyone up, appreciating the opportunity to play a sport I loved. Once practice was over it was recovery, food and sleep following! Long but rewarding.
RMR: What is the relationship between your football background and your experience with jogging?
LA: Jogging was never the first choice. With football I was always conditioned to do movements that help develop explosion, lateral quickness and strength. But after retiring I noticed a huge mental advantage from jogging. There is a certain level of happiness that comes over you as you’re on the jogging journey or completing the task. Jogging took the forefront for me because it changed my life forever physically and mentally and I push that to the world daily.
RMR: What would be your advice to other athletes (like football players) about getting into jogging?
LA: The advice I will offer to all my fellow athletes I’ve played with and others, is that Jogging not only has a huge amount of health benefits, it’s also a mind healer. As athletes we look for other forms of meditation but often time sitting stationary in Zen can become challenging due to our high tempo nature. Turning on music and jogging gives you a form of movement meditation and allows so much of your brain to open up. The possibilities are endless. Jogging helps with post-career uncertainty by keeping competition in your life. There is nothing like improving your pace time every run!
RMR: Running is typically a solitary sport, what is the importance or benefits of a running community?
LA: A running community, allows everyone to drive towards the same goal; that’s finishing. It also ensures encouragement. No man or woman left behind mentality. Jogging communities drive change and unifies all walks of life. Race,creed and economic status does not matter. All that matters is the movement.
RMR: What is your experience with RockMyRun? How did you discover it? How do you use it now?
LA: My longtime college friend reached out to me about RockMyRun. He noticed the community of joggers I was building and sent me a video of this cool app. I was instantly intrigued when I heard the music selection and also the playlist that are pre-set for your preference. Anyone that knows me, understands that music is my favorite pastime, and having an app that goes on the jogging journey with me with Soul, 80s hits, Hip Hop and R&B I am all for it! I use RockMyRun during every jog. I am a huge believer of the app and I am looking forward to sharing it with others!
RMR: How does music affect your exercise routine?
LA: Music is a must have during a jog. Tempo and the beat of the song uplift you and sparks a good mood. Also, for those who don’t like dancing it’s a happy act; so try it, or dance in your mind while you run. Don’t be surprised if you’re roaming the street and you catch the BIG A88 JOGGER dancin! I love music and being happy.
RMR: What’s your favorite song to run to?
LA: That’s a tough one! I would say currently I like “Just don’t waste my time” by Usher and Ella Mae
RMR: If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?
There are so many people looking for the silver bullet around how to achieve their goals when you see them as being so far away. I reference jogging to bridge a perspective. I say that when I’m running, it’s with the set intentions that this is a process, it may take me 20 minutes to complete or 15 minutes but it’s not instant. There is terrain that goes from incline to decline, turns on different streets, etc… But the journey is worth it once you complete it. Never look for success instantly; if you didn’t have to work hard, it will not last. Same with jogging. If you don’t work hard at it, you will never know what achievement feels like.
To learn more about Lou Alexander or Big A88 Jogger, check out his website biga88jogger.com