For Jesse Sheppard, fitness has never been just about the gym. It’s about growth—mentally, physically, and spiritually. At 46, he’s lived a life rich with experiences: from the bright lights of Hollywood to quiet walks along Wichita’s river walk with his girlfriend. And through it all, he’s discovered that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, one day at a time.

“I run a business with my dad and sister restoring Toyota Land Cruisers,” Jesse says. “I love cars in general.” Before coming back to Kansas, he spent over a decade in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. One fun fact many don’t know? “I was a professional makeup artist in Hollywood.”

Now back in the Midwest, Jesse’s pace has shifted—but his drive hasn’t. He works hard to keep moving forward, prioritizing his health and wellness despite life’s curveballs.

“I exercise to keep my body in some sort of shape and feel good,” he says. “Also to prevent any further injuries.”

Those injuries—and the road back from them—are what first brought Jesse to NWP. “At first, it was just to be able to put my socks on,” he shares.

“Now it is to make fitness a part of my weekly routine. Dr. Clayton has taught me that I can still accomplish those goals even when I wanted to make excuses like, ‘I’m too old.’"

Jesse’s favorite way to stay active these days? “Walking the river walk with my girlfriend.” It’s clear he’s come a long way from where he started—and he’s not stopping anytime soon.

“My goal is to make fitness a priority forever, one day at a time.”

His proudest fitness moment came years ago: “Becoming a certified personal trainer in my 20s was my proudest fitness accomplishment.” Even now, Jesse leans on the discipline and knowledge he gained then, using it to shape a sustainable path forward.

And while his journey through PT has been transformational, Jesse credits much of his resilience to his spiritual foundation and recovery community. “I am an active member of AA. I have six years of sobriety,” he shares. “I have a few sponsors and I sponsor men myself. I give freely what was given so freely to me. By the grace of God.”

When asked what advice he’d offer others starting or restarting their own health journey, Jesse doesn’t mince words. “Yesterday is gone and will never return. Today is now. Tomorrow may never come. Why put off now for what may never come? Call your mom. Comb your hair.”

His bucket list is as adventurous as his outlook. “Travel around the world. Live life without any regrets. Three-day around-the-world cruise. Some say that’s impossible.”

At Natural Wellness Physiotherapy, we’re honored to be part of Jesse’s story—a story that reminds us all to keep moving forward, to give freely, and to live fully. Congratulations, Jesse, on being our June Athlete of the Month!