Solomon McMillan, owner and operator of Jaguar Athletics in Houston, Texas, delivered an inspiring and practical message on physical fitness, emphasizing that true health begins with spiritual alignment, mental discipline, and committed action rather than just workouts.
A certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and sports performance specialist, McMillan is a hybrid trainer offering one-on-one personal training, small and large group boot camps, boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, strength and conditioning, weight loss programs, and functional resistance training. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he described fitness as far more than lifting weights, it starts from within.
McMillan outlined his “daily alignment formula,” which prioritizes spirit first, followed by mind and body. “It’s first all about just grounding the spirit,” he said. “This would be like the daily alignment formula. The first part is ground the spirit. It could be prayer. It could be breath work. It could be meditation. It could be nature walks. Just anything that you’re doing to at least connect with God, at least, let’s say, 10 to 15 minutes a day.”
He explained that sharpening the mind involves setting specific, written goals, what he calls a “definite chief aim,” drawing inspiration from Napoleon Hill, and building willpower through intentional abstinence from vices or habits that drain discipline, such as processed sugars or other indulgences.
For the physical side, McMillan stressed challenging the body with purposeful movement and progressive overload: gradually increasing weight, repetitions, or intensity over time to drive strength gains. He illustrated this with a beginner starting squats using just an empty barbell and adding small increments weekly to build muscle progressively.
He introduced the powerful concept of “burning the ships” as the ultimate commitment tool. Using a historical battle analogy, McMillan described how eliminating retreat options forces maximum effort and growth. “You got to cut it off at the root,” he said. “That’s the only way that you’re going to grow and only way you’re going to get outside of your comfort zone.”
When asked about his plant-based approach, McMillan clarified that it centers on whole, earth-derived foods, vegetables, herbs, roots, nuts, and seeds, rather than simply avoiding animal products. He shared how shifting to this lifestyle resolved his childhood struggles with chronic respiratory issues, including bronchitis and asthma. After researching and eliminating mucus-forming foods like dairy, he saw dramatic improvements in lung health, energy, joint comfort, and spiritual clarity. Chicken, he admitted, was the hardest food to eliminate.
For those just starting, McMillan kept it simple: begin with basic bodyweight movements such as push-ups, squats, lunges, sit-ups, and planks for about 30 minutes daily. He urged listeners to ignore conflicting online advice and focus on consistent movement, progressing to weights or equipment as strength develops.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.