In our pursuit of a healthy beginning to the new year, TikTok is excited to showcase fitness creators throughout this month, aiming to inspire and energise our community as we collectively embark on the journey of kick-starting 2024. First up, we talked to @jamesdoylefitness, also known to his fans as Protein Bor! James talked to us about his fitness journey, feeling confident and his best tips for staying happy and healthy in 2024!

Q: What first inspired you to start posting about your fitness journey on TikTok?
A: I came from a very poor place mentally with my body image growing up. I struggled with body dysmorphia and various eating disorders through my teenage years which really made it hard for me to be content with even looking at myself in the mirror. I started my fitness journey to finally make the change, not just with my body confidence, but my confidence overall. The gym changed my life for the better and I wanted to show people who had the similar struggles to myself, that if I could take the step to turn my life around, then anyone could.


@jamesdoylefitness Alright tiktok, enough of the gingerphobia #ginger #irish ♬ original sound - Protein Bor Papi

Q: How important is it for you to maintain your fitness in your everyday life?
A: Fitness keeps my physical health in check and most importantly, my mental health. Keeping up my fitness routine keeps me on my toes and ensures that I'm doing my best to improve myself a little each day.

Q: What is your favourite type of workout?
A: The pump after a big Monday chest day is unrivalled and a great start to the week ahead.

Q: How do you overcome feeling demotivated in the gym?
A: I struggle with demotivation a lot now that I have been going to the gym for more than two years, it can become very repetitive. It’s easy to say that you just have to stay disciplined instead of relying on motivation but that’s easier said than done. I like to try to mix up a couple exercises in my plan to give me a little refresh. Although, sometimes you just have to take a break for a week, work overtime, take a holiday or even just sit down in the evenings and dig into a pizza.


@jamesdoylefitness Life is all about Balance and I think I'm nailing it at the moment, especially with help from Grahams. Grahams Protein Yoghurts are available now in Dunnes Stores #bulk #gym #fulldayofeating ♬ original sound - Protein Bor Papi

Q: What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?
A: Although I’m a massive fan of my college graduation video using the Kanye “I guess we’ll never know” sound, I think my 1 year body transformation video is a really important one to show what my message is really about.


@jamesdoylefitness A year ago I made the decision to change. Now I don’t even recognise myself 🔱🦍 #gym #transformation #bodybuilding ♬ Legend - Tevvez

Q: What other Irish creators motivate you on TikTok?
A: I’m blessed to be in a position where our Irish TikTok community is so supportive of each other and that we’re all very connected because we’re such a small group compared to larger countries. I’ve made some great friends through TikTok and we all motivate each other to do better each day. Especially @miriammullins_, @ericroberts44 and @jimflano!


Q: What advice do you have for people looking to start their fitness journey?
A: You deserve to feel confident and happy in yourself. If some bogger from the 'Wesht' can turn their life around, you can too.


@jamesdoylefitness #stitch with @Michael Duffy getting good at these filters #irish ♬ original sound - Protein Bor Papi