“Far Enough from Times Square to Avoid the Crazy, Close Enough to Join Right In” — Why Jesse Ramos Jr Loves Hell’s Kitchen

A pivot from retail banking to personal training brought Jesse Ramos Jr to Hell’s Kitchen in 2021 — and you’ll often see him working out with clients on Pier 84! This is Jesse’s West Side Story.

So what’s your New York story? Born here, or just arrived?
I am originally from sunny southern California! Born in Bakersfield and raised in Ventura County. I moved to NYC in March 2021 and slept at my friend’s apartment in Harlem with just five days to find a place. I didn’t know much about the neighborhoods but my friend kept telling me about HK, so after viewing 47 apartments I ended up at River Place on W42nd Street and 11th Avenue. It was love at first sight and I asked to apply on the spot. I never thought I could live in a high rise building, especially after living in my sister’s summer trailer while I saved money to move here.

I never imagined I’d leave the only place I called home, but after 34 years in a small town I knew it was time to go and grow. While there have been several challenges, all of them have taught me to be resilient.

What was your first job? What do you do now?
I grew up in a single-parent household where money was tight, so I started mowing lawns to earn extra cash. Sheila, my neighbor, taught me landscaping. My first official job was at Carl’s Jr, where stress, poor eating habits and personal anxiety caused me to gain over 50 pounds, reaching 255 at my heaviest. Despite my unhappiness, I maintained a positive outward demeanor.

Most recently, I worked in retail banking for 14 years, progressing from teller to assistant vice president, managing teams across the West Coast and Manhattan. In 2007, I immersed myself in fitness, losing over 90 pounds and maintaining my weight loss for a decade. This journey led me to embrace fitness as a career.

In 2021, shortly after moving to New York, I earned my fitness certification while still working in banking. A week after passing, I quit my job, trusting my instincts for a career change. Transitioning from finance to fitness, I now work one-on-one with clients and teach group classes, aiming to build an authentic online presence. My fitness philosophy integrates physical, mental, spiritual and financial health.

What’s your favorite New York minute (or moment) so far?
So far I have to say that my favorite NYC minute was Pride 2022! I had just experienced my first year here and was feeling more confident. As a gay man growing up in an extremely conservative small town, I had to hide a large part of myself from the world because my own fear took over who I really was at heart. When I saw everyone at Pride being carefree, respectful, happy and proud to be their authentic selves, I finally felt that sense of peace and safety I had longed for my whole life. I was in Washington Square Park and we stripped down to our undies and jumped in the pond with everyone else and just danced! I’m getting emotional remembering it!

Share with us why you love Hell’s Kitchen
I love HK because of its culture, location and the beauty of the Hudson. We are far enough away from Times Square to avoid the crazy, but close enough to join right in.

The restaurants, coffee shops, parks, Intrepid and most of all Target have been major reasons why I love this area. Running along the Hudson and outdoor workouts on Pier 84 now that the weather has improved has been helpful in getting my clients to incorporate the outdoors as part of their routine. Sometimes we get stuck in a gym and adding variety is important to avoid boredom.

The sun seems to always shine in this area!

What’s your superpower or hidden talent?
I believe my superpower or special gift has been my unparalleled energy. I have the ability to change people’s moods and push them out of their comfort zones to unlock what’s already within with.

This isn’t something I understood until I started working with people and the feedback they gave me made me realize that it is a gift and I should not be ashamed of it. Anytime I hear that I inspired someone it truly lifts my mood and I am grateful that I helped even that one person in their life. This world can be cold, so to be able to shed light in any way is why I’m on this earth.

What else should we know about you?
I dream of being the next Richard Simmons! Being on a Peloton and inspiring millions of people to live better each day is my mission. I’m taking it one step at a time. I offer group, one-on-one and virtual training along with nutrition and behavioral coaching to help you achieve and sustain your fitness goals. Prioritizing your health while being an extremely busy professional or working parent is hard. I’ve developed presentations on how to implement healthy habits based on my experience losing 90 lbs while running multiple financial centers.

My core values are to help people live longer and healthier lives. We only get one shot on this earth and to be able to author it the way you see fit is where you truly transform your life. Let go or be dragged!

Jesse’s Favorite Hell’s Kitchen Places

Criollas Baked Empanadas — 888 8th Avenue (bw W52/53rd)
Hands-down, these are the best empanadas in New York City. I discovered them initially in the underground market at Columbus Circle, but their new location has opened up on W52nd and 8th! The recipe is straight from Argentina and the owner Mario Vivas has captured the authenticity of his country. What I love the most is that they are baked! I recommend the Malbec beef, but they have many delicious flavors to choose from.

Nicol Squash — 476 W42nd Street (bw 9/10th Ave)
This place is a lot of fun for a game of squash. The staff is friendly and you can switch up your cardio as this provides max cardio and agility moves. It feels like you are in a virtual video game while playing with the white walls!

Oslo Coffee Roasters — 620 W42nd Street (bw 11/12th Ave)
This coffee shop is hidden inside Silver Towers, but you have to try it. Amazing healthy smoothies, delicious coffee to energize you — or if you’re hungry, the best avocado toast! It’s a great place to meet a friend for a cup of Joe and chat or walk over to the Hudson River.

Style on J — 746 9th Avenue (bw W50/51st St)
Style on J is an amazing fashion store that is part of the LGBTQ+ community. Although anyone can shop here, owner Jason always has the most amazing styles that I can truly feel sexy in as a proud gay man.

Pier 84 — W44th Street and 12th Avenue
I love this pier. It has a gorgeous view of the Intrepid and serves as an area where you can enjoy the Hudson River views and get a glimpse of Midtown. I take clients here for outdoor sessions to feel inspired that we are able to live in such a magical city. It can really inspire the way you think.

Strand Nail — 500 W43rd Street (at corner of 10th Ave)
These ladies always take such good care of me and are so funny! They have such positive energy and extremely affordable prices for a pedicure and foot massage. I am in my self-care era and this place has helped take care of my feet as I am always on them.

El Mil Sabores — 695 9th Ave (bw W47/48th St)
I recently discovered El Mil Sabores which means “a thousand tastes or flavors” in English. I’m a proud Mexican American — back in Cali we had the most authentic Mexican food, which has been hard to find in NYC until I found this place. They even have cans of el pato sauce, which is something I have been cooking with ever since I can remember!

You can follow Jesse on Instagram at @bbtfitness and check out his website . If you know someone who would make a great West Side Story (or you would like to nominate yourself), please fill in this form — w42st.info/WSSnominations .

You can check out more West Side Stories and reader recommendations on W42ST’s Hell’s Kitchen Local App .

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