When I first scrolled upon Isaac Boots on Instagram—the way millions of housebound fitness fanatics discovered his TORCHD workouts in 2020—I was instantly hooked.
For more than a year, I tuned in daily for 50-ish minutes of free fitness instruction by Boots. His signature workouts include pulsing, planking, crunching and other moves named after his famous clientele (more on his celeb roster later).
I'd end each session feeling challenged, stronger, and noticeably more upbeat. (I know I'm not the only one.)
In a few short years, Boots has honed a special ability able to reach, uplift and train tens of thousands of people globally in real time via livestream —all while simultaneously raising more than $1 million for No Kid Hungry.
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These days, off-screen, the Hawaii-native and Broadway performer is instructing in-person at classes in gorgeous destinations. This summer, in partnership with NOBULL, Boots will be teaching TORCHD sessions at Wequassett Resort & Golf Club in Cape Cod from July 10 through July 27.
Between spending time with his husband and dogs, we caught up with Boots to chat about travel, workout outfits, his celebrity clients and the famous individuals he'd love to work with.
What is your favorite thing about Cape Cod, and Wequassett specifically?
There is something so cinematic about it. The views, the quiet confidence of the people and driving on winding roads. It is like stepping back in time and giving yourself permission to slow down and really relax. Of course, there is no better place than Wequassett. It situates itself so perfectly into the culture of the Cape.
During your residency, you're scheduled to teach at least one class a day on-site. How many classes are you teaching a day, including private training?
I work with about 5 to 6 private clients a day virtually all over the world, some of whom I have been working with for 10-plus years. They always show up, work hard, and we have fun. I also do my livestream on my Instagram for my subscribers every day and save them so you can access them anytime anywhere. No Excuses!
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What does a day off look like for you?
I try to take Sundays off. For me, that is just doing my livestream on Instagram. I like to be with my husband and my dogs, read a book—I recently launched my book club with recommendations for summer reading—go for a walk, watch a scary movie at night, and play gin rummy with my girlfriends. I am always traveling and it is so rare I get those moments, so I take them whenever I can.
Where else will you be traveling this summer?
I am back and forth between Cape Cod and the Hamptons, and I am really excited because I am doing a week at Lake Austin Spa and Resort, which is such a special place. I also go up north to a gorgeous lake in Canada and that is such a relaxing magical place for me and my family, we love spending time there. Then in the Fall I go to Milan and Paris for Fashion Week.
Are there other workouts you do besides TORCHD?
I developed TORCHD for me and my body when I was dancing on Broadway, and it has become my lifestyle. It is part of my routine and it has kept me in shape and feeling vibrant. I also love a jog in Central Park.
Isaac Boots will teach TORCHD at Wequassett this July. (Manx Taiki Magyar)
Do you have a favorite workout outfit these days? What does it entail?
Even though my name is Isaac Boots, lately I have been wearing the NOBULL Allday Knit to workout and they are so great. They're lightweight yet my feet feel supported. I have tried every shoe on the market and they are the best! I love the Seamless Compression Short and Deltapeak® Microtextured Tank Top with a pair of the 5" Light Lined Shorts over top. I also will throw on the Quilted Zip-Up Jacket to warm up my upper body.
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What are some of your other favorite workout items?
I designed the TORCHD Mat. It is a must because the thicker cushioning supports your joints so you are not putting stress on your elbows and knees. When you do the ab series, you put the mat right at your lower back, and it supports it so you can dig into your abs more. Also, the TORCHD Band is great because you can travel with it and use it on a plane, so you can get a workout in any time and anywhere. I always have to have my TORCHD x Mindset Wellness Energy Patches and Gummies to help me push through my workout and maintain hours of sustained energy while keeping my anxiety in check.
TORCHD fans love seeing your dogs in Instagram lives.
Any time I am working out, they think it is playtime. My husband and I try to play with them before so they get tired and nap but I just let them do their thing. Sometimes they are useful as added weight but they certainly don't let you drop in a plank.
Speaking of dogs, do you travel with them?
My fur babies go everywhere with us. They have traveled the world, been praised by Anna Wintour at Paris Fashion Week and had lunch with Catherine Deneuve at The Ritz, but their favorite thing is to run in hotel hallways. I am convinced they like the sound of their paws on the carpeted floors. I only stay and partner with pet-friendly properties. I love seeing how they welcome our babies when we get to the room with treats, toys, and plush dog beds. Those personal and thoughtful touches are what separate properties like Wequassett apart.
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Who are your favorite celebrities to train?
Honestly, all my private clients are incredibly strong, and I am so fortunate to work with talented hard working women! They all push themselves and their physical wellness is a passion to them. We challenge each other, we laugh and I love hearing their feedback and watching them progress and feel good about themselves. I recently did a TORCHD livestream with Addison Rae, and she is so sweet, gorgeous and strong. Kelly Ripa is always a blast; one of my favorite people on Earth. Faye Dunaway is so inspiring, she has beautiful alignment and understanding of her body. Gwyneth Paltrow is so fun, generous and super fit. The list goes on. I'm lucky.
Do you have a dream client that you don't work with already?
I'd love to work with Cher. I just love her. Also, Kylie Minogue. They're both so inspiring, talented and fabulous. I met Kylie at Andy Cohen's Christmas party years ago, and she was so kind. Lovely person.
Do you have any other wellness tips or suggestions?I will leave you with two things: First, show up for yourself a little bit everyday. Whatever that means to you. Do a ten minute ab series, do some pushups, go for a thirty minute walk, join us live on my Instagram. Just do something! Second, I am the proud co-founder of Mindset Wellness and we have a great product range that can help you find balance in your day, feel Happy, Calm, Focus, Energy, Recover or Rest. I truly believe in these products because I use them every day; I'm actually a super fan of what we've created. Wellness is beyond working out. Our mindset sets the tone of how we approach our daily lives. I'm glad to offer a way to elevate it.
Hilary Sheinbaum is a journalist, the founder of GoingDry.co, a nonalcoholic event and menu curation company, and the author of three books: The Dry Challenge (HarperCollins, 2020), A Journal For Bad Days (Simon & Schuster, 2023) and Going Dry (Quarto, Sept. 2024). The New York Times calls "Ms. Sheinbaum, the Dry January M.V.P.," The Wall Street Journal featured her in a front page story, and she's appeared on Good Morning America many times. Her TEDx Talk went live in Oct. 2023.
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