Timothy Bass Sr. is a group fitness instructor and personal trainer at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Indianapolis.
But his path to fitness didn’t start in the gym — it began with a life-threatening heart attack on Christmas Eve in 2017.
What started as a wake-up call turned into a mission. After surviving the cardiac event and making dramatic lifestyle changes, Bass reclaimed his health and discovered a passion for helping others. Today, he teaches boxing, jump rope, trampoline, BOSU ball and strength classes, drawing dozens of people weekly. His classes, which attract participants from their 30s to 80s, are more than workouts — they’re a source of hope, community and inspiration for people facing their health challenges.
In this conversation, Bass shares his personal journey, the impact of his work at the JCC, and his vision for encouraging others to embrace health and longevity.
Can you share your story of overcoming life-changing health challenges and how that shaped your path to your current role at JCC?
Bass: I had a major heart attack back in 2017 on Christmas Eve. I was probably 15 minutes away from expiring because I had 100% blockage in one artery and 95% blockage in another. The ambulance and fire department got me to St. Vincent Hospital quickly, but I didn’t even know I was having a heart attack until I was on the surgical table. I ended up with two stents to restore blood flow.
The doctor told me, ‘Tim, if you don’t change your life, you’re going to die at 53.’ That was a wake-up call, especially since my dad died of heart disease at 59. My daughter wasn’t married at the time, and I wanted to walk her down the aisle and meet my grandchildren. That’s when I started putting my life back together.
I got a membership at the JCC and started on the treadmill and elliptical, but I got bored. Then I picked up a jump rope for the first time since middle school. Eventually, someone saw me and asked if I’d ever thought about teaching a class. That’s how it all started — first jump rope, then boxing and eventually strength and conditioning. Seven years later, I can see the impact on people’s lives, and it’s been outstanding.
Do you have any particular stories of success from your clients?
Bass: On my Instagram, I shared about Bill Dunn, who is 78 years young. At his last checkup, his EKG and blood pressure were perfect. His doctor told him to keep doing whatever he was doing. Stories like that are familiar — people come to class, hear my story and see living proof of what’s possible.
What does seeing clients making such progress mean to you?
Bass: It’s rewarding to see people aging gracefully. It’s not about the quantity of life; it’s about the quality. I have an 80-year-old who is still hitting the boxing bag every week. I want to leave a legacy, not just for my class but for my children and grandchildren. I want them to see that Paul can play with the grandkids all day.
What strategies do you use to help clients with long-term health challenges?
Bass: I set challenges, like 30 days without sweets or processed food, to help people discipline themselves. I always remind them to go at their own pace. Even small wins — like losing three pounds in a month — deserve to be celebrated. I always tell them, ‘Your health is your wealth.’ Being sick is expensive.
What advice would you offer to older adults or anyone who is intimidated by starting their own health comeback?
Bass: Keep moving. Whether or not you have a gym membership, walk around the block. It’s never too late to get started. You can’t stop aging, but you can slow the process.
What are your hopes for your work at the JCC and beyond?
Bass: As an African American male, I want to educate more men, especially Black men, to focus on prevention. Don’t wait for a diagnosis — start now. In my culture, we’re more prone to heart disease, diabetes and stroke. I want to keep taking this work to another level, adding classes and helping people improve their lives.
I recently lost a friend who weighed over 600 pounds. He passed away from a massive heart attack at the same age I am now. That’s why I encourage all people — Black, white, brown — to prioritize their health. At the end of the day, your health is your wealth.
Is there anything else you want to share about your story or your work at the JCC?
Bass: My story is ‘from heart attack to Tim Bass Fitness.’ Even my cardiologist told me that seeing me change my life made him change his habits. I say to my clients, you can bounce back from anything — heart disease, cancer, whatever adversity you face. Like my friend Les Brown says, ‘When life knocks you down, try to land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up.’
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
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