How Celebrity Trainer Jason Walsh Created Rise311 for Plant-Based Protein Innovation
The LA-based trainer aimed to create a plant-based protein with gold-standard ingredients and functionality
Jason Walsh, an LA-based trainer known for shaping the bodies of celebrities like Matt Damon, Alison Brie, Bradley Cooper, and Brie Larson, realized that despite the saturated protein powder market, many products contained questionable ingredients.
Walsh collaborated with his high-profile clients to understand their nutritional needs and developed RISE311, his protein powder brand. Many of his clients experienced digestive issues with existing protein supplements. “Almost all of my clients faced digestion issues that led to GI discomfort and bloating,” Jason told Athletech News. “We knew we had to create something that wouldn’t just be easy on the stomach but would actively improve digestibility.” RISE311 incorporates enzymes and sprouted barley protein to enhance digestibility and reduce the chances of stomach discomfort.
Many plant-based proteins also do not get fully absorbed by the body. Walsh explained, “Most protein on the market gets bound up in fiber and doesn’t get absorbed properly. With RISE311, we included enzymes and sprouted barley protein to help fully absorb the protein nutrition.”
Walsh acknowledged that whey-based and plant-based proteins have unique benefits and drawbacks. “We wanted to make a protein supplement for everyone, not just consumers who are plant-based,” Jason added. “We asked ourselves: Why do people take whey protein? Because it’s a complete protein with all the essential amino acids to aid in protein synthesis. But it has drawbacks. And why do people take plant-based protein supplements? Because of the drawbacks of whey protein, or for ethical reasons. But plant protein also has drawbacks. We wanted to bridge the gap and take the best of both whey and plant protein, and that’s how we came up with RISE311.”
One unique aspect of RISE311 is its use of Stevia Reb-M, a natural sweetener that stands out in a crowded field. Unlike the more commonly used Stevia Reb-A, which can be bitter and leave an unpleasant aftertaste, Stevia Reb-M is produced through fermentation, resulting in a subtler sweetness without the drawbacks. “When creating the formula for RISE311, we were set on having no sugars and no artificial sweeteners,” Jason said. “We identified the ‘Rolls Royce’ of sweeteners, Stevia Reb-M. It’s less bitter than the widely-used Stevia Reb-A and has no unpleasant aftertaste.”
The development team worked with a flavor house for an entire year to perfect the taste of the powder. “We wanted to create a formula that is softer and creamier than conventional powders and avoids the sickly sweet chalkiness they usually bring,” Jason explained.
When Jason isn’t putting together training plans for his clients or working on Rise Nation—a fitness concept he founded in 2014 with locations in New York City, Chicago, Dallas, Australia, Asia, and Cleveland—he’s enjoying the great outdoors. Despite his busy schedule, he has his go-to wellness products that keep him grounded. Walsh starts his day with coffee, blueberries, and organic sea salt for hydration, and ensures he hits the sauna three days a week. “I use the OOLER bed cooling pad because I sleep hot,” he added. Walsh also relies on Bearfoot shoes, or any shoe built for foot functionality, during training. He noted that he is not sponsored or compensated by these brands.
Walsh is committed to continuing RISE311’s innovation. “We will keep innovating and pioneering to help people,” he stated. “Our goal is to build these companies from a place of integrity, not novelty. The industry is infected with people and companies that just want to capitalize on trends, but we’re here to make a real difference.”