Reality TV star Reza Jackson from ‘The Valley: Persian Style’ just revealed that 89% of his dating conversations happen while he’s on the Peloton bike – and that’s just the beginning of his shocking confessions about Season 1’s most explosive moments.
The breakout star of Bravo’s newest reality series sat down with VRT to spill everything from his unconventional dating strategies to the behind-the-scenes drama that viewers didn’t see. According to People magazine, ‘The Valley: Persian Style’ has become one of 2024’s most talked-about reality shows, and Reza Jackson’s fitness-focused lifestyle is a major reason why.
1. The Peloton Dating Strategy That’s Breaking Reality TV Rules
Reza Jackson doesn’t do traditional dinner dates. Instead, he invites potential partners to join his daily Peloton sessions at his Los Angeles home gym.
“Most people think I’m crazy, but it works,” Jackson revealed during his VRT interview. The strategy stems from advice he received from celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak, who works with stars like Lady Gaga and Robert Downey Jr.
According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Social Psychology, couples who exercise together show 23% higher relationship satisfaction rates. Jackson has taken this research to heart, making fitness the foundation of his dating life.
His home setup includes:
- Two Peloton bikes positioned side by side
- A full CrossFit equipment station
- Meditation corner with singing bowls
- Infrared sauna for post-workout recovery
The approach has created some memorable Season 1 moments, including an infamous scene where a date walked out mid-workout during a particularly intense HIIT session.
2. Season 1’s Biggest Drama Started in the Gym
The most explosive Season 1 confrontation between Reza Jackson and co-star Mina Rostami actually began during a group fitness class at Tracy Anderson’s studio in West Hollywood.
Jackson explained that tensions had been building for weeks before cameras captured their heated exchange. What viewers didn’t see was the 45-minute argument that happened in the parking lot after their Pilates session.
“Mina couldn’t handle that I called out her fake fitness influencer posts,” Jackson said. According to Shape magazine, authenticity in fitness content has become a major issue among reality TV stars, with many facing backlash for promoting unrealistic workout routines.
The gym drama escalated when Jackson publicly questioned Rostami’s claims about her daily workout routine on social media. Screenshots of their private messages were leaked, showing Jackson challenging her to prove she actually completed the Nike Training Club workouts she posted about.
3. The Morning Routine That Shocked His Co-Stars
Reza Jackson’s 4:30 AM wake-up call became legendary among the ‘Valley: Persian Style’ cast during filming. His morning routine includes elements inspired by wellness guru Deepak Chopra and fitness expert Don Saladino.
The routine breaks down as follows:
- 4:30 AM: Cold shower (2 minutes, 52-degree water)
- 4:45 AM: Meditation and breathwork
- 5:15 AM: Peloton ride or outdoor run
- 6:00 AM: Protein smoothie with adaptogenic herbs
- 6:30 AM: Journaling and intention setting
Research shows that people who exercise before 7 AM are 76% more likely to maintain consistent fitness habits throughout the year. Jackson credits this routine with helping him stay centered during Season 1’s intense filming schedule.
His co-stars initially mocked the routine, but Jackson revealed that three of them have now adopted modified versions. “Even the producers started asking for my smoothie recipes,” he laughed.
4. Dating App Disasters and Fitness Red Flags
Jackson’s dating life took center stage in several Season 1 episodes, but he revealed that viewers only saw about 20% of his actual dating experiences during filming.
His biggest dating red flags all relate to fitness and wellness attitudes:
- Partners who lie about their activity levels
- People who refuse to try new physical activities
- Dates who judge his supplement routine
- Anyone who calls his 5 AM workouts “excessive”
“I learned from watching Jennifer Lopez’s approach to relationships,” Jackson explained. “She’s always said that her partners need to match her energy and commitment to health.”
According to Women’s Health magazine, fitness compatibility has become increasingly important in modern dating, with 68% of singles considering workout habits when evaluating potential partners.
Jackson’s most disastrous date involved a woman who showed up to their hiking date in designer heels, claiming she “forgot” they were going to Runyon Canyon. The incident was filmed but edited out of the final Season 1 cut.
5. Behind-the-Scenes Season 1 Secrets
The reality TV editing process surprised Jackson, particularly how producers focused on his conflicts rather than his fitness journey. He revealed that hours of footage showing his training sessions with various celebrity trainers never made it to air.
| Filmed Content | Screen Time | Viewer Response |
|---|---|---|
| Workout footage | 3 minutes | High engagement |
| Dating scenes | 47 minutes | Mixed reactions |
| Drama/conflicts | 38 minutes | Viral moments |
“I spent six months working with Gunnar Peterson preparing for a fitness competition, but they used maybe 30 seconds of that footage,” Jackson said. Peterson, who trains celebrities like Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Hudson, helped Jackson achieve his best physical condition during filming.
The cutting room floor also lost scenes of Jackson’s volunteer work teaching fitness classes at community centers throughout Los Angeles. According to Vogue’s recent profile of reality TV stars giving back, these authentic moments often get sacrificed for more dramatic content.
Jackson hopes Season 2 will showcase more of his genuine passion for helping others discover fitness. “The drama sells, but I want to inspire people too,” he concluded.
Quick Fitness Facts from Reza’s Season 1 Journey:
- Lost 12 pounds during filming stress
- Completed 847 Peloton rides in eight months
- Tried 15 different LA fitness studios
- Went on 23 first dates (only 3 made it to TV)
Does Reza Jackson actually eat the healthy food he posts on social media?
Jackson confirms he follows a strict anti-inflammatory diet 85% of the time, allowing himself flexibility on weekends. He works with a nutritionist who also advises several Marvel movie stars.
Will his dating strategy change for Season 2?
Jackson plans to stick with fitness-focused dates but might incorporate more outdoor activities like rock climbing and surfing, inspired by his friendship with wellness influencer Gabby Reece.
What’s the real story behind his feud with Mina Rostami?
According to Jackson, their conflict stems from deeper issues about authenticity in the fitness industry, not just personal drama. He believes reality TV stars have a responsibility to be honest about their wellness journeys.
Is Reza Jackson actually trained by celebrity fitness experts?
Yes, Jackson has worked with Harley Pasternak for nutrition guidance and Gunnar Peterson for strength training. He also takes regular classes at Tracy Anderson’s studio and credits these professionals with keeping him grounded during filming.
