The Training Table Nick Habich and Chris Plentus

Summary

In this conversation, Nick and Chris discuss their training backgrounds and how they got into CrossFit. They talk about the different training styles and methodologies they have tried, including Olympic lifting, powerlifting, and gymnastics. They also discuss the challenges and benefits of specializing in a specific training style. Overall, they emphasize the importance of finding a training style that is enjoyable and effective for each individual. In this conversation, Nick and Chris discuss the importance of modifying workouts to fit individual goals and needs. They emphasize that coaches should be open to adjusting workouts for members and that members should feel comfortable asking for modifications. They also discuss the role of specialized programming and the perception of coaches who don't participate in group classes. They highlight the importance of consistency and the ability to change fitness goals over time. Overall, they encourage open communication and flexibility in the gym environment.



Chapters

00:00 Exploring Training Backgrounds and Experiences

04:21 The Impact of CrossFit on Training Disciplines

08:33 Transitioning from Generalist to Specialist

26:00 The Role of Coaches in Workout Modification

29:58 Ethical Considerations in Coaching and Workouts

38:43 Changing Fitness Goals and Gym Transitions



Keywords

training styles, methodologies, CrossFit, Olympic lifting, powerlifting, gymnastics, workout modifications, individual goals, specialized programming, group classes, consistency, communication, flexibility

Summary

Kourtney Brownlow, a gym owner and mother of four, shares her journey of becoming a business owner and the challenges she faced. She started as a stay-at-home mom and part-time worker for a nonprofit before accidentally becoming a gym owner. Kourtney talks about her decision to buy a second gym and the transition from owning one gym to another. She discusses the importance of making conscious decisions when acquiring a gym and the need to change things to make it sustainable. Kourtney also shares her daily schedule and the roles of her staff members at the gym. Kourtney discusses her vision for the gym and her personal goals. She wants to replicate the personal training model and focus on mentoring her team to help them build successful careers. She wants to work no more than 20 hours a week in this season of her life and prioritize spending time with her young children. Kourtney also talks about her passion for public speaking and her desire to speak for a living. She shares advice for gym owners, emphasizing the importance of mindset and realizing that challenges are a normal part of business ownership.



Keywords

gym owner, mother, accidental business owner, gym transition, acquiring a gym, changing a gym, conscious decisions, personal schedule, staff roles, gym, personal training, mentoring, career, work-life balance, mindset, challenges, public speaking



Chapters



00:00 From Stay-at-Home Mom to Accidental Gym Owner

02:00 The Challenges of Owning Multiple Gyms

03:38 Making Conscious Decisions in Acquiring a Gym

06:44 Balancing Personal Life and Gym Ownership

08:21 Choosing Between Starting from Scratch or Acquiring a Gym

28:23 Advice for Gym Owners

32:03 The Power of Public Speaking

Summary

Nick and Chris discuss the different types of competitions they run at their gyms and the reasons behind them. They talk about the importance of having something to train for and how it keeps members motivated. They also highlight the benefits of testing oneself and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. Additionally, they discuss the community-building aspect of competitions and the shared experiences that create lasting memories. Competitions can create a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences among participants. They can also help raise awareness and market a gym to potential new members. However, it's important to create a fun and inclusive atmosphere, rather than focusing solely on intense competition. Niche and themed competitions can attract a specific audience and generate more participation. Running a competition can be costly, especially if renting a venue or hiring professional services. It's crucial to consider the financial implications and unpaid man hours involved. Decentralizing competitions and partnering with other companies can be a smart strategy to reduce costs and leverage existing resources.



Keywords



competitions, training, motivation, testing, accomplishment, community, competitions, camaraderie, shared experiences, awareness, marketing, fun, inclusive, niche, themed, participation, costs, financial implications, unpaid man hours, decentralization, partnerships



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Types of Competitions

03:41 Motivation and Engagement

07:25 Testing Limits and Achieving the Impossible

11:19 Building Community through Shared Experiences

15:34 The Logistics and Benefits of Running Competitions

23:08 Creating Awareness and Marketing

25:53 Fun and Inclusive Competition Atmosphere

29:39 Financial Implications of Running a Competition

36:43 Decentralizing Competitions and Partnerships

Summary

Storm Strout shares his journey of opening a CrossFit gym at the age of 19 and the challenges he faced along the way. He talks about his early experiences as a member of various gyms and how that influenced his decision to open his own. Storm discusses the process of finding a location, rehabbing the building, and opening the gym with no money and no plan. He also shares the unconventional methods he used to attract members and set his prices. Despite the challenges, Storm's passion for fitness and determination to succeed shines through in his story. Storm Strout shares his experience of starting and running CrossFit Veneration with his wife, Courtney. They discuss the challenges they faced in the early days, such as limited equipment and resources, and how they managed to make it work. They also talk about the importance of finding complementary roles within the business and setting boundaries between work and personal life. Storm emphasizes the joy and fulfillment they find in running the gym and their commitment to its long-term success.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Storm's Background

07:16 Unusual Circumstances and Challenges

16:25 Setting Prices and Attracting Members

37:21 The Joy and Fulfillment of Running a Gym

Summary

Dr. Brian Strump, the owner of CrossFit Steel Creek and a chiropractor, shares his journey of balancing his chiropractic practice and gym ownership. He discusses the challenges and risks of buying a building for his gym and acquiring another gym. Dr. Strump also talks about the importance of building reps and taking calculated risks in business. In this conversation, Brian shares his experience of buying a gym and the process he went through. He discusses how he initiated the conversation with the gym owners and explored different options. Brian talks about negotiating the price and revisiting the idea after considering the cost of starting on their own. He also explains the importance of adding a partner and closing the deal. Brian shares his role in mentoring the group and transitioning responsibilities. He discusses the challenges of managing staff dynamics and implementing changes. Brian also talks about the retention clause and the importance of retaining members during the transition. He emphasizes the value of evaluating performance and adjusting the deal accordingly. Finally, Brian shares his plans for settling and growing the gym and provides his contact information.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:08 Expressing Views and Opinions

06:13 Balancing Chiropractic Practice and Gym Ownership

08:04 Starting CrossFit Steel Creek

09:37 Transitioning from Chiropractic Practice to Gym Ownership

13:12 Buying the Building and Acquiring Another Gym

27:47 Short-Term and Long-Term Rentals

32:26 Building Reps and Taking Risks

33:01 Buying Another Gym

35:10 Initiating the Conversation and Exploring Options

36:16 Negotiating and Revisiting the Idea

37:10 Considering the Cost of Starting on Their Own

38:13 Adding a Partner and Closing the Deal

40:04 Transitioning Roles and Mentoring the Group

41:03 Managing Expectations and Staff Dynamics

43:10 Implementing Changes and Retention Clause

45:11 Initiating Conversation and Gathering Information

46:14 Considering the Cost of Starting Fresh

47:41 Assessing the Upside and Negotiating the Price

49:03 Delegating Responsibilities and Ensuring Fair Compensation

50:17 Managing Relationships and Setting Boundaries

51:39 Retaining Members and Ensuring Smooth Transition

53:53 Evaluating Performance and Adjusting the Deal

57:48 Considering the Value and Potential of the Gym

59:23 Focusing on Settling and Growing the Gym

01:03:07 Future Projects and Contact Information

Summary

Derek Batman, a gym owner and marketing agency owner, shares his journey and insights in the fitness industry. He started as a step class instructor and personal trainer before opening his own gym. Derek realized the importance of business acumen and sought help to improve his skills. He emphasized the need to measure and track metrics for business growth. Derek also discussed the transition to a semi-private training model and the benefits it offers for both clients and coaches. In this conversation, Derek discusses the benefits of small group training and the financial incentives it provides for both clients and coaches. He emphasizes the importance of professionalizing fitness coaches and creating opportunities for them to make a living. Derek also shares his experience with starting Lucid Branding Solutions and the need to relinquish control and trust his team. He highlights the value of mastermind groups in personal and professional growth and encourages taking action and pursuing passions.

www.instagram.com/hardbat_athletics

www.instagram.com/lucidbrandingsolutions



Takeaways


Building a successful gym business requires a combination of passion for helping people and strong business acumen.
Measuring and tracking metrics is crucial for making informed decisions and improving the business.
Relinquishing control and hiring the right team members are essential for scaling the business and creating a sustainable operation.
Transitioning to a semi-private training model can provide more flexibility for coaches and better retention for clients. Small group training offers clients a more affordable option while still receiving personalized attention.
Financial stability is crucial for coaches to professionalize themselves and provide quality coaching.
Creating opportunities for coaches to make a living benefits the gym, members, and the community.
Relinquishing control and trusting staff is necessary for scaling a business and pursuing other ventures.
Mastermind groups provide valuable insights and lessons without the need for personal trial and error.
Taking action and pursuing passions is essential for personal and professional growth.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:08 Starting the Gym

05:00 Transition to CrossFit

08:06 Opening the Gym

09:33 Longevity of Gym Businesses

11:31 Evolution of Business Acumen

13:10 Leveling Up and Seeking Help

15:08 Importance of Metrics

19:16 Transition to Full-Time and Full-Focus

22:30 Semi-Private Training Model

24:07 Small Group Training Benefits

25:06 Financial Incentives for Coaches

26:01 Coaches' Financial Stability

28:02 Professionalizing Fitness Coaches

29:46 Creating a Career in Fitness

31:32 Opportunities for Coaches to Make a Living

32:33 Lucid Branding Solutions

36:37 Relinquishing Control and Trusting Staff

42:18 The Value of Mastermind Groups

49:47 Taking Action and Pursuing Passions