It is always so motivating when I learn about a person’s success story. I especially feel a sense of admiration when I hear the backstory to it all. How did it start? What did you do to get there? Why now? Listening and learning about how they created (or are still creating their) dream really brings me solace because it reinforces my belief that all things are possible if you believe in yourself, believe in your vision, and put in the work.
After learning more about Fit Results Gym , I knew I wanted to feature them. First off, being a business owner is one thing, but creating a gym in a saturated market and having a strong presence in it is another.
My first encounter with Fit Results began back in December of 2017. FR first reached out to me and asked if I could help spread the word about a charity they were involved with for the holidays. From there, Luis, one of the co-owners of FR along with Paul Tadalan, offered to extend an invitation to try FR. I took up the offer and checked out FR in February. Instantly when I entered, I knew the FR community was tight knit. Everyone was respectfully greeted and lots of comfortable socializing before the start of the next class. Since this was my first time working out at FR, I participated in one-on-one training. Unlike other fitness centers where I’ve received personal training, it was comforting to actually chat a bit and get to know each other. Prior to this, I didn’t know much about FR or the owners, and they didn’t know anything about me other than the fact that I am into fitness and I blog. I proceeded to tell him about my history of injuries, and shared with him my fitness and health goals. Luis created a workout on the spot that catered to my physical ability. I left that session INSTANTLY sore and burned somewhere between 700-800 calories in those 45 minutes. Have you ever had that “I hate you, but I know you meant well” feeling? yea, that was me… I wasn’t expecting such a burn in my first class, but it was that “good burn”, you know? Since then I have participated in other individualized training, and have taken their Triple 20 and bootcamp classes. And now, as of June 1st, I use them as one of my cross training gyms while I train for the Chicago Marathon!
When I asked Luis, why they created FR, he stated that since the inception of Fit Results, before they even opened their own gym in South Loop, they wanted “to empower others the way they should without any corporate boundaries.” “We (him and Paul) created a community where athletes of all fitness levels can feel at home like family.” They originally started just personally training clients in small condo gyms, then occasionally offering outdoor bootcamp classes around the city. But regardless of where they were, they wanted to welcome any fitness enthusiast.
With gyms surrounding them in all directions, as well as a big name franchise doors away, FR is able to stay competitive and hold a strong position in the community because they have stuck to that mission. They do not follow current fitness fads. They are different. Since its opening in 2017, they pride themselves on the fact that they deliver more than they actually offer. Luis added “apart from the most competitive rates, the atmosphere is non-superficial and everyone comes for one thing in mind, ‘Reach Goals’.” They work together to assure that those who enter the door are reaching their goals or FR will provide tools to help them reach their goals (check out their social media, they even occasionally provide fitness videos). Also, due to FR’s size, they have the freedom and flexibility to provide variations to their programs whenever they want. For example, none of their classes are ever the same, they offer seasonal programs, and their boot camps can rotate between being indoors and outdoors.
In addition to all has been mentioned, what really placed FR on the map is their creation of the Triple 20. The Triple 20 workout is a Circuit based class which integrates Cycling, Rowing and Functional Training. Triple 20 began when Luis became involved with endurance sports. During his first half iron-man race, he didn’t just follow the brick training, but rather began to implement his own regimen and trained differently. The cross training from the Triple 20 gave him that long distance conditioning through cycling, while the rowing conditioned the legs, core, arms and back, and the functional training allowed for the muscle endurance. The Triple 20 helps with weight loss, leaning out, and gaining all around conditioning.
Whether you’re entering the gym for the first time in a long time, or haven’t taken any type of fitness class like the ones mentioned above, have no fear! In fact, if you’re a first timer entering their gym, they recommend to either take the Triple 20 or Strength Training. Both classes will allow a novice to go at their own pace, and work with weights (or not) that are comfortable for them.
With having just opened last year, FR hasn’t entirely overlooked the possibly of expanding in the near future, but if they do, they will only do so, so long as they can keep the same principals. 1) Be Community based; 2) Welcome everyone equally; and 3) Always work to uplift, strengthen and empower one another.
Luis’ advice when it comes to starting a business is to make sure to do your homework! “There will never be the perfect time, even when everything looks to be perfect. Having butterflies in your stomach is normal. Jumping into this has been well worth it.” So let’s jump into it, shall we?!
I would like to close out my feature by letting you all know that the first class is always free at Fit Results! Also, they offer, an unlimited introductory month for ONLY $45!! You really can’t find a better deal for a gym like this! This is the perfect time to take advantage of it especially now that the weather has warmed up!
Now, let’s get outside and get going! I hope to see you at Fit Results!
SANY DELIGHT 