Real Training. Better Living.

We’re expanding! In this episode, we dive into the why behind District H’s second location, what makes our model different from other gyms, and how we plan to serve the Oak Forest community with a professional, relationship-driven approach to fitness. Here’s what we cover: - The big announcement of Oak Forest - Why our model works beyond one gym - How scalability and variety create better results...

In this episode of the Real Training. Better Living podcast, we dive into the exciting launch of our new nutrition coaching program at District H! 🍏💪 Join hosts Chris and Tommy as they explore how our holistic, habit-based approach is designed to help you build sustainable, long-term health habits—no more quick fixes or restrictive diets. From improving sleep to making healthier food choices, we...

In this episode, hosts Tommy and Chris explore Coaching Development and Careers at District H. Whether you're a member, a coach, or just curious about what makes our team special, this conversation highlights the passion and expertise driving our community. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: * Why coaching at District H is all about helping members achieve personal goals, from overcoming pa...

Discover the foundational 6 pillars of overall health in this inspiring and practical conversation with Tommy and Chris on the Real Training Better Living Podcast. This episode takes you beyond the basics, offering supportive guidance and clear strategies for anyone wanting to build a healthier, more balanced life. If you’re striving to improve your health, fitness, and overall well-being, you’ll...

What happens when yoga becomes more than just a workout? Tune in to discover Kelsey Konsen’s inspiring story of transformation, balance, and purpose through yoga. This episode takes you through Kelsey’s personal and professional evolution—from being an athlete skeptical of yoga to finding healing and a deeper calling as a yoga teacher. Learn how yoga helped her recover from trauma, why she believe...

What does success in fitness truly look like? In this episode of Real Training Better Living, hosts Tommy and Chris take a deep dive into the "Client Hierarchy of Success" and reveal the keys to building a lifestyle that supports long-term wellness and vitality. Discover how consistency, clear objectives, and intentional movement lay the foundation for growth, while personalized coaching and strat...

What does it truly take to help clients achieve lasting health? This episode of Real Training. Better Living dives deep into the "Reclaim, Ascend, & Self-Mastery" framework, offering a fresh perspective on personalized fitness strategies.   Join Tommy and Chris as they discuss how understanding client motivations can shape effective training approaches, share real-life examples of overcoming c...

What happens when you step away from the fitness model you've known for years and carve out a path toward something new? In this episode, we share our transition from CrossFit and the lessons we’ve learned along the way—not just about fitness, but about personal growth, reinvention, and what it takes to build a sustainable lifestyle. Featuring actionable strategies for self-improvement, practical...

In today's episode I discuss the 5 pillars to long term results at District H: Clarity, Consistency, Volume, Specificity, and Repeat. I use my own journey to provide an example of how you can apply this process to your own life to finally get the results you want and become that person who prioritizes health in their life. Enjoy!

In today's episode, Coach Adam and I sit down and discuss the topic of nutrition and how it can benefit our members depending on where they are starting and what their specific goals are. From everything from creating healthy habits to nutrient timing for our high performers, we discuss how we can tailor our coaching based on the needs of the individual. I have included a few different resources b...

In today's episode I talk about the risk and return spectrum behind programming for health and longevity. In functional fitness, there is an endless supply of movements we can choose, progress, and load. The question becomes what movements are going to provide the most bang for your buck and which movements don't make sense in terms of risk and return for the general population. It is our belief t...

Today I delve into our staff development process and why it means so much to me that we have the very best coaches at District H. It is not enough to just have passion for coaching. In order to succeed as a coach at District H, there needs to be accelerated development of technical and personal skills. We do that by providing mentorship, continuing education, and a continuous feedback loop. Our me...

Today I dig into our rebranding process and how we are wanting to evolve. Over the last 3 years, Dustin and I have moved heavily away from CrossFit and towards functional fitness for longevity and vitality. Our tagline "Real Training. Better Living," represents not only our approach to meaningful and intentional fitness, but also our philosophy that everything we do inside the gym is meant to enha...

Today I hop on the podcast with District H General Manager Miranda DeMark. She has put in work in developing her own 30-Day eBook that is now available for purchase. We talk about her evolution as a coach, the type of impact she wants to make in the community and industry, and her own personal brand. The Ferocious Female eBook speaks to the women out there who have been told their entire lives tha...

In a follow-up to the previous 30,000 foot view episode, I discuss why group class doesn't meet my staff's long term needs as well. From basic economics to wanting to leave deep meaningful impact, my staff will continue to evolve and get more specific with the types of people they want to work with and the type of medium they want to deliver their coaching through. As I have no long term expectati...

Today I discuss the topic of group classes and why I don't think they are the best solution for most people over time. This comes off of a discussion I had with one of our members about changing their prescription at District H from group to individual design and them feeling somewhat bad communicating this decision to me...almost like they were letting me down. In fact, I expect most people to ro...

Today I sit down with the newest member of the District H staff, Adam Holman. Adam has been in the industry for 15 years. For 10 years of his life, he was owner and operating of CrossFit Iron in the Fire. He has coached everyone from competitive athletes to the everyday person who is wanting to thrive well into their later years. Adam's passion for coaching is undeniable. Learn more about his back...

A few days ago I shared a post from the #ActiveLifeProfessional that basically said that leading with the best programming and community is not going to keep the lights on in your business. It's a sensitive topic that I wanted to unpack because I think that great programming and a great community are byproducts of a great culture within a gym. It isn't our purpose to create the very best programmi...

The background for this episode came from a conversation I had with a member during Open Gym. We were talking about the rebranding and changes in programming that had been made when Dustin and I took over 3 years ago. He mentioned that he felt like it was programming that allowed him to be sustainable and enhanced his life rather than take away from it. I wanted to delve into our evolution and how...

Today I discuss staff transitions and development. I have been diving head first into thinking about the "business of fitness" and what creating opportunity looks like for my people. I wanted to bring you into the fold on my thought process behind staff and what the next 12-24 months looks like in terms of where my head is at and what I am planning for. Enjoy!

This is a new channel within our podcast where Tommy discusses higher level topics that revolve around the organization as a whole. To kick things off, let's start at the end of the story. How do we define success for all major stakeholders at District H: the members, the staff, and the owners?

In today's episode, Tommy, Robert, and Morrill discuss all things conditioning. As a gym that prides itself on strength training, we are still firm believers in having a conditioning component to your exercise prescription. But in today's world, conditioning and cardio have become more of a tagline that an intentional part of someone's training. Whether it is burning calories, endless variety, or...

Today I sit down with District H Member and Elite Runner, Katie Howe. We discuss her unique background in using CrossFit style workouts and strength training to compliment her long distance training. While most members are used to working out at higher intensities via our group classes and general programming, Katie goes into the benefits of slowly down, finding your specific gears to produce repe...

Today, Head Coach Robert Johnson sits down with District H Member Shelley Parks to discuss her personalized training approach. While Shelley started as a group session member, she quickly realized that her priorities and goals were mainly focused on strength training. Since then she had rotated her membership to a "hybrid" approach that includes 1-on-1 personal training with Robert 2x per week, pl...

District H Podcast Host, Morrill Scott, sits down with new District H coach, Amanda Mason to discuss her background, her passion for coaching, and what she is personally working on to keep developing her skill set. This MidWest native is no stranger to strength and conditioning and her passion for helping others is contagious. Excited to have her on board as a coach. Enjoy!