The Training Table

Summary In this conversation, Nick interviews Joe and AB from Mass Strength and Conditioning, discussing their journey from a traditional CrossFit gym to a more individualized coaching model. They share insights on the evolution of their gym, the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of financial literacy for gym owners. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous growth and adaptation in t...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Nick, Chris, and Kieran O'Dwyer discuss Kieran's journey as a gym owner, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he implemented to transition his business model successfully. They explore the importance of fast action in the fitness industry, the difficulties in finding qualified coaches, and the significance of personal branding for gym owners. Kieran sh...

Summary In this conversation, Colm O'Reilly shares his journey in the fitness industry, particularly focusing on the rise of CrossFit in Ireland. The discussion delves into the challenges gym owners face in marketing and client acquisition, the importance of community and mental health, and practical tips for enhancing mental fitness. Colm also reflects on his experience writing a book about menta...

In this conversation, Nick and Chris explore commonalities among productive gym owners, the challenges they face in engaging with their audience, and effective branding and marketing strategies. The discussion also touches on consumer behavior, the role of patience in business, and the necessity of maintaining a relevant social media presence. They conclude with thoughts on future topics, includin...

Summary In this conversation, Dan Purington of CrossFit Woodslawn (Portland, OR) shares his journey from a medical professional to a gym owner, discussing the challenges and rewards of transitioning into the fitness industry. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, curiosity, and the need for gym owners to focus on foundational business practices. The discussion also covers the recen...

Summary In this conversation, Chris and Nick discuss the challenges and motivations behind endurance running, particularly focusing on Chris's recent experience with the 4x4x48 challenge. They explore the concept of 'misogi' as a way to push personal limits and the importance of physical and mental challenges. The discussion shifts to strategies for keeping gym members engaged during the holiday s...

Summary In this conversation, Carlin Von Dendriche shares his unique journey of founding Route 18 CrossFit in Medina, Ohio. He discusses the challenges of starting a business, navigating partnerships, and the importance of community in the fitness industry. Carlin reflects on his initial lack of experience, the evolution of his gym, and the significant changes he made to ensure its success. He emp...

Summary In this episode, Chris and Nick discuss the challenges and changes that come with parenthood, particularly in relation to business ownership and gym culture. Nick shares his experiences as a new father and how it has shifted his perspective on time management and empathy for other parents. They explore the evolving needs of gym members and how to adapt offerings to better serve them, inclu...

Summary In this episode, Chris and Nick kick off Season Two of their podcast after a brief hiatus. They discuss the importance of planning in both personal and professional life, sharing insights on marriage hacks like using a shared Google calendar. They reflect on the impact of annual planning meetings and the concept of vivid visioning for long-term success. The conversation also touches on sig...

Summary In this conversation, Kenny Markwardt shares his journey of leaving a corporate job and opening a gym in Sandpoint, Idaho. He discusses the challenges and fears he faced during the transition and emphasizes the importance of pursuing a fulfilling life. The conversation also touches on the topic of hunting and the ethical considerations surrounding it. Kenny and the hosts explore the idea o...

Summary Nick and Chris discuss their experience speaking at the Two Brain Business Summit and the importance of genuine communication in sales. They emphasize the need to make people feel seen and acknowledged, starting with something as simple as using their names. They also discuss the negative impact of scripted sales approaches and the importance of empathy in sales conversations. The conversa...

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 traini...

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 consci...

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...

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...

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 exper...

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 transiti...

Summary In this conversation, Nick and Chris discuss their experiences with speaking engagements and the topic of non-slimy sales. Nick shares his experience speaking at a coaches congress in Sweden and highlights the importance of tailoring his speech to the local audience. He emphasizes the need for sales meetings in the gym industry and the importance of approaching sales from a place of help r...

Summary Tommy Alfinito shares his journey from opening a gym to selling it and starting a distillery (Wildfether Distilling). He discusses the challenges of managing multiple gym locations and the decision to consolidate. Tommy also provides insights into the process of selling a gym and the economics involved. He then talks about the transition from being a gym owner to not owning the business an...

Summary In this episode, Nick and Chris discuss the challenges of leaving the business as a gym owner and the importance of building systems and processes to ensure a smooth operation in your absence. They emphasize the need to trust your team and delegate tasks, as well as the value of clearly communicating your core values and mission statement. They also share practical tips for taking time awa...

Summary In this episode, Nick interviews Tres Kennedy about his transformation journey and the process of starting and building a gym. Tres shares how he lost over 80 pounds and became passionate about fitness. He discusses the decision to open a gym with his wife and the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tres emphasizes the importance of creating a fun and welcoming gym culture...

Summary Karen Hazelton, owner of Telos Strength and Conditioning, shares her journey from being a math teacher to a business owner and mentor. She discusses the challenges of leaving the traditional career path and the importance of having a supportive network. Karen emphasizes the value of complementary partnerships and the need for clear goals and accountability. She also highlights the power of...

Our conversation with Clark Hibbs (www.instagram.com/clarkhibbs) explores the evolution of CrossFit and the shift towards a more holistic approach to fitness. We discuss their experiences as gym owners and the changing goals of their members. We also emphasize the importance of individualized coaching and the need to adapt to the changing needs and priorities of clients. The conversation also touc...

In this conversation, Nick discusses his experience with consolidating gyms and dealing with lease issues. He reflects on the challenges of managing multiple locations and the impact it had on his personal and professional life. Nick also shares his attempt to buy the building and the decision to walk away from it. He talks about the staffing challenges he faced and the realization that expanding...

Every transformation has its Day 1, and for Chris Williams, that day came a decade ago—garage workouts at nearly 400 pounds, a struggle with self-belief, and the first steps towards a future he could never have imagined. His story isn't just about shedding weight but about lifting up a community, now from the helm of his two gyms in Tracy, California. Through the lens of personal vulnerability...