Reflections After 17+ Years of Gym Ownership

I've been running Vero Strength for over 17 years. We’ve gone from a small gym where Rob and I both worked full-time jobs in addition to coaching every session to today, with an amazing staff of professional trainers and hundreds of committed members. In that time, we’ve met thousands of people who have walked through our doors. There are many trends that show up time and time again. So, here’s what I’ve learned.

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Most everyone gets nervous at first. We’ve seen people who are complete badasses at their career or social butterflies outside the gym totally clam up when they walk through our doors. In most cases, the person believes others will judge them or look at them. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and if this is ever you, that’s when you must separate fact from feeling. Know this: if you’ve ever sat in your car scared to take the first step in the gym, you’re not weird; you’re basically everyone. The fact is that no one is actually judging you. Everyone is worried about their own workout. And, in reality, our people are always super friendly to new faces. 

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Vero Strength seems to attract really great people. I’ve said this more crudely before (we are an a-hole filter!). The training and the vibe here tend to filter out the people who aren't willing to be kind and coachable. The people who stick around are genuinely good people. I don't think that's a coincidence. Choosing to do hard, humbling things on purpose weeds out the egos and leaves you with people worth knowing. Seventeen years in, our members are still the best part of this business, and I think that filter is why.

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The all-or-nothing mindset derails people. When a new member wants to go from nothing to an everyday training schedule, they end up quitting because they are either burnt out or disappointed in themselves for not keeping up their crazy schedule. They think, “If I can’t come in five days a week, why come at all?” The ones who actually change their lives start with a few days, build a habit, maybe add a day or two, and show up consistently for years. Slow and steady is the path that actually works.

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Confidence is what I love watching grow the most. Weight loss and PRs are great, but there’s a change in the way people carry themselves after they’ve gotten stronger. It’s confidence. And I bet that newfound confidence follows them out into the wild (careers, relationships, etc.). After all these years, that still doesn't get old. 

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So if you've been putting off walking in, don't wait for the fear to disappear or for a perfect all-or-nothing plan; just show up, let the people surprise you, and let the confidence follow.