Building a sustainable fitness career often feels like chasing an impossible dream. Many coaches bounce between studios and gyms, searching for stability, fair pay, and growth opportunities while maintaining their passion for helping others. The fitness industry traditionally offers limited pathways for long-term career development, leaving talented professionals struggling to build lasting careers.
Afterburn, an OrangeTheory Fitness franchise group operating since 2013, challenges these norms by creating an environment where coaches thrive. With 55 studios across three states and a robust corporate infrastructure, it has developed a system that supports coaches through amazing benefits, clear advancement pathways, and professional development opportunities that set new standards across the industry.
OrangeTheory Fitness delivers science-backed, technology-tracked workouts combining cardio and strength training. Each day brings a new template shared across all studios, creating consistency and measurable progress for each member. This systemic approach allows coaches to focus fully on member experience and proper form rather than workout design.
Afterburn stands out among OrangeTheory Franchises through its comprehensive corporate structure. Its established support system provides coaches with resources and guidance typically unavailable in smaller fitness organizations. This professional environment fosters coach development while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
Through Marketplace by Coach360, fitness professionals can access compelling career opportunities with OrangeTheory Fitness. Coaches receive access to dental and vision benefits and supplemental insurance options. After six months, full-time coaches qualify for medical benefits, life insurance, 401k plans, and paid time off, a rarity in the industry.
One of the most significant benefits of working under Afterburn OrangeTheory Fitness is that there is a lot of room to grow and scale up. The multi-state presence allows coaches to progress into head positions or regional leadership roles overseeing multiple locations. Their tenure-based pay structure rewards longevity, with coaches earning high per-class rates, with many coaches staying seven to eight years or longer.
Becoming an OrangeTheory coach requires credentials from approved organizations such as NASM ACE, or ACSM, paired with at least one year of group fitness or personal training experience. The interview process includes practical evaluations through mock auditions and comprehensive paid training through the OTF Fit program. Successful coaches excel through their ability to multitask, maintain high energy, and forge genuine connections with members.
Consistent effort and proper guidance are the principles that Afterburn applies to their member experience and coach development. Its investment in benefits, career pathways with exponential growth opportunities, and professional support demonstrates a commitment to building sustainable careers in the fitness industry, which has a typically high turnover rate.
Creating exceptional member experiences starts with caring for the coaches who deliver them. By establishing clear progression paths and rewarding loyalty, Afterburn’s OrangeTheory Fitness locations have built a community where fitness professionals can envision and build long-term career success.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.
Lionel University began in 1988 as part of the International Sports Science Association, initially focusing on fitness certifications. Their mission expanded in 2011 when they created the first associate degree program in personal training, establishing a new standard for professional fitness education.
Today, Lionel University is the country’s only higher education institution dedicated exclusively to fitness education. Its commitment to student success shows in its numbers—3,700 successful graduates, 796 active students, and an impressive 95% student satisfaction rate. Federal student aid availability and specialized support for military members and veterans have created accessible paths to professional fitness careers.
Lionel University delivers a unique educational experience for career starters and seasoned professionals seeking advancement. Their curriculum combines practical, real-world principles with academic rigor, allowing students to earn professional certifications while progressing toward their degrees. The program structure enables students to obtain their first personal training certification within ten weeks of starting, providing career opportunities straight out of the gate.
The university offers an associate’s and bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s program featuring three specialized concentrations: strength and conditioning, fitness leadership, and corporate clinical community wellness. Each student receives dedicated support from a program advisor and enjoys small class sizes averaging 13 students, fostering meaningful engagement with instructors for greater successful outcomes.
A groundbreaking scholarship opportunity has emerged through a partnership between Coach360 and Lionel University. This scholarship, worth up to $35,000, opens doors for passionate individuals eager to build careers in fitness and wellness. The scholarship supports full academic programs, allowing recipients to choose their educational path while gaining industry-recognized certifications.
Applications for this opportunity will be accepted until March 7th, 2025, and the winner will be announced at the Las Vegas Health and Fitness Association event the following week. This scholarship provides more than financial support; it provides access to comprehensive education, practical certifications, and industry connections that launch successful fitness careers. Coach360 and Lionel University are devoted to providing opportunities to build the fitness industry’s future, creating an even more exceptional community.
Education forms the foundation of professional excellence, particularly in an industry where knowledge can directly impact client success and safety. Lionel University’s focus approach to fitness education, combined with Coach360’s commitment to industry advancement, creates powerful opportunities for aspiring fitness professionals.
This partnership exemplifies how industry leaders can collaborate to strengthen the fitness profession’s future. By investing in education and creating accessible pathways to comprehensive training, they’re helping build a workforce of qualified professionals ready to guide others toward their health and fitness goals.
Apply today for an opportunity to achieve your dreams with the Coach360 Empowering Futures Scholarship.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.
Pvolve, backed by Jennifer Aniston, brings a fresh perspective to functional fitness by pairing low-impact movements with patented resistance equipment. The Pvolve method draws from beloved practices like Pilates while adding unique elements through three specialized pieces of equipment for full-body conditioning.
The Murfreesboro location has already established itself as part of Tennessee’s vibrant fitness community. It brings Pvolve’s signature training methods to the area while creating opportunities for group fitness instructors. As the brand expands nationwide, this location exemplifies its commitment to building strong, supportive fitness communities.
Each 50-minute Pvolve class combines strength training with dynamic movement patterns, ensuring clients engage muscles through multiple planes of motion. Their programming includes four core class types: Strength and Sculpt for full-body toning, Sculpt and Burn for cardio elements, Progressive Weight Training for building lean muscle, and Mat Definition for Pilates-inspired core work.
What sets Pvolve apart is the attention to rotational and lateral movements —elements often missing from traditional workouts. These movements enhance hip flexibility and stability while promoting better functional strength in every plane. Classes accommodate members across age groups and fitness levels, allowing a 25-year-old athlete and a 60-year-old grandparent to work out side by side, each progressing toward their individual goals.
The brand currently operates 18 studios nationwide, with 50 more locations in development. Its omnichannel approach includes in-studio experiences and digital offerings, featuring over 1,400 on-demand classes and 40 weekly live virtual sessions. It has also developed 44 specialized workout series that address specific needs like pelvic floor strengthening and menopause support. This digital library allows members to maintain consistency across their practice, whether traveling, at home with a sick kid, or managing a busy schedule on limited time.
The Murfreesboro location seeks passionate professionals who are ready to guide members through the Pvolve method. Ideal candidates bring two to three years of group fitness experience and embrace a feedback-driven culture focused on continuous growth and improvement.
All trainers complete a 100-hour training program split between pre-learning modules, in-market immersion, and ongoing development. This thorough training prepares every instructor, whether lead or general instructor, to understand the methodology and the importance of proper form. Regular in-market check-ins and continuing education keep skills sharp and teaching methods current.
These positions, available through Marketplace by Coach360, offer competitive compensation packages, including discounts on retail and complementary memberships. While starting as a part-time role, growth opportunities exist as these locations expand. The Murfreesboro studio particularly values team players who balance confidence with humility and show genuine enthusiasm for developing other trainers. Dedicated trainers may find paths to leadership roles as multi-unit expansion plans unfold.
Pvolve trainers understand how proper movement patterns help every client thrive, from athletes chasing performance goals to beginners taking their first step toward better health. Their thorough development program builds instructors who value technical mastery and a supportive training environment.
Pvolve leaders know that small, intentional actions compound into significant results. Each trainer joining the Murfreesboro Pvolve community adds another element to Tennessee’s larger health and wellness framework. The commitment to continual growth and inclusive training environments strengthen individual clients and entire communities, one movement at a time.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.
Training facilities often face ongoing challenges with staff retention, career development, and maintaining service quality. This misalignment creates a cycle where talented trainers bounce from facility to facility, searching for sustainable careers, leaving clients, businesses, and trainers struggling to maintain momentum.
O2 Fitness and PRSNL break this pattern by placing equal emphasis on client and trainer development in its facilities across all of its locations in North and South Carolina. Its three-tier branch approach to wellness combines substantial investment in trainer education and career growth, creating an environment where skilled professionals can build loyal, thriving careers within the brand. With current jobs available in Marketplace by Coach360, trainers in the Carolinas have a unique opportunity to start a meaningful career under a company that cares about their career longevity.
O2 Fitness has spent two decades fine-tuning its wellness and professional development approach. Rather than operating as a traditional gym, O2 has built a holistic approach that combines multiple wellness disciplines. The PRSNL brand handles personal training, while Renew Physiotherapy provides rehabilitation and physical therapy services, and Loop Nutrition guides clients through dietary choices. This structure encourages collaboration between health professionals, maximizing client outcomes through holistic care.
Its holistic wellness development reflects the company’s responsive approach to client needs. Its adaptability and forward-thinking led to the expansion into physical therapy and nutrition services post-COVID, broadened the company’s impact while creating additional career paths. These strategic additions complemented its established personal training foundation while creating new opportunities for clients and staff.
PRSNL, the personal training sector of O2 Fitness, actively recruits passionate fitness professionals ready to build lasting careers. All of these are currently posted in Marketplace by Coach360. Its three-tiered trainer system, including Coach, Elite Coach, and Master Coach, provides clear advancement pathways. Each level offers increased earning potential, with top trainers capable of earning six-figure incomes through service commissions, sales commissions, and performance bonuses.
PRSNL demonstrates its commitment to trainer success through multiple channels. It offers starting salaries for new trainers, a rare benefit in the fitness industry, which allows professionals to stay focused on building their client base without immediate financial pressure. It also provides extensive continuing education opportunities for free or at a reduced rate, including partnerships with NASM, Hyperice, Power Plate, Exos, Pain-Free Performance, and various specialized training methodologies. This investment in professional development and compensation structure creates an environment where trainers can thrive and expand their expertise.
Mindful of industry trends, PRSNL has provided technology solutions for their trainers through Trainerize to make programming and overall client support more timely and scalable. They also create a work-life balance alongside career advancement. Trainers have flexibility in scheduling while maintaining the stability of regular income. This approach helps prevent burnout while encouraging long-term commitment to the organization and its clients.
Building strong fitness careers depends on the foundation provided by employers. High turnover rates continue to plague a large amount of the fitness industry due to financial instability and limited growth opportunities for trainers. O2 Fitness and PRSNL address these challenges directly by providing immediate financial security and clear advancement paths, resulting in satisfied trainers who stay, grow, and help build the business in return.
Company success relies on companies willing to invest in their people first. O2 Fitness proves that empowering trainers creates lasting positive impacts for everyone involved, from the content fitness trainer to the company, that can empower long-lasting relationships within the business and with clientele.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.
Digital platforms shape how fitness professionals build their careers, connect with opportunities, and grow their influence. Marketplace by Coach360, launched in October 2024, has cultivated a space where fitness professionals engage, learn, and advance through curated content, job opportunities, and important industry insights.
As Coach360 enters 2025, the Preferred Partnership program opens doors to businesses to amplify their presence through targeted marketing strategies, brand advocacy, and exclusive networking opportunities. Among these impressive partnerships, Walla is a prime example of how all companies, including tech-forward companies, can integrate seamlessly with Coach360’s ecosystem to reach decision-makers and industry leaders.
Through Coach360’s comprehensive partnership approach, businesses gain access to multiple touchpoints within the fitness community, creating an interconnected ecosystem where every participant adds and derives value. The platform serves as a dynamic hub that meaningfully brings together commercial partners, brands, coaches, and consumers. With over 350 coaching profiles, over 500 jobs posted, and partnerships with industry leaders like NextGen MD and Walla, Coach360 has established itself as a crucial connector in the fitness industry.
The platform’s unique ecosystem approach enables natural synergies between different stakeholders. This multi-layered engagement strategy has proven highly effective. It is demonstrated through Marketplace by Coach360’s ability to match hard-working and passionate coaches and trainers with amazing careers within clubs and studios that value their staff.
What sets Coach360 apart is its ability to facilitate authentic relationships that grow organically through various touchpoints. Whether it’s the digital reports, newsletter stories, the IGNITE video series, or networking events, partners can engage with their target audiences efficiently and effectively. This integrated approach ensures that partnerships deliver value beyond traditional advertising, which fosters long-term relationships that benefit each ecosystem sector.
Looking to the near future, Coach360 is thrilled to host a Reception at The Health and Fitness Association event in Las Vegas. This networking event showcases how Coach360 facilitates meaningful industry relationships, bringing together studio owners, operators, and brands in an intimate setting designed for authentic conversation and connection.
Partners like The Sales Arms and Struct Club have discovered valuable opportunities through this curated networking experience. Each partnership brings unique expertise to the community while gaining access to top suppliers, clubs, studios, and executives who are leading industry initiatives and opportunities. These opportunities present opportunities to network, learn, grow, and discover new business prospects.
Building authentic partnerships can take businesses to the next level of success when platforms create natural alignment between businesses and their target audiences. Coach360’s approach focuses on building genuine connections that serve partners and the broader health and wellness community at large.
Marketplace by Coach360’s growing influence in the wellness space stems from its ability to bring together diverse industry voices while maintaining the personal touch that drives business relationships forward. These partnerships lay a foundation for continued innovation, growth, and support across the broader health and wellness industry.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.
Loneliness has emerged as a significant health concern, with adults particularly struggling to build meaningful connections in their daily lives. Finding authentic ways to connect with others has become increasingly challenging between work commitments, family obligations, and the general rush of modern-day life. Social isolation affects emotional well-being, physical health, mental clarity, and overall life satisfaction.
Fitness offers a natural solution to combatting this growing disconnect. When people come together to pursue health-related goals, they bond through shared experiences and mutual support. The accountability that comes from working out with others enhances physical results and builds lasting relationships, creating a ripple effect that touches every aspect of their lives
Where Community and Movement Meet
The magic of community-based fitness is grounded in its ability to change individual pursuits into collective achievements. Whether celebrating a member’s first pull-up or supporting someone through a challenging life event, these shared moments foster genuine connections. The structured nature of fitness programs provides regular opportunities for social interaction, while the endorphin boost from exercise can break down social barriers. Fitness is a foolproof way to foster community in a natural, low-pressure way.
Group activities centered around fitness promote trust and vulnerability by giving each member a common goal. As people push their physical limits together, they develop a unique bond that is difficult to replicate in other settings. This shared experience of growth and challenge creates an environment where authentic relationships can flourish, leading to friendships and camaraderie beyond workout hours.
The beauty of community-based fitness lies in its inclusivity. Everyone, from beginners to advanced athletes, has something to contribute and gain from the group dynamic. This diversity enriches the community, allowing members to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives while working toward their individual goals.
Fitness Communities Supporting Los Angeles
The power of fitness communities has become particularly evident during the Los Angeles fires that have swept through the city. Multiple gym chains have come forward and have demonstrated how gym communities provide crucial support beyond fitness. Crunch Fitness, Planet Fitness, and UFC Gym are among the many that have opened their doors to residents and first responders affected by the fires. They’re offering free access to showers, WiFi, and charging stations, among other amenities. Their facilities have become safe havens where displaced community members can find small comforts and basic necessities.
This response exemplifies how fitness provides much more than a workout space. Beyond providing physical amenities, these gyms create welcoming environments where people affected by the crisis can find emotional support and connection within the community. The actions of these fitness chains demonstrate how community-minded fitness businesses can play a vital role in emergency response and community resilience while providing collective support.
Strategies for Trainers to Foster Connection
For fitness professionals, creating a community is about designing experiences that encourage interaction and support. Small group training sessions can evolve into social connections when trainers incorporate partner exercises or team challenges. Implementing pre- or post-workout gatherings gives clients space to build relationships outside of training.
Creative approaches may include rotating partner walks where participants switch conversation partners every quarter mile, nutrition accountability groups sharing recipes and progress, or monthly challenges encouraging the team to work together toward a common goal. Trainers can organize themed workouts celebrating holidays or special occasions, creating memorable experiences. The key is aligning these community-building initiatives with your brand’s unique identity and your clients’ shared interests while maintaining the professional atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
Consider implementing digital spaces for your community to connect between sessions. Whether it’s a private social media group for sharing wins, advice, and their most recent high-protein recipe or a messaging platform for workout buddies to coordinate workout schedules, technology can help strengthen the in-person bonds you’re helping to build.
The most profound transformations often happen when we’re supported by others who believe in our potential. By creating spaces where people can connect through health and fitness goals, coaches are offered the opportunities to rebuild the social fabric many have lost touch with, creating micro-communities of support and encouragement. Community is increasingly vital as adult loneliness metrics soar.
These communities become anchors in people’s lives, offering accountability, genuine relationships, and a sense of belonging. As community builders, fitness professionals have a unique ability to step into these roles to elevate their impact from physical transformation to holistic lifestyle enhancement, creating lasting change. Their clients will be happier and healthier, their businesses will flourish, and the impact will extend far beyond the initially intended impact of the coach or trainer.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.
Do coaches make good gym owners? This question often comes up in conversations with studio, gym, and franchise owners. At first glance, it might seem like a natural progression; who better to run a fitness facility than someone who understands the day-to-day operations of a studio better? However, the reality is more complex than that. Many coaches-turned-owners struggle, often making less money than they did as a trainer while shouldering far more responsibility and stress.
The fitness industry is filled with stories of passionate trainers who believe their experience and enthusiasm would naturally translate to successful ownership. However, many factors go into operating a successful business that goes far beyond understanding proper form and programming, such as managing payroll, maintaining profit margins, and building a sustainable business system. The disconnect often leads to failed ventures, burnt-out individuals, and sometimes a loss of passion.
The path from coach to owner is littered with common pitfalls. Many trainers jump into ownership while maintaining a full client load, trying to be both a full-time trainer and business operator. This approach often leads to exhaustion and prevents them from developing crucial business skills. Others invest their life savings into premium locations and equipment without understanding cash flow management or creating solid business systems.
I sat down with Jack Thomas, co-founder of The Fit Guide and the founder and owner of BASE Gym in Bangkok, to talk about the common pitfalls seen when coaches and trainers become owners. Jack shared many coaches enter ownership with a “passion project” mindset rather than a business-focused approach, which can be their demise. While passion for fitness is valuable, it can’t replace understanding sales, marketing, staff management, and financial planning. Some coaches even resist these business aspects, viewing them as contradictory to their “fitness-first” mentality rather than essential tools for sustaining business.
Even successful trainers earning substantial incomes can falter when transitioning to ownership. Jack shared an example of a trainer he knew who made upwards of 20,000 dollars monthly and opened his own facility. Despite his training expertise and client base, the business struggled because he neglected fundamental aspects of business operations, ultimately earning less while working more hours under an increased stress load. In addition to this, he had spent his life savings starting the gym and had brought shareholders into the business, which brought obligations to provide them a return and difficult conversations. It was a situation that could have been avoided with a more prudent approach to business.
While pointing out the hardships many coaches and trainers experience when transitioning to owner roles, Jack and I agreed that coaches (or really anyone) can make exceptional gym owners. Still, it requires them to approach ownership with the right mindset and preparation. The key isn’t necessarily found in their coaching background. It’s their willingness to embrace and master the business side of fitness. Successful coach-to-owners understand their training expertise is just one tool in their arsenal.
Those who thrive often start by acknowledging what they don’t know. They invest time learning business fundamentals before opening their doors, whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-study. Jack told me that he’d consume endless podcasts to learn everything he could to set himself up for success. Podcasts are generally free, can be done on your own time, and bring the owner amazing new ideas and understanding. In fact, it was his learning from podcasts that inspired him to launch his own show, Fitness Business Asia podcast, for gym owners in his region.
The most successful coaches and trainers who transition to owners understand that running a thriving fitness business requires wearing multiple hats. Jack shared that the most triumphant owners are the ones who step back from full-time training to focus on business development. They build systems, train staff effectively, and create scalable operations. They also aren’t afraid to ask for help in the areas they aren’t knowledgeable about or need extra help.
Success in gym ownership isn’t about whether you started as a coach or trainer; it’s about your willingness to grow outside of that role. Regardless of their background, the most successful owners share common traits—they’re lifelong learners. They’re willing to acknowledge their weaknesses and ask for help, and they’re committed to being business owners before they are committed to being trainers or coaches.
Creating a thriving fitness business requires more than understanding exercise science or having a passion for health and wellness. It demands a fundamental shift in mindset from practitioner to entrepreneur. When coaches embrace this transition and commit to developing their business acumen with the same dedication they once applied to perfecting their coaching skills, they can create a thriving business for years.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.
The path from group fitness instructor to corporate leadership isn’t always straightforward, but for Allison Porter, each step has been guided by an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Starting in the studios of New York City at iconic spots like Equinox, Porter discovered her passion for making a difference in people’s lives through fitness. That passion, combined with her natural enthusiasm and dedication to helping others, has shaped a career spanning over two decades across manufacturing, sales, and leadership.
Now serving as the Vice President of Sales, Fitness and Wellness for FloWater, she champions personal and environmental wellness, proving that staying true to your values can lead to meaningful success. Allison’s journey showcases how following convictions, even when facing obstacles, can create a career path that aligns with your deepest beliefs and goals.
Porter’s fitness enthusiasm returned her to school to pursue additional education opportunities in Exercise Physiology and Anatomy. Her early career included roles as a spinning instructor, and she became the director at Reebok Sports Club New York before transitioning to Schwinn in 2000, where she worked on programming development. This fitness and community-building background would prove invaluable as Allison moved into manufacturing and sales roles with companies like Free Motion, Technogym, and Precor.
Throughout her career evolution, Allison maintained her connection to the fitness community’s core values. Whether working with industry legends like Paul Check and Juan Carlos Santana or navigating corporate leadership as often the only female on the team, she consistently prioritized maintaining a vision and goal of positively impacting people’s lives. This dedication to purpose, even if it meant prioritizing it over profit, has guided her through roles at various companies. This ultimately led to her current position with FloWater, where she combines her passion for wellness, people, and sustainability.
Allison emphasizes the fundamental importance of staying true to oneself for those currently carving their own path in the fitness industry. She advises taking the very best care of yourself, which is the foundation for professional growth. This self-awareness helps navigate the paths to success while maintaining authenticity.
Porter particularly advocates for supporting other women beyond surface-level gestures. She emphasizes the power of attitude, perseverance, conviction, and desire—the skills that set someone up for success in any endeavor. Her experience proves that being vocal about your personal truth and doing the right thing, even when it’s challenging, leads to positive change.
The fitness industry thrives on transformation, but the most powerful changes often start with a foundation of unwavering authenticity. Porter’s journey demonstrates that success doesn’t require compromising your values. Instead, it demands honoring them even when facing obstacles or taking career risks.
When professional paths align with core beliefs, the domino effect of positive change can extend beyond individual success and create a lasting difference in our families, communities, and the world. This truth has guided Allison through various roles and challenges, proving that staying genuine to yourself and your beliefs isn’t just good advice; it’s good business.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.
The fitness industry often struggles with staff retention and career growth limitations. However, some organizations break this mold by prioritizing their team’s development and creating environments where fitness professionals thrive. IMPACT-X Performance is a newer franchise that combines hands-on mentorship with abundant growth opportunities, setting a fresh standard for what a fitness career can become.
For coaches and trainers seeking more than just another job, IMPACT-X offers a chance to become part of something bigger. As an expanding franchise, they’re seeking passionate professionals ready to help shape the organization’s future while building rewarding, sustainable careers in fitness.
IMPACT-X Performance builds on movement patterns, functional strength, and multi-faceted lifelong wellness principles. The approach spans from athletic performance to powerful aging, allowing trainers to specialize in their areas of interest. The organization provides personal and small group training opportunities, with groups capped at six participants to maintain quality and attention to detail. They also do larger classes with up to 15 participants, recovery services like cold plunge and sauna, red light therapy, compression, and even guided meditation. They incorporate faith and success coaching opportunities as if that isn’t enough.
What truly sets IMPACT-X apart is its commitment to pioneering the franchise’s future. As a newer organization, it offers fitness professionals the rare opportunity to help develop the company’s culture. This early-stage involvement means team members can influence the organization’s direction while creating a lasting impact beyond their client interactions. IMPACT-X also offers careers to high-energy leaders who are growth-oriented and want to make a difference.
IMPACT-X Performance provides a comprehensive support system for fitness professionals looking to advance their careers. They assist with certification costs, offer continuing education opportunities, and provide access to industry leader Todd Durkin’s exclusive workshops. IMPACT-X’s commitment to professional development extends beyond standard training, with seasoned mentors readily available to guide newer team members.
The organization prioritizes sustainable careers in fitness, addressing common industry burnout by promoting work-life harmony. They understand the importance of vacation time, proper boundaries, and team support. Whether seeking part-time flexibility or full-time career growth, IMPACT-X provides opportunities to help fitness professionals succeed long-term.
The company culture centers on continuous growth and genuine care for clients and team members. They seek high-energy leaders who strive to make a difference in the lives of others while constantly improving their skills. This dedication to mutual success has resulted in impressive staff retention, with several team members already having five to 12 years under their belts—a remarkable achievement in the fitness industry. All currently available jobs at IMPACT-X are featured on Marketplace by Coach360.
Success in fitness stems from having the right support systems and opportunities for growth. When organizations invest in their team’s development while providing the main pillars of success — continuing education, growth opportunities, mentorship, and great company culture, they create an environment where careers flourish naturally.
IMPACT-X Performance demonstrates that building a sustainable career in fitness requires more than just professional skills; it needs a foundation of mentorship, continuous learning, and genuine community. This approach proves that when fitness professionals find the right home for their talents, they can create lasting impact while building the career they’ve always envisioned.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.
From working overnight shifts in a hazmat suit to gracing the cover of Oxygen Magazine, Angela Gargano’s path defies convention. Her journey, marked by determination and unwavering dedication, has transformed her from a biochemist to a fitness icon, reshaping how women approach strength and empowerment and how obstacles can turn into our greatest teachers.
Beyond her impressive athletic achievements, she has competed six times on American Ninja Warrior (including two wins!) and made a remarkable comeback from an ACL tear; Angela has discovered her true calling: helping other people unlock their highest potential. She proves that physical achievements can catalyze profound personal growth through speaking engagements that inspire eclectic audiences and a specialized pull-up program that’s changing lives.
Angela’s resilience shone brightest during her journey on American Ninja Warrior. After three rejections, she earned her spot on Season 10, poised to become a top female competitor. However, an ACL tear during her run threatened to derail everything she had worked for. Instead of letting this setback define her, Angela used it as fuel for transformation. Eleven months post-surgery, she returned to the show to compete and dominate, securing her a position as a top female competitor.
Now, Angela’s found her next calling on stage, delivering keynotes that transform her athletic journey into lessons for success. Speaking to audiences ranging from corporate leaders to men’s retreats, she helps others navigate their own challenges by sharing how she turned setbacks into comebacks. Her message about shifting those “oh shit!” moments – those pivot points where the difficulty can melt into opportunity – resonates across industries. This transition from athlete to speaker marks an exciting new chapter, where she’s taking the wisdom gained through years of competition and using it to inspire the masses.
Angela’s Pull-Up Revolution program goes beyond typical fitness goals. What began as a specialized training approach has evolved into a movement that changes women’s lives beyond the gym. The program has seen over a thousand women, each discovering that mastering their pull-up builds more than physical strength. The ripple effect develops confidence that carries into every aspect of their lives.
She points to her clients’ successes, noting how they’re “showing up better, getting promotions, acting differently, standing tall, and feeling more confident.” This “oh shit shift,” as she describes it, happens when women realize their capabilities extend beyond their initial limitations. For coaches who are still trying to uncover their path, Angela’s approach demonstrates how finding a specific niche – something you “crush at” – can create the meaningful impact every trainer wants to have. As she reflects on her journey’s different seasons, from biochemist to Ninja Warrior to speaker and pull-up queen, she emphasizes how each experience contributes to a larger purpose of empowering others.
Physical achievements often serve as gateways to deeper personal transformation. When women master skills they once thought impossible, like pull-ups, they discover a strength that transcends the physical realm, rippling into their professional lives, relationships, and self-perceptions.
The fitness industry needs more voices to challenge conventional approaches to women’s health and empowerment. By focusing on capability over appearance and strength over size, leaders like Angela create spaces where women can explore their potential without limitation, proving that sometimes the most powerful transformations begin with a simple goal to pull themselves up.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.