How did you first come up with the idea for Bring the Gym to Me?
Bring the Gym to Me came about as a result of demand. I started out my fitness career as a yoga instructor teaching private and group classes in Brooklyn homes. The word got out about my classes and people started asking me if I was able to teach other styles of fitness (Zumba, Hip Hop Pilates, etc...). I am only trained in yoga, however I am good at networking, so a short time later I started hiring all kinds of fitness instructors for different style classes and renting studio spaces to run the classes in. One day, I got a call from someone who saw an ad that I had put out about my classes. They said that they didn't want to attend my classes but rather they were just in need of an instructor for a small private group class they had in their home. They had had an instructor but she had recently moved to Florida so they wanted to see if I could teach the class or could find them someone who could. I rose to task and sent them an excellent instructor who I had found through online networking. The class was a great success and the clients were so happy they recommended my services to their neighbors, who then recommended me to their friends and family etc. etc. Eventually I started to notice how these in-home private clients were growing on their own with little effort on my part, while my in-studio classes required a lot more work to maintain so I gradually moved away from the studio and from my own teaching to eventually running this service, which I termed Bring the Gym to Me full time.
What is your fitness background?
I have been practicing yoga for over 20 years. My practice evolved from Power Yoga to Ashtanga, which I now practice daily. I also train with a handstand and contortion coach weekly. I used to be a runner and have dabbled in gymnastics but gave those up as I felt they hindered my yoga and contortion practices.
It's so impressive that you developed a global fitness network. Can you tell us a little bit about your coaches and assistants?
My fitness instructors are very diverse. Really from all over and covering a multitude of styles. We always vet the instructors before hiring them to ensure that we are sending out top quality professionals. I like to think of Bring the Gym to Me as a fitness concierge service, meaning that we truly cater to each clients specific and particular fitness needs. I currently have two administrative assistants. Emilie is based in Arizona and is a Circus performer (acrobatics) in addition to her administrative work with me (which is how she got into my network). My other assistant Lyra is based in the Philippines.
What type of school and camp functions do you do?
In addition to sending fitness instructors to teach in private homes, we also send our instructors to schools, camps and other organizations (many senior centers for example). Some of the most popular types of classes our instructors teach at schools and camps include: Circus Arts, Zumba and Gymnastics.
Do you have any recent inspirational stories?
We are constantly receiving testimonials from our clients as to how much they are enjoying their sessions with our instructors and how much the workouts are benefiting them. Here is a sample of one: "I was recovering from fibromyalgia coupled with a chronic lung condition and I felt I would never be active again when Bring the Gym to Me's ad caught my eye and I figured I would give it a chance. I arranged for a free consultation and Sarede spoke with me at length about my physical needs and sent me a superb personal trainer who amazingly understood all my needs. With a combination of Yoga and Pilates she got me back on my feet and moving. I love the lessons, the trainer is lovely and understanding. I was devastated when I had to take a break due to surgery and can't wait to resume. I never thought I'd ever be able to touch my toes again, let alone do the eagle position. I am so grateful to Bring the Gym to Me and Maya, my trainer." - Suri
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