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SS Times/ January 2022 Recap

SS Times

“When looking at results, you might not see something overnight. But as you keep track of your workouts, you look back after a year and are like, WOW, look at my progress!

I started this journey as “I will try this and see if it’s a fit for me.” I have been training twice weekly, like clockwork, and do it on my schedule.

If working out wasn’t part of my routine, I don’t know what would be.

This is the one thing that I do only for me. Yet, keeping healthy is good for my whole family.

And for anyone worried about if they can afford it, imagine it was your child asking you for something that would make them happier and healthier. You wouldn’t hesitate to figure out a way to make the time and cover the cost to make it happen.”

-Jewell Heath, Smart Strength client since November 2020.

SS Times

2022 has arrived in style!  We have a few new additions to the Smart Strength family, and our membership has remained as committed as ever to strength and fitness!

There are no NYE fads here, just SMART. Clients are getting better every week.

We hardly breathed as we celebrated the holidays, returned to the hustle and bustle of training full-time @ SS1, and are working diligently on SS2 (our new larger facility).   That is how we do it.  Grinding is a way of life in Albion!!!

These are very exciting times indeed, not only for Smart Strength but for the City of Albion.

Our new facility will be world-class, and that is not a figure of speech. I mean it!  I have taken elements from all the best facilities I have worked in and have combined them into this facility.  User experience/ customization and functionality are the objective.

Until then, we intend to keep training and providing service to our amazing clients at the SS1 location.

Thank you for your continued support of Smart Strength!  You are the BEST!

Schedule update

There is no major time off this month, so schedule accordingly.

We are at maximum capacity and no longer accepting members at this time.  Anyone looking to join will be wait-listed until further notice.  Thank you, and I am sorry for the inconvenience.

With that being said, pairing up for workouts may be your best option if your schedule does not allow flexibility.  It is not a big issue, so please adjust accordingly.

Thank you for trusting Smart Strength with your health and wellness.

We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in the future.

If we can do anything to make your training just a little bit better, please do not hesitate to let us know.

To recap the month

-We completed 153 total sessions for January.

-We averaged 38.25 sessions per week.

-We are averaging 153 sessions per month YTD.

1837 total training sessions have been completed at SS since opening in late 2020.

153 Sessions have been completed 2022 YTD.

Moving Forward

1st-anniversary list! – You are amazing, and a special thank you for making a real commitment to Smart Strength!

-Stephanie

-Tom

A few words about small group training- some of you have reservations about starting this… please read these and consider how small group training can enhance your training experience…

Doug

“I have been doing small group personal training with Alex for over a year, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get in better shape.  Depending on personality, working out with another person still provides enough one-on-one time with the trainer and a fun and competitive atmosphere.  Over the year, I have seen real results with Alex.  I am stronger and, in general, look and feel better.  I originally came to Alex because of lower back pain my doctor could not diagnose.  It was to the point where any physical activity during the day left me barely able to walk in the evening.  After working out for one month, I had a drastic reduction in back pain.  After two months, it was gone.”

Jewell

“I have been working with Smart Strength for 14 months now, and I have worked in some small group settings with a few of my peers. I enjoy the small group training as it creates a mental competition with myself to do more and show my ability. I am not willing to quit when someone else is watching me. Having the right mental attitude is key when working in a small group setting.”

2022 SS2 transition plan

“The only one who likes change is a wet baby.”  Mark Twain

 Here is a rough outline of how things will play out in the coming months as we transition facilities and slightly change our business model.  Transparency is key, and rest assured, I WILL TAKE CARE OF MY EXISTING CLIENTS!!! Our bread & butter/ training will not go away.

-Transitioning facilities

Physical- change of location, new equipment, balancing more clients in the facility at once

Mental- Going from 1 on 1 to 3 on 1… Coaching differently.  Creating a new culture/ managing atmosphere with new members

Software- Update in ZP… member scan in and 24/ 7 access capability.  Larger amount of clients/ management of scheduling

-Transition business model

Ring inefficiencies out of business model.

Higher overhead, no longer economically viable for me to train 1 on 1 at this price.

More managerial duties can no longer coach 40+ individual training sessions.

-Transition day-to-day role/ operations

Only coaching 5 or less hours per day (up to 15 clients per day)

Allow time to manage the facility, especially in the beginning/ troubleshooting

Allow time to coach trainers and mentor new hires

Allow time to sell to companies/ corporate wellness contracts

Allow time to do community outreach/ engagement/ health & wellness presentations

Timeline for transition- We will NOT be transitioning to the new facility until March 1 at the EARLIEST… so no worries about moving this month. 

Online review

***One of the best ways you can help support Smart Strength is with an online review.  If you have not done so yet, please take a few minutes to leave one here.

As always, if anyone has any suggestions or feedback, please email me or let me know during our next session.

SS Times- December edition/ Year end recap!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Smart Strength!!!

December has been one for the history books folks!  We have some photos to share, highlighting the progress being made on our new location.

These are very exciting times indeed, not only for Smart Strength but for the City of Albion.

As you will see from this edition of the SS Times, December has been very busy and full of positive energy!

As 2021 turns into 2022, I cant tell you enough how grateful I am to have you in my life, and how happy I am to share this journey with you.

Ill let you in on a little secret…. I get as much out of our training sessions as you do- I love interacting with my clients and learning something new each day.  I really am blessed.

Thank you for making 2021 a special year.

Schedule updates

January training and availability will continue as normal.  As we get closer to our transition date to the new facility training hours may change.  I will keep everyone posted with advanced notice.

We will be closed Monday, January 17th.  I will be going skiing with the Boy Scouts, so wish me luck!

We continue to move forward with the build out of our new location.  Special thanks to Joe and ACE for moving this along incredibly smooth.  A timeline of photos will show our progress.  I anticipate moving starting mid February… This will be a new adventure for us all so please be patient and I will do everything I can to make this transition smooth and enjoyable.  I will include a transition plan in next months SS Times.

 

Thank you for trusting Smart Strength with your health and wellness.

We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you into the future.

 

To recap the month

-We completed 175 total sessions for the month.  A NEW RECORD!

-We averaged 43.75 sessions per week.  A NEW RECORD!

-We are averaging 140.25 sessions per month YTD.

-We finished the year with an average of 35 training sessions per week!!! Better than I projected.

1684 total training sessions for the year of 2021!! 

Moving Forward

The first inaugural Champagne Shuffle was a smashing success!  We had around 50 runners show up to enjoy a beautiful New Years Eve in downtown Albion.  A great time was had by all and we raised a boat load of cash and collected a ton of warm clothing items for the Children of Harrington Elementary!

Thank you to all that took time to attend.  It was a special afternoon!

Very Special thanks to our wonderful partners at Run Albion and Erin Markovich for the idea and organizing of the event!  Well done!

 

1 year anniversary list! – You are amazing and a special thank you for making a real commitment to Smart Strength!

Dick

Alex

Erin

Nick

Shelly

 

Online review

***One of the best ways you can help support Smart Strength is with an online review.  If you have not done so yet, please take a few minutes to leave one here.

As always, if anyone has any suggestions or feedback, please shoot me an email, or let me know during our next session.

 

SS Times/ November edition

SS Times

 

 

Michigan Fans after finally beating OSU…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDJUot9OBLc  Thanks for that one Jesse.

 

But in all honesty, great season for the Wolverines, Sparties and my Britons!… Lions, maybe next year…

November was a great month. Even with a holiday shortened training week, we still hit some pretty great numbers.

I am very proud of several clients that made their 2 sessions during a shortened week.  Fitness and staying on track are becoming very important.

This is how life changes.  The grind of time.  Not some weekend seminar or short self-help book, but by committing to habit, rinsing, and repeating week in and week out.

Sorry, no short cuts here, no easy pill.

Just hard work, it’s the only way to guarantee change…

Schedule updates

Friday training is back on Zen Planner.  Next Friday (the 10th) is a shortened training day.  I will be making a trip to Baker Strength & Conditioning to do some professional development with an old friend and teammate… Bro Baker.

Saturday training is BACK!  I have availability from 7am-noon for the month.

We will be closed on Saturday Dec 25th and Saturday January 1, however.  You should be celebrating as well!!

Thank you for trusting Smart Strength with your health and wellness.

We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you into the future.

 

To recap the month

-We completed 143 total sessions for the month.

-We averaged 35.75 sessions per week.

-We are averaging 139.75 sessions per month YTD.

1509 total training sessions have been completed YTD.

 

Moving Forward

1 year anniversary list! – You are amazing and a special thank you for making a real commitment to Smart Strength!

Doug

Jewell

Caroline

Jimmy

Pam

Naomi

Joe

Cynthia

 

People ask me where the name “Smart Strength” came from and why did I choose to name my business this?

We can meet for coffee, and I can give you the long-winded version if you would like, or you can check out this brief post and get the cliff noted version.

https://smartstrengthprogram.com/all-action-starts-with-a-thought/

 

 

If you missed the speaker- Pastor Corey Brooks– we had it recorded and hope you will enjoy it on your own time.  Please feel free to share with anyone you wish.

Special thanks to all my clients that showed up and supported this event.  You are the BEST!

 

Online review

***One of the best ways you can help support Smart Strength is with an online review.  If you have not done so yet, please take a few minutes to leave one here.

As always, if anyone has any suggestions or feedback, please shoot me an email, or let me know during our next session.

Work Smarter, not harder

Your Trainer,

Alex

All action starts with a thought…

  • All action starts with a thought.
  • Let that sink in for a moment.
  • The brain must lead the body.
  • You must create the command in your mind before you can create the movement with your body.
  • The brain is the captain, and the body is the vessel.
  • Which direction does your brain steer your body?
  • My role as your coach is to unlock the power of your mind to teach you to believe that you will accomplish your goals.
  • Never underestimate the power of belief.  Never underestimate the power of your mind.

If you want an impactful holiday gift, consider giving a 21-day trial to a loved one or treating yourself to something life-changing.

Your trainer,

Is your organization an El Faro?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb-E2kqLJhU

 

From the story of El Faro, it is evident now that the fastest route isn’t always the safest.   And a decision made by the most qualified officer in a room isn’t always the smartest.  The captain’s language of invincibility discouraged any crew member from expressing concern.

Perhaps El Faro would have been saved if the captain had established psychological safety that encouraged a diversified opinion from the crew members.

Maybe if he had established the practice of voting first before discussing, and practiced being curious instead of compelling, the ship would have been safe.

Every organization has a particular culture that is groomed through daily interactions and actions.  As a leader it is your responsibility to push for a more beneficial communication system.  Your type of leadership is evident in the language you use.  Always remember that you control the clock and everyone needs to collaborate to achieve a goal.  But this is not possible if they do not commit to working hard at it.  It is your job to celebrate wins, pursue every team members improvement and connect to them individually.

In the real sense, these steps are not easy.  But they are worth it and would prevent your ship from sinking.

Try this

Discuss your organizations goals with your team.  Share your possible concerns and encourage them to share theirs.

Also, try to create a platform for employees to make their suggestions anonymously, before a decision is made…

 

*Boards everywhere should take heed from this story.  Your actions have very real consequences.  They could even be fatal to your organization.  Do not ignore the signs.  Your Ego is not more important than the life of the organization.

*Leaders take note from this story.  Confidence is one thing, ignorance is another.  Resistance from a few is natural, resistance from all is a red flag.  Your actions have very real consequences.

When you are in a position of leadership, your words have weight, your actions are always observed, your character is paramount.

Sometimes, even you as the Captain cannot jump ship and run from the mess, it will swallow you along with all of the others….

DO NOT be an El Faro…

 

SS Times- Octoberfest!!!

 

SS Times

What a beautiful Fall we are having.

And when its cold and rainy, there is nothing better than hitting the gym and getting your sweat on!!

I applaud each one of you for braving the elements, finding the energy, and staying committed…

Every time you work out, you are making a deposit in your health piggy bank…

Let’s feed that damn pig all winter long!!!

 

Schedule updates

Friday training is back on Zen Planner.  8am- Noon is available for scheduling.  If you would like a Friday PM workout just let me know and I can selectively schedule for you.

Saturday training is BACK!  I have availability from 7am-noon for the month.

It is a great way to get the weekend rolling!

Thank you for trusting Smart Strength with your health and wellness.

We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you into the future.

 

To recap the month

-We completed 130 total sessions for the month.

-We averaged 32.5 sessions per week.

-We are averaging 136.5 sessions per month YTD.

1366 total training sessions have been completed YTD.

 

Moving Forward

-I want to make everyone aware of the Cancellation Policy at SS. 

If you cancel a scheduled appointment within 24 hours of the appointment, you will be charged for the session.

However, if you cancel but reschedule within the same week through Zen planner, no problem. 

It is on you to make that decision and schedule a makeup appointment. 

***Attendance award mini game, coming soon!!! ***

 

TEASER:  Online programs are coming soon….  Watch below!!!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36vGuLwKWzc

 

Online review

***One of the best ways you can help support Smart Strength is with an online review.  If you have not done so yet, please take a few minutes to leave one here.

As always, if anyone has any suggestions or feedback, please shoot me an email, or let me know during our next session.

Work Smarter, not harder

Your Trainer,

Alex

 

Fitness = Free Market

Just an evolutionary idea…

Fitness is Natures Free Market.

I love the simplicity of fitness.

It is a realm where you get out exactly what you put in.

It is natures bank account.

It consists of deposits of hard work and making the hard choices and nothing else.

It is one of the last places where you get exactly what you earn.

No one can give it to you & no one can take it away.

Your body and your health are the bank account.

It is perhaps the last thing on earth free of insidious intervention.

 

Do you remember…the 21st night of September…

SS Times

September was solid.  Just like Earth, Wind & Fire, September never disappoints!

Like what the previous SS Times highlighted, we have been working hard and doing the right things.

It is time to show it.

We will begin re assessment next week and reevaluate programs moving into the fall.

We love to see PR’s!

We are entering the 4th Quarter.

This is winning time!

Schedule updates

Friday training will remain appointment base only through the month and will not be in the schedule on Zen Planner.

If you desire a session on Friday, just let me know what time and I will selectively book it for you!

Saturday training is BACK!  I have availability from 7am-noon. 

It is a great way to get the weekend rolling!

Hit the gym and grab a coffee after!  It’s my secret to success.

Thank you for trusting Smart Strength with your health and wellness.

We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you into the future.

To recap the month

-We completed 156 total sessions for the month.  (2nd most in a month for 2021)

-We averaged 39 sessions per week.

-We are averaging 137 sessions per month YTD.

-1236 training sessions have been completed YTD.

Moving Forward

-I want to make everyone aware of the Cancellation Policy at SS.  If you cancel a scheduled appointment within 24 hours of the appointment, you will be charged for the session. 

If you cancel and reschedule within the same week through Zen planner, no problem. 

It is on you to make that decision and schedule a makeup appointment. 

A big thank you to all that joined for the Run Albion/ Forks 5K!  It was an awesome turnout and a picture-perfect night.

It really made me smile!!

TEASER:  Online programs are coming soon….  Watch below!!!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zUpiOOREIFIKNl9t4uAhrO8htzpSloBB/view

Online review

***One of the best ways you can help support Smart Strength is with an online review.  If you have not done so yet, please take a few minutes to leave one here.

As always, if anyone has any suggestions or feedback, please shoot me an email, or let me know during our next session.

Let us enjoy this month.  Fall is the best season for getting outside and walking!  Color tours anyone??

Work Smarter, not harder

Your Trainer,

Alex

August- The Love/ Hate month…

SS Times

The month of August and I have a love/ hate relationship.

Growing up playing football, I spent 12 years of my life dreading fall camp, grinding in full pads under the intense summer sun.  But I knew that without camp, without the preseason grind, there would be no fall glory.

There would be no Friday night lights or Saturday afternoon contests without the preparation and work that must take place before hand.

It was always better to sweat in peace than to bleed in war.

The hard work you put in weekly at Smart Strength is similar.  You are doing the heavy lifting (sometimes literally) now, so that you can enjoy your health and wellness long into the future.

You sweat now, so that when you need to tap into the deep reserves of strength, you are ready.

You are playing the long game.

You are preparing.

Schedule updates

Friday training will be on appointment base only and will not be in the schedule on Zen Planner.  If you desire a session on Friday, just let me know what time and I will selectively book it for you!

Saturdays for September – 4th, 18th, and possibly the 25th?

WE WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY- September 6TH.   

Thank you for trusting Smart Strength with your health and wellness.

We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you into the future!

To recap the month

-We completed 122 total sessions for the month.

-We averaged 25 sessions per week.

-We are averaging 135 sessions per month YTD.

-1080 training sessions have been completed YTD.

-We officially passed the 1K mark on August 11th.  Pam you were the 1K session!!

Moving Forward

-I want to make everyone aware of the Cancellation Policy at SS.  If you cancel a scheduled appointment within 24 hours of the appointment, you will be charged for the session.  If you cancel and reschedule within the same week through Zen planner, no problem.  It is on you to make that decision and schedule a makeup appointment. 

-Smart Strength clients receive a discount towards our awesome Run Albion 5 K series.  Unfortunately, the last race was rained out, but I am hopeful we will have perfect weather for the next.

***The third race is Friday, September 17th and coincides with the “Festival of the Forks!”  Still time to sign up!  I would love to have a group of SS clients participate in the race.  It is a great course, highlighting some beautiful portions of Albion and always a good time!  Spread the word!

Click the link to visit their website and register.

I currently have 2 spots open for new members to join Smart Strength.  If you know someone who is looking for a personal trainer or is interested in changing their health & wellness, please let them know of our services.  Personal referrals are the best source of growth for this business.

To all of you that have provided referrals and positive feedback to others, thank you.  I very much appreciate you taking some of your valuable time to help spread the word about SS.  I am incredibly grateful to you all for your continued support.

Online review

***One of the best ways you can help support Smart Strength is through an online review.  If you have not done so yet, please take a few minutes to leave one here.  

As always, if anyone has any suggestions or feedback, please shoot me an email, or let me know during our next session.

Let us enjoy this month and continue to move and enjoy the cooler weather!

 

Work Smarter, not harder

Your Trainer,

Alex

It takes a village…

It takes a village.

Whether its raising children or building a business… it takes a village.

If it is to be successful, it always takes a village.

This was a hard lesson for me to comprehend.  I have often tried to go it alone, and always ended up frustrated, fatigued and failed.

While on a walk recently, I was replaying my life in my head, comparing, and contrasting the times when I was successful versus the times when I was very unhappy and struggled.

I tried to decipher what could possibly be the cause of how the same person could experience such polar extremes of the spectrum.  Especially when you consider the time frames were not that far apart.

Finally, it hit me… when I have a support network, when I have a team, when I am a part of the village, I can accomplish great things.

When I go it alone, and try to shoulder every burden myself, I eventually crumble and fail.  I do not think I am the only person that has experienced this.

This realization is powerful and can be applied to many different scenarios.

For me, accomplishing my dream of starting a personal training business only became possible when I found my village.

For you, it may take the power of the village to finally manifest your most audacious goals.

As Humans, one of our gifts is the ability to communicate and interact with each other.  We can add value to each other’s lives.

I got into this business to add value to others lives.  But it doesn’t take a personal trainer to help someone commit to their goals and to achieve great feats.

Find your village and start adding value to each other.

Fitness is just one way to enjoy each other’s company, and it has great benefits!

 

To MY village:

I want to express the utmost gratitude to you.

You know who you are.

I am beyond blessed to have such an expansive village.

My village has grown from my family and hometown at birth and has expanded every stop along my journey.

You all have played an integral part in my success, and I can never thank you enough.

You are my why- why I do what I do…

Why I work so hard, why I always want to do better.

My village is the best in the world, and I want to make sure I reflect that each day!

Success is dependent upon that network, that team approach.  The “IT” factor is the village…

Thank you.

Your Trainer,