We were lucky to catch up with Diana Hufford-green recently and have shared our conversation below.
Diana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
In early 2020, life as a personal trainer was fulfilling but predictable. I had been running a thriving business for about a decade by renting space in a local studio, where I used their equipment to train my clients. It was a system that worked well—until COVID-19 turned everything upside down. Like so many others, I found myself staring into an uncertain future when the pandemic forced the studio to close indefinitely. Then came the curveball: the studio owner decided not to renew the lease.
Suddenly, I was faced with a critical decision. I could dissolve my business into someone else’s and lose half of my income, I could make a complete career pivot and do something else entirely, or I could take the risk to create something of my own and open my own studio. I remember thinking, Well, if this doesn’t work out, I could always become a professional sourdough baker like the rest of the world. But as I reflected on what I truly wanted for myself and my clients, I realized that this was an opportunity to finally build a space that aligned with my vision.
I took a deep breath and jumped in. First, I secured a small business loan, which felt like a risk in itself—especially since my business plan at that point was mostly “Don’t run out of money.” Next, I searched for a location that could feel welcoming, professional, and personal. And, that had ample parking. I negotiated a lease, purchased the equipment I needed, and began designing a studio where clients could feel safe, focused, empowered, and cared for.
Throughout the process, I was terrified. What if I couldn’t find enough clients to make it work? What if this risk left me in debt? And what if my “DIY” furniture assembly skills turned the studio into a hazard zone? But I also felt an undercurrent of excitement. I knew I was creating something meaningful. I leaned into the challenge, and after months of hard work (and a few Band-Aids from assembling dumbbell racks), The Workout Revolution opened its doors.
Today, the studio is thriving. The LA Times just gave us a shoutout! The Workout Revolution has become a community where people, especially postmenopausal women and those recovering from injuries, can rebuild their strength and confidence in a safe and supportive environment. Seeing our clients flourish reminds me every day why that risk was worth taking.
Taking this risk not only changed my career but also redefined my perspective on what’s possible when you trust yourself and commit to your vision—even when the path forward feels uncertain. And for the record, my sourdough game is still mediocre.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Originally from Maryland, I have been working as a slow-motion, high-intensity strength training instructor in Los Angeles since 2009. My journey into this field stems from my background as a lifelong athlete and ballet and modern dancer. Like many in the performing arts, I encountered my share of injuries. I discovered this technique as a way to rebuild my strength safely and efficiently, and I was hooked. It allowed me to maintain a strong, lean physique with minimal time commitment—and without the fear of further injuries. I fell in love with it so much that I decided to make it my career.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients achieve goals like building strength, increasing bone density, losing weight, reducing injury risk, enhancing cardiovascular efficiency, and improving overall health and fitness. The best part? They achieve these results in just one or two 20–25 minute workouts per week.
Many clients come to me because they’re intimidated by traditional gyms or don’t know where to start with strength training. They know it’s something they need to do for their health but feel overwhelmed, confused, or afraid of getting hurt. That’s where I come in. I provide them with a safe, structured, and supportive environment to begin their fitness journey. Over time, as they grow stronger, they not only gain physical benefits but also a renewed sense of confidence that spills over into all areas of their lives.
What sets me apart is the environment I’ve worked hard to create at The Workout Revolution. My boutique fitness studio in Studio City is a place where clients—primarily postmenopausal women and those recovering from injuries—can focus on themselves without distractions or judgment. It’s not just about the workouts; it’s about empowering clients to live fuller, more vibrant lives. I love hearing stories of how my clients can now easily get up from the floor, lift their carry-on bags into overhead bins on their own, play with their grandchildren, or tackle everyday tasks with newfound energy and vitality.
What I’m most proud of is helping my clients age gracefully, with strength, confidence, and independence. My studio isn’t just a place to build muscles; it’s a space to build resilience, reclaim fitness, and prioritize self-care.
If there’s one thing I’d want potential clients to know, it’s this: you don’t need to be in perfect shape or know anything about fitness to get started. All you need is the desire to feel stronger and healthier—and I’ll meet you exactly where you are.
Any advice for managing a team?
Having worked under a variety of bosses—some amazing and others less so—I’ve learned valuable lessons from both ends of the spectrum. Each experience has shaped the leader I strive to be today.
For me, the foundation of managing a team starts with being highly selective during the hiring process. It’s about finding people who not only have the skills for the job but also align with the values and culture of the organization. A cohesive, values-driven team sets the tone for collaboration and mutual respect.
Once the team is in place, I believe in giving everyone as much autonomy as possible. I trust my team to bring their unique expertise to the table and make decisions within their roles. This trust fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work, which naturally boosts morale.
When challenges arise—and they always do—I encourage open communication and empathy. I want my team members to feel empowered to resolve differences by listening to each other and finding common ground. Of course, if a situation requires my intervention, I step in with the intention of teaching and guiding, not just solving the problem. My goal is to help my team develop the skills to navigate similar challenges in the future.
Finally, I believe in leading by example. Whether it’s showing up with a positive attitude, being transparent about goals and challenges, or celebrating the team’s successes, I aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work.
High morale isn’t something that happens by accident—it’s a result of deliberate choices. By fostering trust, communication, and respect, I work to create a team dynamic where people feel connected to both the work they do and the people they do it with.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been focusing on exceptional service and building genuine relationships with our clients. At The Workout Revolution, we prioritize creating an experience that’s not only results-driven but also supportive and welcoming. When clients feel cared for and see the results they’re striving for, they naturally share their positive experiences with others. Word-of-mouth referrals from happy clients have been our biggest source of growth and are a testament to the trust we’ve built.
We also recognize the importance of meeting potential clients where they are. Many people discover us while walking by and noticing our boutique studio, which feels more approachable and personal than a large gym. Others find us online, where our website and Yelp reviews do the heavy lifting. We’ve put care into creating a website that’s clear, concise, and speaks directly to the people we aim to help—primarily postmenopausal women and individuals recovering from injuries.
Our testimonials, both online and in person, play a crucial role in showing potential clients what’s possible. They highlight real stories from real people, which makes our studio feel relatable and accessible.
Ultimately, our growth comes down to staying true to our mission: providing a safe, focused environment where clients can prioritize themselves, build strength, and regain confidence. It’s about creating a space where they feel empowered to share their journey with others, bringing our message to an even wider audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theworkoutrevolution.com
- Instagram: @theworkoutrevolution
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theworkoutrevolution/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-workout-revolution
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-workout-revolution-los-angeles-2
