We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ari Hawthorne a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ari thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Opening my own business has undoubtedly been the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, and it’s definitely been life-changing. For years I’ve worked as a trainer and therapist, building a solid and loyal client base, but I always felt like something was missing, I was limited in how much I could truly help people without a dedicated space-without a “hub” that I could design to provide the full support I knew people needed.
The idea of creating a space where individuals could come in, be met where they are, and receive the tools to elevate themselves was a dream. But, of course, stepping into that vision was overwhelming. I wasn’t sure how it would unfold and honestly it was pretty scary. But I also knew that if I could reach just a few more people, truly help them make a lasting change in their lives, then it would be worth it.
My focus has always been on injury rehabilitation and helping people address pain caused by poor movement patterns-whether from everyday activities or past injuries. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping people reclaim their bodies and their lives. Seeing them evolve, move without pain and gain confidence in their own strength is everything.
As we’ve grown I’m so proud of how things have turned out. I’m surrounded by this incredible team of trainers, staff and nutritionists, each one an expert in their field, all sharing the same mission: to truly change lives. We’re already doing better than I expected and I think part of that comes from the fact that we’re all aligned in our passion to help people be their best selves.
Of course, there´s already been many lessons along the way- some hard, some inspiring-but each step has been worth it. There’s no way to fully prepare for everything that comes with opening your own business but now that I’ve taken the leap I wouldn’t change a thing.

Ari, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into this field has been deeply personal, shaped by years of my own experiences in competitive sports. I started playing sports at 10, which naturally led to a combination of dedication, hard work, and—unfortunately—injuries. As I faced setbacks and had to navigate recovery, I realized how critical it was to not just heal, but to train smarter and more effectively to get back to doing what I love. Initially, I sought out this knowledge for myself, but it quickly became clear that I wanted to help others who were facing similar struggles. Especially those who, like me, were experiencing gaps between conventional rehabilitation methods and their full potential.
That’s what sparked the founding of my business. We aim to meet people where they are—whether they’re working on improving sports performance, tackling pain from old injuries, building strength, or fine-tuning nutrition. The approach is never one-size-fits-all. Instead, we adapt to each person’s unique needs and goals, providing personalized support to help them reach their fullest potential.
What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve created within our team. Every member shares a deep commitment to not just being the best versions of themselves, but to being the best professionals they can be—because we know that when we grow, our clients experience real transformation. There’s a powerful drive within each of us to make a meaningful difference, and that shared vision is what sets us apart.
What I want potential clients to know is that we’re here to adapt to wherever you are in your journey. Whether you can join us in person or need online training and nutrition guidance, we’re committed to offering solutions that are tailored specifically for you. Our team is ready to provide the tools, support, and expertise you need to overcome obstacles and reach your greatest potential. It’s not just about achieving goals—it’s about creating lasting change that works for you.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I believe that at some point in life, we all face the need to pivot. No matter how well we plan things on paper, life has a way of throwing curveballs that require us to adapt. Our tagline—Health. Strength. Tenacity—is a reflection of this. While health and strength are undeniably crucial, it’s tenacity that really embodies resilience: the ability to pivot, not quit, and find new ways to reach our goals, no matter the obstacles.
The biggest pivot for me personally came during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had been searching for the right location to open this business “hub” and like so many others, quickly found myself facing the truth in the challenge of keeping any business afloat in a time when health and fitness, along with everyday life, were dramatically changing. With gyms and fitness centers being forced to close and traditional methods of connecting with clients no longer viable, it was incredibly difficult to continue operating in any meaningful way as it was, nevermind opening a larger format in order to do so. It was a tough time, but also a pivotal moment in realizing how badly people needed guidance in their health and fitness, perhaps now more than ever.
Despite the uncertainty, I was driven to move forward and open my business as soon as I could. Many people cautioned me against taking such a big risk in the middle of a global crisis, especially when so many businesses were shutting down or struggling to reopen. But quitting on the vision I had for this business simply wasn’t an option. We adapted. We pivoted, finding new ways to reach clients, innovate our offerings, and ultimately, it turned out to be the best decision I could’ve made. Looking back, it’s more rewarding than I ever imagined, and it taught me that no matter the challenge, it’s the ability to adapt and persevere that ultimately leads to success.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that success comes primarily from having a big network. Early in my career, I thought that knowing as many people as possible would automatically open doors and lead to opportunities. However, over time, I realized that quality connections matter far more than quantity.

What I’ve come to appreciate is the value of building deep, meaningful relationships with the right people—those who share your vision, understand your goals, and can offer genuine insight or support. It’s not about trying to meet everyone in the room; it’s about finding those key individuals who truly add value to your growth and who you can also offer value to in return.

This shift in perspective has helped me focus more on nurturing long-term, authentic relationships rather than simply expanding my network for the sake of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hawthorneology.com
• Instagram: @WeAreHawthorneology
• Other: Online Training: https://coach.everfit.io/package/SZ602167
  Online Meal Plan : https://coach.everfit.io/package/HK018230