Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chavona Hawk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chavona, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard
I differ from the industry standard in the personal training fitness world because I create my own exercises. There is a method to my madness lol. I create exercises that get you to the burn faster than traditional exercises. When your muscles are burning, that is when they grow the most! I thoroughly love and enjoy creating new exercises with that thought in mind!
Chavona, 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?
I grew up admiring my only sibling, my older brother. He competed in body building and power lifting competitions while I was growing up. I looked up to him and it influenced my love for fitness.. As an adult, I always trained people on the side while working other jobs but I decided to take the leap to open my own training studio during Covid. I have clients of all ages and I also train my 80 year old mother. You are never to old to be fit! Strength training is the key to a smooth transition into your older years.
I love watching my clients fall in love with weight training! I love encouraging them and showing them that they can do anything they set their mind to. It may be difficult but it is attainable through hard work and determination. I am so blessed to be able to help others succeed at accomplishing their fitness goals and see positive changes taking place in their lives.
I help clients with their nutrition as well! Teaching clients how to eat clean and maintain a healthy lifestyle is my passion as well! Food is so important but it is also the most challenging for clients. I leave an open door policy that even if clients are at a restaurant or grocery store, and have a question about what food is their best option, they can text or call me.
I love watching my clients change physically and mentally right before my very eyes! Not only does weight lifting transform you physically, it does wonders for the brain as well! This is why every recovery program dealing with addictions, incorporates an exercise program in it. Lifting weights releases those feel good endorphins in the brain. One of many benefits from weight lifting is it helps fight depression and anxiety. If I had a dollar from every client that walked in the door saying, “ I don’t feel like being here and I’m in a bad mood.” And then watching that same client walk out the door after their session now saying “I’m so glad I came! I feel so much better!” I would be a rich woman lol
The benefits of weight training are endless!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 31st of this year. I had surgery on April 21st. I am currently in the process of treatment. I am so thankful that it was stage 1 but that’s never a diagnosis you want to hear. It has been a challenge for me but I embrace the challenge. I continue to lift weights and maintain my business/clientele during this process. To me, this is a speed bump and not my future. Sometimes life throws those speed bumps at you. How you handle the speed bump is when and where you have an opportunity to grow. I chose to grow. I also stand strong in believing God has a lot more people for me to help along the way in their fitness journey!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I would say the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been my own wonderful clients word of mouth referrals! I’m not a trainer that screams at you or belittles you. My studio is fun and we like to have fun in here! I think clients come in, they train together at times, they have fun while doing it, they build camaraderie in here and enjoy the time! This leads to word of mouth referrals. I would encourage anyone in this business to 1. Appreciate your clients! Never take them for granted! Find ways to help them enjoy their experience with you and if they do, they will want to share you. Total blessing! I have also had success with social media in bringing in new clients. I use Instagram for that. I post videos of exercises, client progress pics, nutrition info, & client training videos as well. This has helped as well.
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