We were lucky to catch up with Eric Murphy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, thanks for joining us today. 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.

For 20 years, I dedicated my life to serving in the U.S. Air Force, diligently saving and investing to secure a stable future for my family. With four kids—three of them on the brink of starting college—every financial decision I made was calculated to ensure they had the best opportunities ahead. I had built up a strong financial foundation, setting aside funds for retirement and investments that would carry us through the next phase of life.

But then, I took a leap that most would call reckless—a risk that put everything on the line. I liquidated every dollar of my savings and investments to open Flex & Flow Fitness—a gym that wasn’t just a business venture but a mission. After two decades in the military, I understood firsthand the impact of fitness on mental health, especially for those dealing with PTSD and anxiety. The gym wasn’t just a place to work out; it was a sanctuary, a community where people—especially veterans, could find peace, purpose, and support.

Opening the gym came with countless obstacles. I faced delays in funding, unexpected expenses, and even physical damage to the facility. At times, it felt like I had gambled away my family’s security for a dream that might not work. But I pushed forward, relying on my experience, discipline, and the belief that I was building something greater than just a business.

The outcome? Flex & Flow Fitness is more than just a gym, it’s a movement. We’ve created a space where people come to heal, grow, and transform. Financially, I took the biggest risk of my life, but the return isn’t just in dollars. it’s in the lives changed, the people supported, and the legacy I’m building for my children.

This risk taught me that security isn’t just about money; it’s about purpose. And sometimes, the greatest rewards come from betting on yourself.

Eric, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Eric Murphy, a married husband, father of 4 and a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with 20 years of service, a personal trainer with decades of experience and the founder of Flex & Flow Fitness gym and recovery center in Tampa, Florida. My journey into the fitness industry started long before I opened my own facility. During my time in the military, I saw firsthand the impact of fitness not just on physical health but on mental well-being, stress relief, and resilience. I also spent years working with supplement companies, competing as a sponsored athlete, and coaching individuals in body transformations, strength training, and nutrition.

Why I Started Flex & Flow Fitness

After two decades in the Air Force, I retired and took the biggest risk of my life. My wife and I liquidated my entire retirement savings and investments to open Flex & Flow Fitness. But this wasn’t just about starting a gym; it was about creating a space where fitness meets recovery, where people, especially veterans and athletes, can find not just a workout, but a support system. No stress, no depression, no PTSD.

I wanted to build a gym that stood out, something beyond just weights and treadmills. That’s why Flex & Flow Fitness offers:

✅ Elite Training – Personal training, group fitness, HIIT, strength & conditioning, youth athletic development, and competition prep.
✅ Advanced Recovery – Cryotherapy, Red Light Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, NeuxPro Interactive Neuromuscular Stimulation, EMSHape NEO, and compression therapy.
✅ Full-Service Wellness – Massage therapy, physical therapy, lymphatic drainage, body contouring, and recovery programs tailored to athletes and active individuals.
✅ F3 Nutrition – A smoothie shop offering post-workout meals, protein shakes, and even protein donuts.
✅ Community & Events – From beach workouts to youth sports training and corporate wellness partnerships, we are redefining the gym experience.

What Sets Flex & Flow Fitness Apart?

Unlike commercial gyms that focus solely on memberships, we focus on transformation..whether it’s for athletes looking for the next level, veterans seeking a therapeutic space, or everyday individuals chasing a healthier lifestyle. We integrate high-performance fitness with top-tier recovery, ensuring that our members can train hard and recover smarter.

Plus, I’ve built a team of former NFL athletes, physical therapists, and recovery specialists, all dedicated to helping clients achieve peak performance. And the best part? There’s no rent for trainers, we invest in them, help with marketing, and provide a platform for them to thrive.

What I’m Most Proud Of

Opening this gym was one of the biggest risks of my life, but seeing the impact it has had on people makes it all worth it. We’ve created a community where people feel supported, not judged. Whether it’s a professional athlete, a veteran dealing with PTSD, or a busy parent just trying to get in shape, everyone has a place here.

I’m also proud of the partnerships we’ve built—with athletic directors, schools, recovery specialists, and sports teams—bringing professional-level training and recovery to the community.

What I Want People to Know

If you’re looking for more than just a gym, if you want a place that supports your journey, challenges your limits, and prioritizes recovery as much as performance, then the flow is for you.

I know what it’s like to push through mental and physical barriers, and that’s why I built this gym, not just for myself, but for anyone who needs that extra edge, that community, and that drive to keep going.

This is more than a gym. It’s the flow way. 💪🏽

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met my wife while we were both deployed to Korea for a year, and from the start, there was something special between us. What began as a chance meeting quickly grew into a strong connection, and in less than 10 months, we took a leap of faith and got married in another country. It wasn’t the traditional path, but when you know, you know, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Any advice for managing a team?

The best way to manage a team and maintain high morale is by listening and accepting feedback from members while also providing honest, on-the-spot feedback when needed. Open and clear communication is key, and I believe in being upfront and transparent with my team. Leading by example is just as important, when your team sees you putting in the work, staying committed, and fostering a positive environment, it naturally motivates them to do the same. Creating a culture of respect, accountability, and support keeps everyone engaged and striving for success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://flex-flow-fitness.gymdesk.com/
• Instagram: Flexandflow_fit
• Facebook: Flexandflow_fit

Image Credits

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