Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zach Petrone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zach, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

Trends in the fitness industry? No way! ;)

The fitness industry has been built off of trends, whether thats good or bad is up to you. We have all seen it, the no effort weight loss programs, get ripped by taking some pills or the 10 minute workout.

The trends we see most today, seem to mostly be related to studio based gyms. Flashing lights, coaches with microphones, and TV screens that show you the workout. I’m not saying that is at all a bad thing, as I have coached at those gym as well. Quick, efficient and effective workouts seem to be what the general population is wanting. As with any trend, its also important to realize what will go out of style. Will that spin bike in your living room keep you engaged enough? Can you only run on a treadmill with minimal weight training and be considered “healthy”.

What I’m getting to, is that its most important to remember in the fitness industry that something new always comes and goes. It may be hard to believe, but sometimes the most foundational exercises and programs are still giving people the best results. It may not have flashing lights or tv screens, it may seem repetitive and boring, but what it comes down to is your own hard work, dedication and to not become part of the “trend” of working out and then stopping. Fitness is a lifestyle, not a trend.

Zach, 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?

Growing up in Colorado, I was lucky to have the Rocky Mountains as our backyard. I was always active with sports, training and enjoying the mountains. As I graduated college with a business degree, I realized a desk job was not going to be for me, and 8 hours sitting was out of the question. At that time, I realized I could merge my passions and get a certification to become a personal trainer. As my first job was with your typical big box gym, I learned and grew from that. Moving onto a strength and conditioning job training high school, college and pro athletes, to coaching fitness classes, to finally using my degree as a general manager for a franchise studio gym.

After all of those learning experiences and career growth, I opened my own gym: Rocky Mountain Strength. We provide some of Colorado’s best small group classes, personal training and other unique events. We offer classes for anyone willing to work hard, put in some time and dedication and let the results come with that. Some of our unique small group classes include MountainFIT, HIIT, Strength, and Total Body Conditioning. Our certified personal trainers also offer 1 on 1 private training with custom programs suited to your specific needs.

What sets us apart from other gyms, is one of our specific focuses is on the mountain athlete or weekend mountain adventurer. We tailor workouts and programs to help you stay strong and stable on your long hikes, have endurance to pedal faster and harder on your mountain bike, or have a strong and sharp mental state while hunting in the backcountry. We focus on strength, stability, balance, endurance and so much more. We want you to feel at home, the next time you are adventuring in the Rockies.

I’m most proud of the culture and community we have built at Rocky Mountain Strength. This place is so welcoming to all clients, members, coaches and strangers. We actually know your name, care about you and what your needs are that specific day. We welcome all levels of fitness, and our first goal is to make you feel safe and comfortable, as thats a tough feeling to have being the new person at a gym.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

2020 was a year of change for most people, and that included me. I was the general manager of a franchise studio gym for 5 years leading up to that point. Like many businesses during that time, we reached the point of closing the doors on the business. It was the first time in my career that I felt as though I didn’t know where to go our how to proceed during these scary times. That is where a major pivot in my career had to happen. We had over 100 members that we built really close relationships with, and they were looking to me on where to go next. Do I send this business off to someone else and lose these relationships I’ve worked so hard on?

Thats where the idea came to open my own gym. Was this really the best time to empty my savings account during a world pandemic? Put it all out there and risk everything I worked for? Through many months of research, deep thoughts, and support from family, friends, colleagues and members, I knew it was the right decision to move forward. Here we are almost 2 years later, with a successful gym, tons of support from my people, and a continuation of daily hard work and motivation to push forward.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

As a small business, let alone a small gym, referrals are #1 for gaining new clients and members. We have a small store front, and do not have a lot of foot traffic. By giving the best ongoing experience to our current membership, it seems as though they have felt inclined to also help us grow, and we are so ever thankful for them! We try to be the most genuine and caring staff we can be, and I think that leads to good things. As well, without a quality product, I do not think our current membership would feel inclined to bring more friends or family.

Another important aspect would have to be social media. Its a place for free marketing and advertising, and a great way to visually show what we do and how we do it. Growing it organically is always tough, but it shows the real side of a business and how they operate.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rockymtnstrength.com
• Instagram: rockymtn_strength
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-petrone-131a80111

Image Credits
Derek Lobato (instagram: dereklobato.photog)