The idea of a healthy human changes depending on who you are speaking to since we come in many shapes and sizes. In the fitness industry, this fluctuation isn’t always present. Many personal trainers and gyms are guilty of seeking out individuals who fit an outdated and judgemental picture of health. These prejudices not only impact a client’s experience, but they often prevent new people from seeking out public areas for fitness.
The 21st century has significantly changed the way we live our lives, with our routines becoming more sedentary. Additionally, our schedules make it difficult to find time for exercise. This is even more challenging for people who have a negative relationship with exercise due to the societal pressures and judgements about someone who may not look like fitness models that many gyms display. Tracie Thompson, a personal trainer with over 20 years of experience, opened her own studio to end the exclusivity of traditional gyms and make spaces that encourage all people to find enjoyment in exercise.
4Fitness was founded a decade ago when Tracie finally realized that the majority of gym owners don’t understand the importance of catering to customers with differing needs. Plus size individuals and people with injuries or disabilities are a big group that is overlooked at traditional gyms. The equipment, spaces, and mentality of fitness professionals doesn’t make it easy for these people to feel valued and respected. This is mainly because most fitness professionals assume that all customers are looking for very extreme results such as shredding all their fat or having a muscular physique.
While a small percentage of gym goers are looking for these results, average people want to feel better in their bodies and live their life without any physical strain. Tracie understands this as she has struggled with body image before. She has overcome these mental blockages by changing her mindset and language use when thinking about exercise. Tracie educates her clients on this by sharing information, resources, and feedback that makes them feel valued and accomplished in what they’re able to do.
4Fitness was meant to be a space that makes exercise a personal experience. Unlike other gyms, the studio doesn’t force a one-size-fits-all model on its customers. Tracie works tirelessly to give average people a fitness experience that is tailored to their needs and doesn’t impart judgment on them. She finds it crucial to break the narrative of all-or-nothing fitness routines and teach clients how to have healthy habits even when life becomes complicated. By doing so, her customers continue to enjoy the benefits of exercise without criticizing themselves for making certain decisions. Tracie helps people fall in love with fitness, or simply modify the practice to receive benefits even if they don’t enjoy it.
4Fitness has been praised for its inclusive and relaxed atmosphere. The gym is a small size, giving clients the opportunity to connect with Tracie and others visiting. Tracie loves what she does, which makes the studio an upbeat and motivating place to visit. Clients can purchase personal fitness packages or they can pay for individual classes. This gives people more flexibility for their budget and fitness goals.
Tracie’s journey to business ownership wasn’t simple. When she first began working as a personal trainer part-time, she learned how much she loved helping clients. That joy continued for many years as she made personal training her full-time career. However, differences between her employers inspired Tracie to finally take the leap for investing in and planning to open 4Fitness. For several months, she bought her equipment in advance and worked in her free time to design her business offerings.
The first few years of business were difficult as Tracie had to find ways to market 4Fitness and explain the benefits of it compared to another gym. As her previous clients migrated to her business, she became very successful. During the pandemic, 4Fitness continued to thrive as its small size was attractive for people looking for safety and high-quality exercise services.
As 4Fitness continues to grow and change, Tracie has plans to begin advocating for the industry to open similar establishments. She will be providing public speaking services to fitness professionals and offering business advice for how gyms can become more inclusive. Tracie is committed to inspiring change because she believes all individuals deserve a safe and inclusive environment to improve themselves in.
“When I help others fix their relationship with fitness, I feel proud and very fulfilled because people just want to feel good about themselves,” says Thompson, “4Fitness was created with the idea of bringing that feeling of fitness empowerment to each and every person that comes to my studio. I know that the average person who tries traditional gyms feels like they’re being pressured towards a certain body or regime that doesn't fit their desires or goals. I truly listen to my clients and deliver what they want to achieve in the form of classes and personal training services. All I want is to give people options in fitness and see them enjoy the results.”
Media Contact
Name: Tracie Thompson
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