If you scroll through the last few blog posts from Chad Landers, you immediately get the sense he’s doing something right. Chad is the founder and owner of PUSH Private Fitness in Los Angeles and his clientele ranges from Oscar and Grammy winners to clients like a 73-year old woman who is now a World Champion weightlifter (at his suggestion that she compete). Chad has been featured in Women's Health, Men's Health, People and Yahoo; but at a core, Chad is not about the fame or notoriety. His relentless focus on his clients, his team and his community is certainly raising the bar in our industry…
Certifications/qualifications: BS Kinesiology, Univ. of Illinois; NSCA CSCS; IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition
Business Name: PUSH Private Fitness
Website: www.pushprivatefitness.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chad.landers.9
Twitter: @ChadLanders
Year started in business: 1993 as a full-time trainer in Los Angeles; 2003 opened PUSH Private Fitness
What inspired you to start your business?
Having previously worked in commercial health clubs, spas and private gyms, I thought I had the ability to improve upon the things I thought others were doing wrong. My goal was to create an environment that both clients and trainers alike loved so much that they wouldn't think of going anywhere else to train.
What is one hard lesson you’ve learned in business you believe has been most valuable?
Trust your gut. Every time the little voice in my head warned me not to do something, and I didn't listen, it came back to bite me in the rear. Usually that happened by being concerned about the quick buck and not about the big picture. If something doesn't feel quite right, don't do it!
If I asked one of your clients why they choose you over other places/gyms/trainers, what would they likely say?
I actually recently asked this question of my longest tenured client, Barbara, who's been training with me for nearly 22 years. She said what she appreciates is that I never seem to have a bad day, and I'm always happy to see her. She feels safe and motivated to be her best. I've had other trainer's clients tell me they love the culture I've created and how PUSH is like a big family. I'm proud of the fact that even though we are strictly a one-on-one personal training gym, we've built a community similar to what you see in the group exercise setting.
Name one or two ways you are trying to raise the bar in the industry?Education/mentoring and charity. The last few years I've done a lot of speaking to trainers at various conferences about what I feel it takes to be a long-term success in our industry. Since PUSH opened, we've coached Special Olympians in powerlifting, done clothing drives for the LA Mission, and both volunteered at and donated blood to Children's Hospital Los Angeles. If you're successful, and you're not giving back, you're doing it wrong.
Thank you Chad for continuing to raise the bar in our industry!
