Today we’d like to introduce you to Rita Hicks.
Rita, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today
I accidentally stumbled upon training in college. I just began working out and I was curious about what the “right” or “most effective” way to work out was. All the ‘professionals’ at the time and the limited resources, pre-internet days, Had me just sitting in machines or just specific body parts. It didn’t feel right, nor was it giving me the results I was looking for. So I started taking more Anatomy and kinesiology classes. I even went as far as to get a trainer certification from The Cooper Institute. That’s when I thought we need more female trainers in the world, and I spread the knowledge I had gained. I felt a purpose for the first time in my life and quit my office job to become a personal trainer in 2004. I have spent the past 16 years increasing my skill set and knowledge base. I specialize in Functional training, corrective exercises and Classical Pilates. My passion for pilates was derived from my quest for corrective exercising. I believe it’s a perfect complement to every lifestyle and enhances every style and level of fitness. After many Pilates certifications, I finally started my Romana’s Pilates apprenticeship in 2011 and completed it in 2019.
I was inspired to open my own studio in the spring after the market fell in 2008. The market changed. People could no longer afford private sessions and gym memberships, they were considered luxuries and often the first to be cut out of the budget. So I decided to build a studio at my house, to keep the overhead low I was able to keep the prices down of my sessions and also provide small group training at affordable prices. I believe that exercise is not a luxury and Corrective exercising is important to our all over well being and health. I also believe in being a versatile trainer. It’s important to me to know and understand what each individual client’s body needs, and I have set up my studio to accommodate that. My small group classes I offer range from Pilates and Bulgarian bag to cardio boxing and every functional movement in between. What’s so unique about my studio is even in group classes, you get personal attention and variety every day at affordable rates. I have also been blessed to sponsor professional athletes and help them with core strength and injury prevention through their rigorous training. I can truly say that I love my job, and every day I’m thankful for the opportunity to help, encourage and inspire people to be there absolute best!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Owning your own business is never a smooth road. In the beginning, I went To peoples houses to train them before I opened my studio, once gas prices hit $4 a gallon in 2008. I knew I couldn’t continue driving for a living. So initially, when I opened my studio, it was hard to get people to convert to coming to me instead of me to them. Also, the studio being at my house has been difficult. I lose the drive by business most gyms get. Most of my marketing is from word of mouth referrals. Since it’s such a unique environment, it’s not ideal for everyone. I would Say the most significant hurdle is the awareness that my studio exists!
Please tell us about your business.
I specialize in corrective exercises and functional training. My passion lies in helping people through injuries, preventing injuries, and learning to be a more functional person. Whether it’s from a sedentary lifestyle or rigorous training of elite athletes, it all starts with a foundation of a strong core. I believe what sets me apart from other trainers and gyms is my versatility. I am Classically trained in pilates, but I also Do combat sports, so I understand the body of an athlete. I use Modalities that are rarely used in the gym atmosphere like Bulgarian bags, sandbags and pilates equipment. You can come to my studio every day and get a different workout. No matter how your body feels that day, there is always options. I am most proud of the volunteer work I do With the Adaptive Training Foundation. There is her to use my skills in corrective and functional exercising to help the most incredible adaptive athletes in the world.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had anything to do over differently, I would Have left the corporate gym scene long before I did And trusted that I could survive and thrive on my own.
Pricing:
- Classes range from $12-$20
- Private sessions range from $45-75
Contact Info:
- Address: Renwick Dr.
Carrollton, Texas - Website: Www.teamhicksfitness.com
- Phone: 2146629187
- Email: rita@teamhicksfitness.com
- Instagram: Teamhicksfitness
- Facebook: Team Hicks Fitness
Image Credit:
Ross Stewart
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