Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Napper and Christi Palmertree.
Adam and Christi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Adam Napper: While most trainers get started by pursuing their passion for fitness, my personal origin story was in many ways the opposite. At 18 years-old, I fully expected to receive an athletic scholarship to a prestigious university. But when a serious knee injury put my scholarship dreams to rest, I found myself at the local community college, living with my parents instead. At the time, I was very bitter about the whole situation. Since collegiate athletics was no longer a pursuit, I figured I better find a job! With my athletic background, I felt I could help others improve their lives through fitness. So, in my freshman year, in 2003, I got a job as a personal trainer.
By 2007, I had graduated from college and moved back to Allen to start my career as a self-employed fitness professional. Since I had no clients and wasn’t familiar with the local market, I didn’t know how much to charge. I figured I’d do some sneaky detective work, go to the local rec center and ask how much their trainers are charging. The fitness manager I was speaking to responded “Are you a trainer? Because we need one!” That’s how I fell ass-backwards into being a fitness contractor for the city of Allen. I did that for ten years! I owe a big thank you to the city of Allen for hiring me and keeping me around for so long.
In 2017, after 14 years of being a trainer, some long-time friends approached me with the prospect of starting a unique fitness concept that ultimately became Circuit 31 Fitness in Allen. Which has now been operating for over a year. It’s been an exciting, fun ride so far!
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Adam Napper: Overall, Circuit 31 has been surprisingly smooth! Of course, we’ve had a few hiccups along the way…
For example, in the first week of construction, we were putting in the plumbing and we didn’t consider that six hours of loud jackhammering would disrupt our neighbor’s chiropractic business. Not exactly a great first impression! So, I went over an apologized profusely the next day. He was very understanding and now is a big advocate for us.
Also, in the final weeks of construction, we were 1 day away from moving in all the fitness equipment. That’s why it was extra heartbreaking to watch an entire wall of mirrors, probably 20 feet long, peel off the wall and shatter on the floor. That alone delayed our gym opening by a full week!
Another struggle was getting people to discover we exist at all. Since our location is tucked back off the road, many people would tell us “I drive by here all the time and had no idea Circuit 31 was back here.” But we’ve greatly overcome that with focused marketing and emphasizing referrals.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Circuit 31 Fitness – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Christi Palmertree: We are a fitness facility that offers 31-minute, full-body circuit training workouts that focus on cardio and strength training. We have 10 stations that you rotate through staying at each one for about 2 1/2 minutes. The set-up changes daily so each time you come in, there’s a new and exciting workout waiting for you.
What our members love and what truly makes us unique is that we offer workouts all day with no class times or wait for lists and that our workouts are just 31 minutes. I personally have been a member of studios that have the class time model and for me, it was such a pain! You must plan weeks in advance just to get a spot and if something urgent pops up, you must pay for not canceling in time. Our model allows for people to come on their schedule. Another benefit of no class times is that the gym is never overly crowded and allows members to truly get one-on-one attention and make each work out their own in a comfortable and non-intimidating environment.
Another important differentiator is our team. We really go above and beyond to provide great customer service and really listen to what our member’s goals and concerns are. We offer great optional personal training packages but even if you are not a personal training client, you feel like you are getting the same attention each time you visit. We are always on the floor checking for good form and to provide modifications to lower or increase intensity.
Honestly, we genuinely care about our members and want them to succeed at their goals. If you’re not coming in regularly or drop off all the sudden, we’ll call and check in. We also, make sure to praise our members for attendance achievements by offering actual cash back if you meet our attendance goal each month!
What makes me most proud is that we created something that solves a lot of problems for people really wanting to live a healthy lifestyle. Our model makes it easy for members to achieve their goals. It’s fun, delivers results and is convenient and accommodating for everyone.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Christi Palmertree: We love the city of Dallas particularly the Collin County area. Most of us owners grew up and graduated from high school right here in Allen, Texas. What I love most is that Allen has managed to still feel like a small town even though it has grown immensely since we were growing up. Allen also does an exceptional job when it comes to supporting local business. We truly are so honored to be able to improve the lives of people right here in our community and are hopeful we’ll be able to provide our services in other parts of Dallas. I also love that you can get to neighboring cities very quickly!
What I dislike the most… the summer heat. That’s it 😉
Pricing:
- We have a variety of options that are currently priced as such
- 6 month contract – $119/month (minus $30 if you meet monthly attendance goal)
- 1 year contract – $89/month (minus $30 if you meet monthly attendance goal)
- 2 year contract – $79/month (minus $30 if you meet monthly attendance goal)
Contact Info:
- Address: 939 W. Stacy Rd. Allen, TX 75013
- Website: www.circuit31fitness.com
- Phone: 972-525-0812
- Email: contactus@circuit31.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circuit31fitness.tx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C31Fitness/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/circuit-31-fitness-allen?osq=circuit+31+fitness
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=circuit+31+fitness#lrd=0x864c16d766216a25:0xd786ecafb954ca6e,1,,,
Image Credit:
Amy O’Brien with Sugar Blush Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
