Today we’d like to introduce you to Franny Cochran.
Franny, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The Muscle Cave was inspired by my own personal weight loss story. After deciding I was tired of being miserable and overweight, I decided to join a local group fitness boot camp. I liked the camp (and the trainer; who is now my husband) and have personally lost over 110 lbs.
The weight loss completely changed my life. Now a self-labeled “gym junkie,” I’ve completely dedicated myself to the lifestyle and have committed to helping others do the same thing. With the help of my husband, I quit my sales job of 12 years and we opened our own fitness studio. We host multiple fitness classes a day, with our base class being just like the one I started in. Along with a full-service bar, we offer meal planning, personal and supervised training and most importantly accountability and support.
We’re also in the process of starting our own non-profit, Muscles Making A Difference. We hosted a “Battle Ropes for Boobies” Community Event just a few weeks ago to help support a cancer survivor and local police officer. Along with the non-profit event, we also hosted our first annual “Battle Rope Games’ where contestants endured a timed rope circuit then raced against one another through multiple obstacles for the fastest time to claim the title of champion.
As if that isn’t enough, we’ve also recently started our own line of Muscle Cave Apparel and have a jewelry collection in the works called, “Simply Strong.” Helping bring awareness to mental illness and the difference a strong mindset can make. After all, strength is more than a muscle.
I can’t imagine what my life would be like had I not taken the step to better myself and my health. I have never been happier in my own skin nor have I ever felt more satisfied than I do when one of my clients reaches a goal of their own. I know their struggle. I know their frustrations but I also know their excitement and pride when they reach that next milestone.
Just like health and fitness, it takes hard work, dedication and discipline to reach your goals but it’s never too early or too late to be the best version of yourself. What do you have to lose?
Has it been a smooth road?
We definitely hit some cows on the road to the Muscle Cave. Our class actually started as “NuBody Bootcamp” and was hosted in an open field at a local church. All of our classes were outside in the elements and our equipment was beyond basic. Our first set of sandbags were actual sandbags from Lowe’s that my husband wrapped in duct tape!
After opening the studio, our started classes at 5:45am. The first couple weeks were more mentally challenging than anything. There were days no one would show up. At all. Although discouraged, I’d smile at my husband and ask if he was ready. He’d run me through the class by myself. We were determined to get the process down even if it meant doing classes by ourselves. Instead of accepting defeat, we used it as an opportunity to learn; to practice routine.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Muscle Cave story. Tell us more about the business.
The Muscle Cave is a Group Fitness Training Studio offering a variety of classes aimed to help people increase strength, build endurance and lose weight. Much like an “outdoor” camp, we offer circuit style training but in a controlled environment through the use of free weights, cable machines, and non-conventional equipment like tires, battle ropes and power sleds.
Our Muscle Cave Bootcamp is a full body workout through a mix of strength and cardio circuits. Battle Up! Battle Ropes, inspired by my husband, is the epitome of high intensity interval training. Rotating between the ropes and active resting stations, you will never leave disappointed. We also offer more niche type classes on Saturdays with Pilates and a men’s only lifting session we call, “The Gauntlet.” The Gauntlet is so intense that if you can finish it in a half hour… your next workout is on us.
While you may come in for the class, you’ll end up staying for the bar. A full-service supplement bar sits right in the midst of the studio offering RSP Nutrition’s full line of supplements. Stop in early for a pre-workout, sip on a BCAA during your workout or take a protein shake to go. You’ll never leave the Muscle Cave unsatisfied in your workout or your supplements.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We definitely see some changes in the next handful of years! Our current vision is to go full concept in three years where we plan to open a full gym that includes the Muscle Cave bar and classes. We’re already looking to add more trainers to our staff in hopes to offer a larger variety of fitness classes. The fitness industry is shifting and we’re looking to lead the pack!
Pricing:
- Drop In – $8/class
- 2 Classes a Week – $40/mo
- UNLIMITED Classes – $65/mo
Contact Info:
- Address: 3332 Franklin Ave.,
Waco, TX 76710 - Website: www.theMuscleCave.com
- Phone: 254-744-5019
- Email: themusclecave@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themusclecave/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusclecave/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/themusclecave
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-muscle-cave-waco
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.
