Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris and Ryan Close.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When we started, we wanted to bring the same intensity to our gym that the Original Metroflex Gym in Arlington is known for. The equipment here is just a platform on which to work because without the intensity and hard work you really have nothing more than big iron equipment collecting dust. We wanted a gym that represents the Metroflex name and what it is known for…. loud music, chalk, and heavy weights. I remember almost 8 years ago, my brother telling me of his dream to open a Metroflex Gym as we were driving home to Memphis after our weekend in Arlington. We are here to see that dream through….
My brother and I, with the help of most notably our parents Paige and Kelly Close, have created a “hardcore” heaven in Plano, TX.
Big iron weights, patio grilling, gym dogs, and guns. What more could you ask for in a gym?
We opened Jan. 1st, 2015 and started from humble beginnings with a rag tag set of equipment to an impressive array of competition grade lifting equipment that we’ve added over the years. If you like lifting weights and pushing yourself, this is the place to do it. Whether you want to get some muscle, lose some weight, or get stronger, you really can do it all here. We’ve equipped our gym with power bars, specialty bars, deadlifting and squatting specific bars, deadlifting platforms, eliteFTS powerracks, bodybuilding machines, conditioning equipment and strongman implements, this gym isn’t for the faint of heart. This gym is for those who have goals and dreams.
We have a big sweet black lab named Kate at the front so you will automatically like this place. When you come in and see what we have to offer you’ll be able to tell we have a strong belief in nourishing your body with quality food other than the hyped-up supplements that are so often pushed on hopeful customers looking to add some extra muscle or lose some LBs. Ryan Close says, “If you’re spending more on supplements than you are on groceries, you’re doing it wrong”. We are supplied with pasture raised, farm-to-gym beef and eggs from Buck Creek Farms in Paducha, TX. You can stock up on your protein needs and get a lift in in one stop.
Are you the one to take endless selfies and play on your phone in the gym? This is not the place for you. Littered with “No Selfies” and “No Excessive Cell Phone Use” signs, you’d be better off at a Planet Fitness taking snapchats of you eating cupcakes on the low back extension. We want you actually TRAINING here. As long as there are people who have goals and want to push themselves, there will always be a need for places like this.
There are some people in this world who want to do something with their lives. Are you one of them? You have to RUN after your goals. You have to RUN after your dreams. All you have to do is show up and you’ll be amazed at what your body is capable of…. bring a goal and leave your ego at home. It’s time to lift. It’s time to be the winner you were born to be…
– Chris Close, co-owner of Metroflex Gym of Plano.
Has it been a smooth road?
As a small business, we’ve had to overcome many unforeseeable obstacles along the way. I commend anyone who has or is currently working on opening their own small business because it is not easy but the accomplishment of doing so can reward you time and time again. From building permits, sign codes, and city ordinances to online marketing, aggressive competitors, and getting the gym setup we’ve been through a lot. Some might ask “then, why do it? Why not just get a job?” I say because it is worth it to build something from the ground up and to watch it grow has been an outstanding experience. The journey is just beginning but knowing that we’ve overcome so much there is nothing we can’t handle at this point. Good luck to all small business owners!
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Metroflex Gym – Plano story. Tell us more about the business.
Power & Strength
Metroflex Gym of Plano is unmatched for its strength equipment line-up. We have brand new EliteFTS racks equipped with top and bottom band pegs, extra J-hooks, monkey chin, and fat bars. We also have a squat stands unit, a smith machine, and four brand new, dedicated deadlift platforms with band hooks. We have a dedicated powerlifting EliteFTS competition bench. Our facility is outfitted with Texas Power Bars and we have chains, bands, and specialty bars. And, of course, we have chalk readily available and we are still adding stuff! We are unmatched in the North Texas area for our strength equipment.
Bodybuilding
Metroflex Gym of Plano has up to 200 lbs. dumbbells with some of our equipment coming from Metroflex Arlington. We have a Metroflex Arlington shoulder press station and two Metroflex Arlington flat and incline benches. We have no shortage of leg, back, and upper body machines. We have a machines setup and pulley stations and full array of cable grips to choose from along with a dip and abs station among our leg press stations and other equipment. Don’t forget our posing room near the front! We have everything for shoulders, chest, tris, bis, back, and legs. This is a full-service gym for bodybuilders, powerlifters, and other athletes!
Strongman & HIIT
Metroflex Gym of Plano has Log Presses, tractor tires, hammers, plyometric boxes, kegs, ropes, farmers walks implement, atlas stones, strongman yokes, prowlers, and power sleds. Our alleyway of our facility allows us to smoothly use our strongman training equipment and allow for the engagement of HIIT activities.
Amenities
We provide, hands-down, the best environment in the Plano area for your training.
Some of what we offer for our Metroflex Plano members:
Loud music playing on a professional-grade speaker system 24/7 in our facility.
Massage room equipped with dimming lights, relaxing music, and scented with therapeutic oils while being staffed by a full-time massage therapist.
Our front room has a large lounge area and table perfect for your meal schedule.
Grilling area with charcoal and propane grills and a patio in the back for your weekend hangouts and cookout sessions.
New Gator Pit Custom Barbecue Pit, meal prep at its finest!
The posing room provides a powerful way to record and demonstrate progress for our professional and amateur bodybuilders.
This is truly a Metroflex and a hardcore training facility!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
What we’ve seen is the beginning of a shift from the big corporate fitness centers to the warehouse type/CrossFit/old school gyms again. We think people are just tired of dealing with the huge mall type fitness centers. They aren’t going anywhere but we have seen a big shift in people searching for another type of experience. They are coming back to the roots back to the old school. Gold’s Gym had it right back in the 60’s and 70’s. As long as there are people who want to push themselves and have goals, we’ll always be here.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2701 Dobie Dr. Ste.200
Plano, TX 75074 - Website: www.metroflexgymnorthdallas.com
- Phone: 972-423-9647
- Email: chrisclose@metroflexgymnorthdallas.com
- Instagram: metroflex_gym_plano
- Facebook: Metroflex Gym of Plano
- Twitter: @metroflex_plano
- Yelp: Metroflex Gym – Plano
Image Credit:
Stu Stubbard
Richard Carmichael
Malena Lewellyn
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