Mike Robertson, the co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST) in Indianapolis, Indiana, doesn’t like to focus on the numbers. At least, that’s the case when it comes to the size of his gym. “We’re 5,000 square feet, and we only have a couple of hundred members,” he said. “For us, it’s not about being the biggest — but it is about being the best.”
Although the club may be small in size, it carries a hefty punch in Indianapolis. In addition to serving as a place where members can improve their fitness, the club is heavily involved in the local community. “We’ve made it a goal of our gym to help make a positive impact with regards to community service,” said Robertson. “We’re incredibly passionate about giving back, and we donate thousands of dollars every year to local charities.”
In fact, IFAST is in the process of partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, “to give ‘bigs’ and ‘littles’ a place to workout and get healthy together,” explained Robertson.
In addition, the club has partnered with Indy Eleven, Indianapolis’ professional soccer team, to help with the team’s training. “Myself and Ty Terrell (an IFAST strength coach) are at every practice and every game, helping the guys stay strong, fit and healthy,” said Robertson.
However, the main draw of IFAST is its emphasis on members’ results. Robertson explained that each member meets with a trainer at least once a week, to ensure they’re seeing progress. “I could go on and on about our clients, but the bottom line is, the people who come to IFAST are focused on being successful,” he said. “Our model is geared towards attracting members who are serious about their fitness and improving their performance.”
Each member goes through an extensive assessment process that determines his or her specific needs and goals. “Following the assessment, we create a customized program for each member, as we believe no two people are alike,” explained Robertson. “The 70-year-old grandma that has knee pain simply can’t be on the same program as the 19-year-old professional soccer player. So customizing and tweaking each program to the individual is huge.”
The emphasis on program customization and results has earned IFAST a number of accolades, including being named one of “America’s 10 Best Gyms” by Men’s Health. And Robertson and his co-owner, Bill Hartman, are dedicated to ensuring the gym continues to be successful.
“On the professional side, Bill and I do our best to lead from the front,” said Robertson. “We’re both very focused on getting better, so we attend seminars, read books and constantly develop our own education. And taking that a step further, we know that education isn’t complete just by learning — you have to teach as well. Bill and I both lecture across the country, and hone our skills with weekly staff trainings for our coaches and interns.”
Robertson’s piece of advice for gym owners falls back on his non-emphasis on his club’s size. “I think every small gym should revel in what they are, and forget about focusing on what they aren’t,” he said. “Focusing on becoming the best gym possible has not only allowed us to make a great living, but to truly enjoy what we do as well.”
By Rachel Zabonick
