Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Lucas.
Hi Matthew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I originally worked part-time at a local YMCA in member services. Shortly after my hire, my manager asked if he could join me for my workout. I was happy to have him join, and after a couple of months, he and the fitness manager asked if I would be interested in becoming a certified personal trainer. I had a background working with kids and sports, loved to workout and help others, so I said sure, and shortly thereafter, studied and passed the exam in 2005. I worked part-time at both the YMCA and a local community center, in addition to my full-time job.
In 2010, a friend and I started the business, part-time, and really started to learn the ins & outs of running a business. I became the sole owner a couple of years later when he moved out of state. I continued to train part-time until I got married in 2018 and decided to train full-time. We finished the gym in our basement in March 2022. I have had incredible growth since moving to a new city despite the pandemic. I’m really happy and proud I’m able to help so many people, specifically parents, move and feel better.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Moving to a new city where I didn’t know anyone was a bit daunting, especially since I was going to do this full-time. We were also newly married and about to start a family. I joined a networking group and business coaching community and they had immeasurable benefits for me, both as a business and business owner. Then 2020 happened and that turned everything upside down. I was thankful and able to pivot to offer virtual training and that helped me be a better communicator and trainer. I had to familiarize myself with different technology and learn to train while not in the same physical space. While these were all challenges, I carved out a unique business model and my business has taken off since.
As you know, we’re big fans of CORE Fitness Camps & Training. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As a husband, parent, and business owner, I know what it’s like to juggle work, spend time with your family, and squeeze in a program to stay fit & healthy. If that sounds like you, I’m guessing you’ve been meaning to get back to prioritizing yourself so that you can move, feel and look your best, all while keeping up with your kids. As a certified personal trainer, I’ll partner with you to customize a training plan aligned with your goals and fitness level so that you can get results and spend more time with your family. I want to transform, and instill in you, healthy habits that will benefit you for the rest of your life.
I combine foundational fitness principles with cutting-edge techniques to help reduce pain, increase strength, and help clients feel and move better. Being a parent myself, I know the importance of being able to get results from the time you’re spending in the gym. My goal is to provide efficient and effective training plans that allow you to live your life to the fullest, and enjoy the time you get to spend with your family.
I truly believe that you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself, and nobody needs to be reminded of that more than parents!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
It takes time to grow. No one gets into the position they are in overnight, and you won’t get out of it overnight (whether a business owner or as it relates to your own health). Surround yourself with others (in your field and other small business owners who you can lean on, ask questions of,) and get feedback and support. You don’t know what you don’t know, so ask questions, make mistakes, but learn from them, and plot a course forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.corefitnesscamps.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/corefitnesscamps
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@corefitnesscampsandtraining
Image Credits
Tracy Caffrey Photography
