Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Houchin.
Aaron, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2008, I started my Personal Training career in small studios and big boxes. I was given a natural gift of understanding people and improving their lives. The aspect of training I enjoyed the most besides improving people’s health was getting to know them on a personal level. During my first few years, I worked endless hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends without a complaint. I was raised by two of the hardest working parents you have ever met, so hard work ethic was in my DNA. I kept my head down, but I felt that I was destined for more. Whether it was immaturity or my conservative nature, I do not know. But I had to do something. I always felt like I was born to lead. Sometime in 2011, I found myself living with my parents, unhappy and lacking any motivation to be successful. I needed a kick start, so I moved from the comfort of a small town in Alabama with little money and no connections to Atlanta. The energy of my first visit to Atlanta was addictive. I loved the buzz and was hooked from day 1. I continued my career as a personal trainer at Lifetime Athletic. Working for a big box brand like LifeTime was going to give me the experience as well as the connections to have my gym. I had a plan in my head to start as a trainer, earn some money, knowledge, and then take over as manager.
Things were going ok until I met my wife Stephanie, who was a trainer at LifeTime as well. I knew she was my soulmate from the moment I met her. She had a glow or radiance about her that was indescribable. Our relationship strengthened all my weaknesses and gave me the confidence I needed to continue my trajectory toward my ultimate goal. After a few years at LifeTime, I found myself unhappy and lacking motivation. I needed to jump-start my career again, enter CrossFit. It was the most challenging thing I had ever done, and I was addicted. I loved the camaraderie, the sweat, and the movements. CrossFit is one of those things that you hate doing the workouts, but you love the results. I had always challenged myself with fitness, and this was the ultimate test of fitness. I started my marriage to CrossFit in 2016 and never looked back. This type of fitness gave me the opportunity to build a gym and create my own culture and to lead. Everything I wanted was in front of me to build a gym; all I had to do was execute the plan. Things happened for a reason in 2017. My friend David built a CrossFit box and offered me a head coaching job. This position was exactly what I needed. I spent almost two years working for him, gaining experience and perfecting my craft when I finally leaped to start my own company because at the end of the day, it was his gym and not mine. I wanted to create my own culture, so with the love and support of Stephanie and my family, I embarked on the journey to my 1st business. I had no idea what a look book or business plan looked like. But I was up for the challenge knowing that I had one shot at this, and I was going to make it count I dove in and took it head on.
After months of planning, we had found a place, had a name, and were ready for the next step. I spent the entire month of January 2019 working 12+ hour days diligently preparing and worrying about having everything perfect for our February 2 open. The grand opening could not have gone any better we had a huge turn out, and everything worked out perfectly. All the trials and tribulations up to that point had been worth it. I had a very rocky path to that point that helped mold me into the owner I am today. I take no one for granted and treat every member like it is their first time at my gym. It’s February 2020, and we have had a lot of ups and downs, but we have stabilized, and the culture that I have built is paying dividends every day. I love seeing my CrossFit family and how close we are. Everyone in the gym cares about one another, and that makes me happy. Just seeing people cheering for one another and giving out high fives is so rewarding. I know all the hard work paid off. My mission now as a new CrossFit box owner is to educate the public that anyone can do CrossFit and not get hurt doing it. My extensive personal training background and experience give me that advantage. I know if I can get you through the doors, I can change your life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No way at all. I have had a lot of trials and tribulations. I worked countless hours for ungrateful bosses and businesses that never appreciated me for all the extra work I did. In year 1 of CrossFit 1490 we had a lot of big highs and lows. A lot of people signing up training for a month or two and quitting always hurts especially when you put so much energy and time into each member. You do learn patience with all the highs and lows of a business.
CrossFit 1490 – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
CrossFit 1490- 1490 is the year the DaVinci drew the Vitrivian Man (balance and symmetry) Our company goes by those guidelines with our programming. I count the amount of repetitions we do in order that we do not over train one muscle group. With my personal training background I am a big form guy so squatting, pressing, deadlifting need to look perfect from Rep 1 to Rep 10. We accept all types of athletes and ages. I love the challenge of young athletes just starting off learning how to lift to the older athletes just looking to gain strength.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is people returning every month. Success is a smile from a athlete driving through the door after sitting through rush hour traffic. Success is our athletes doing something they said day one they couldn’t do.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1400 S Marietta Parkway Marietta, Georgia 30067
- Website: www.CrossFit1490.com
- Phone: 3347145113
- Email: aaron@crossfit1490.com
- Instagram: crossfit_1490
- Facebook: CrossFit 1490
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