I met Dana at her studio on two different occasions for this blog post. Dana recently opened Revival Training in Holliston, located right on Washington Street just outside of downtown. The first thing I noticed about her studio is how incredibly clean it was - I can tell she is taking Covid guidelines very seriously, and not just because I wasn’t able to come in to meet her while she had a client inside. She has a sanitizing station right by her door and cleaning supplies for the equipment readily available.
I first met her one on one, and she told me all about her one on one training and small group classes and how she designs her programs to try to include all different skill levels. She has minimal equipment in her studio, a bike, a pull up bar, some boxes for box jumps, some dumbbells and kettlebells. I personally liked the minimal equipment because it felt much less intimidating than going to a gym that’s packed with equipment that I have no idea how to use.
I was able to convince her to do some simple moves for me, so I could capture some of the equipment she has in action… but I just didn't feel like that was enough so the following week I headed back to Dana’s studio and I observed the first half of her group fitness class that she has been holding outdoors on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The class was awesome - I might have even considered joining if I wasn’t there for work and was actually wearing workout clothes. The class seemed friendly, fun, upbeat, and challenging. I even overheard one participant complain of soreness from the earlier class that week! I also heard lots of laughs happening during the class, which made it seem (again) much less intimidating than entering a class full of seasoned athletes seriously working out together.
Revival Training will start its full schedule of group classes on May 3rd and Dana will also be kicking off a Couch to 5K training program that will run starting Friday April 30th for 8 weeks (ending with the inaugural Revival Training 5k). You can find the schedule and pricing for monthly/drop in classes on Dana's website (below).
As usual, before I met Dana, I sent along some questions for her to answer - keep scrolling to see more photos of the Revival Training space & group class, and to find out how Dana responded!
What’s the name of your business and where is your business located?
Revival Training. We are located at 1576 Washington St. Holliston, in the Village Plaza, next to Bazel’s Pizza.
Here's Dana's Website, Facebook and Instagram links:
What type of business is it?
Group Fitness Classes and Personal Training. Revival Training’s methodology utilizes high intensity interval training, which combines metabolic conditioning and strength exercises using a variety of equipment (kettlebells, dumbbells, med balls, plyo boxes, etc.). We also specialize in race preparation (running/endurance), and sports-specific training, especially soccer.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I live in Holliston with my partner, Jessica and our 4 children. I have been active in sports and fitness my whole life. After playing collegiate soccer, I spent many years focused on running marathons, but I also spent a lot of that time injured. Because of my injuries, I began to explore other ways of exercising, including weight-training and functional cross-training. After I modified my fitness regime, I found that I was able to avoid injury and enjoy working out again. Finding a new methodology for training, allowed me to improve my marathon time, strength, and overall fitness gains. Now I want to share my passion for this method of training with the community.
What has your biggest challenge been starting your own business?
The challenges have been twofold. Initially, finding space that would allow me to create my vision for the business took a long time. Once I found the space for our current location, renovation took a lot longer (and was more involved) than I expected. I had to have a lot of patience and commitment to follow through on all of the steps needed to make my vision a reality.
COVID has also presented some challenges. I have been extremely mindful of the community’s reluctance to re-enter indoor public spaces, such as gyms and fitness centers. At Revival Training, we are careful to exceed the state guidelines with regard to capacity, spacing, cleaning, and mask-wearing. In addition, we have great outdoor class space along the Holliston Rail Trail. Weather permitting, many of our spring classes will be held outdoors to allow for increased social-distancing and safety.
What is your favorite part about running your own business?
I write all of the programming, for both group and personal sessions. As a personal trainer and business owner, I love being able to customize programs simultaneously to meet individual and group fitness goals. I like the freedom that owning the business gives me to really serve my clients on an individual level.
What is one thing you wish you knew before getting started?
Everything takes longer than you think it will. Renovation, ordering equipment, filing paperwork, advertising, and building a client base all take time. Be patient!
What advice do you have for anyone trying to start their own business?
Come up with directive plan and timeline about how you will begin and proceed, and be prepared to be flexible. Keep at it, and take it one step at a time. Trying to make everything happen all at once can be overwhelming. Be confident and happy with small victories.
Who is your role model/who inspired you to start your own business?
I don’t know that I have just one role model. I have had some amazing coaches through the years, and they have all given me different tools to succeed as an athlete. Hard work, perseverance, and the ability to utilize a plan of clear-progressions are all constant themes that have made me a successful athletic performer. I truly believe that many of the qualities that have made me a successful athlete, make me a successful business owner. Ultimately, what my coaching role models have taught me is to listen to your clients, and to always foster a sense of community among your members.
If you haven’t already, go give Dana’s facebook and instagram pages both a like and check out her website here to see pricing and schedules for group classes! If you missed them above - here are the links again - Revival Training Website, Facebook and Instagram.
I have SO many more amazing women lined up for this blog series, and I honestly cannot wait to tell you all about all of them! Stay tuned!
Thanks for stopping by!
~so~