Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Contre.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I received my BS degree in Exercise Science at Bridgewater State University in 2011. In 2010, Bridgewater State required Exercise Science students to internship in a career toward our field of study. My first internship was in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation at Sturdy Memorial Hospital. My last internship was in personal training at Work Out World. (W.O.W) Personal training became my interest and I was good at it, I received my personal training certification with N.E.S.T.A and became top personal trainer in my area. I saw over 160 clients in a month for one-on-one training sessions. I became head trainer for W.O.W within months due to popular demand. Thanks to my education in cardiac and muscular rehabilitation, I was the only trainer able to work with injured clientele. In the spring of 2011, I created my own boot camps outside in the parks. Starting with only 5 members, my numbers tripled within 3 months of teaching boot camps. In the fall of 2011, I continued with my boot camps indoors due to high turnout. I rented from a dance studio and used their space on Sundays to continue my boot camp business. In 2013, my small boot camp business and my individual personal training sessions at W.O.W where doing so well that I was offered to rent from a small training gym next to W.O.W gym. This was a great decision because my business exploded. I went from teaching 3 classes a week to teaching 19 classes a week. My personal training clients followed me over from W.O.W and I was officially on my own. I stayed at this small training gym for 3 years and focused on growing my clientele. In June of 2016, I was told with no notice that the studio was changing their business plan and will no longer be allowed to continue using their space. My clientele was upset and anxious because they lost their gym and trainer. I emailed my clients the day I was asked to leave and told them I’d continue to train them outdoors in the park. If they stayed with me, I told them I’d open my own gym by September. During the summer I was making little income and didn’t have the finances for start-up costs and equipment. So, I used my credit card and open my gym by the end of September. Most of my members came back within 2 months of opening. This September makes two years of being in business for myself.
Has it been a smooth road?
-Not enough income. Financially, couldn’t afford start-up costs, equipment.
-Lack of business knowledge
– Time. I am one person wearing all hats in the business
– accommodating everyone’s physical needs for class times
– Maintaining balance with my social, family, and work life.
– Making time for myself and workouts
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Contre-Fitness story. Tell us more about the business.
Specialize in:
– Proper strength training technique
– Injury prevention
– Body alignment and mobility
– Weight-loss and healthy lifestyle habits
– Muscular development
– Education of weight training
– goal setting and motivation
– nutrition awareness
I’m known for my knowledge of strength training and programming. Also, my ability to rehab all kinds of injuries. Especially, muscular. My boot camps and health challenges are the success of my business.
My company is named after myself. I’m very well-known so when people see the name, they know it’s me. Visit my website at contrefitness.com
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see my business being on a larger facility, multiple personal trainers working for me, independent contractors such as a psychologist, a nutritionist, and a yoga instructor on-site. Once again, I’m only one person wearing all the hats in the business. That being said, I look forward to delegating the marketing, billing, human resource jobs to trustworthy individuals who specialize in that. Essentially a wellness center-esque gym (business).
Contact Info:
- Address: 125 South Main Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895 - Website: http://contrefitness.com
- Phone: 508-801-0267
- Email: kristin@contrefitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristincontre/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/contrefit/
Image Credit:
Photographer: Amanda Morgan
Website: http://www.photographybyamandamorgan.com
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
