Well, we are getting towards the end of our third week and have added a few more members this week.
It is very interesting to look at the demographic we are reaching with the franchise gyms. Previously a lead would reach out to me via the coaching directory which meant on some level they were already familiar with the Starting Strength model. With the gyms and our marketing initiatives we are reaching MUCH more people where this is their first exposure to any type of actual training.
There have been some very challenging coaching situations that have tested both my staff's expertise as well as mine but every time our members step on the platform they are moving better and lifting heavier than the workout before. Previously I was used to getting 90% of my lifters to within 90% of the movement model in one session. The franchise gym experience has quickly been teaching me patience and I can confidently say we get 100% of our clients moving closer to the model though it may take us a few workouts to get to within 90% of the actual movement model.
I remain extremely enthusiastic to witness our lifters' progression. Watching one of my lifters squat 85 for 3x5 today when the wooden dowel was a near 5RM on day one is quite the motivator to keep pushing through the long hours, contractor BS, everything else that's needed to run a successful gym.
As always, I am grateful to the franchise team, Rip, Stef, Nick, my staff, and the local support from our DFW community. We are really doing something here!