August 3, 2016

Meet SFV Fitness Trainers: J Crawford & Michael Rupnow

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to J Crawford & Michael Rupnow. Below you’ll find edited excerpts of our interview with J & Michael.

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

We began as Bootcamp instructors 5 years ago. As our private client list started to grow, there became an increased demand to run classes at multiple locations. So we decided to bring it all together under one umbrella. We feel that there has been a growing number of people looking for workouts that break them free from indoors, where they spend the majority of the day. Our goal is to get people outside for the hour that they have and take advantage of the beautiful SoCal weather. We take a Non Diet approach to nutrition. Our goal is to help clients make healthy lifestyle choices, from eating to exercise, without the burden of a fixed diet or a specific weight-loss exercise routine. It is important that our clients enjoy every aspect of working with us and that starts with an acceptance of self and motivated to embody a lifestyle of health and improved wellness. We want clients to find happiness with what they have.

Has it been a smooth road?

Well, one main struggle is clients, sometimes, want instant gratification. We are implementing a lifestyle change not a quick fix solution. So, sometimes it can be a challenge to break new clients away from that kind of thinking. And, of course, with any new business, starting up new locations can have its’ slow start.

What are your plans for the future?

We are looking to expand our group fitness classes and branch out to more locations. Get involved with businesses and schools that are interested in workplace fitness. As well as grow our private client portfolio.

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?

Being an independent contractor is always tough. There are no guarantees. No guaranteed income. You always have to be pushing forward. There have been stretches when class sizes were down and/or the private client commitment wavered. Those times are concerning because bills aren’t going away; you still have to eat! I think there is a lot of room for growth and that the future looks promising. Our development is, honestly, more in its freshman year than junior. But, having built a foundation over the last 6 years we are excited to share our philosophy to a growing population looking to embrace and integrate a new approach to health and wellness. We are excited to what the unknown has to offer.

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