Today we’d like to introduce you to Chukwudi Adigwu.
Chukwudi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The way Orangetheory Fitness came into my life was through my wife (girlfriend at the time). I was looking to get into PTA school, and I knew that I needed a job while working. I previously was a personal trainer at a corporate gym, and I wasn’t too interested in personal training as I was in physical therapy. My girlfriend thought that Orangetheory Fitness was a good fit for me and that I should give it a shot. At first, I wasn’t too intrigued. I applied to be a Sales Associate instead of a coach. The regional director at the time told me he thought I would be a good coach and I should look and see. So, I decided to start taking classes to see if I was interested. After a few classes, I decided to give it a shot, but I still wasn’t certain. By this time, I got chosen to interview for a PTA school in Dallas, Texas. Because of this, I now needed to be prepared to find a job in Dallas. My girlfriend took it upon herself to call a studio in Dallas, which just happened to be the studio I coached at for 3+ years. They told her that I should reach out to the regional up there to see what further steps to take. To make a long story short, not only did I get into PTA school, but I was blessed to be offered a coaching job at Orangetheory Fitness- Addison.
Now, as I was nearing the end of my program, I started to have mixed feelings about coaching. I knew I really enjoyed physical therapy, but I loved coaching for Orangetheory Fitness. So, my wife and I had a long discussion that we had to take to the Lord. I was stuck between pursuing my dream of being a physical therapist or taking this new path of personal training with Orangetheory Fitness. After a month of weighing our options and praying, I decided to pursue Orangetheory Fitness to see where it would take me.
In July, my wife and I decided to move back to Houston to start our family. With making this transition, I knew I didn’t want to just keep my same position. I was blessed to be an Assistant Head Coach for a year prior to the move to Houston, so I felt I was ready for the next step. I interviewed with the director of the Houston area and she blessed me with an opportunity to be a head coach. In September, I was blessed to open Orangetheory Fitness- Friendswood as a head coach. In January, I had the pleasure of taking over Orangetheory Fitness- San Felipe (1st studio in Texas).
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The studio that I have the pleasure being the head coach of (San Felipe) has a solid history of great head coaches. So, I was nervous when I was told that I would be taking over there, as I just entered this new role. A lot of the members have been there since the opening of the studio (2013), so I knew they have seen it all. Thankfully I have been welcomed with smiles and cheers. San Felipe is my new home and I can’t wait to see what God has planned for me there!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Orangetheory Fitness is a one-hour full-body workout. Each workout focuses on training endurance, strength, and/or power. We do heart rate-based interval training, which is proven to burn more calories post-workout. Our heart rate monitors show results in real-time on large studio TVs. We train in five heart rate zones. Our fitness coaches are there with you the entire time to make sure you don’t over or undertrain.
I am a head coach. As a head coach, I work with and supervise the coaches at my studio. I work hand in hand with the studio manager to ensure the studio is performing at its best. We do group fitness and not 1-on-1 training. I really love making an impact in people’s lives through fitness. I look to go off what a member gives. Sometimes you get the members that really needs the push, other times you get the member that showed up but didn’t want to be there. Learning how to coach them to make sure they have a safe and effective workout is what keeps me going.
What makes me proud of Orangetheory is the way they keep members engaged. From the technology that is always advancing to the events like the Dri-Tri that bring members together, I am all about community and they hit that right on the nose. What sets us apart from other gyms is the state-of-the-art technology equipped in our studios. With being able to see your heart rate in real-time, you know what to give during your workouts. Also, with our heart rate monitors, you can use them outside the studio. When you download the app, there are other options for workouts like Running, Lifting, Biking, etc.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
To be honest with you, I don’t believe in luck. I do believe in blessings, though. I can tell you that I have been blessed way more than I deserve. To have the opportunity to be in the position I am in and making an impact in people’s lives, this is my purpose. I always knew I wanted to help people. I didn’t know how it would happen, but I knew that was what I wanted. I thank God everyday for the opportunity.
What’s your favorite memory from childhood?
Oh man, that’s a tough one. I would have to say my favorite childhood memory would consist of a compilation of all the times my brothers and I would play video games. I am the oldest of three. My little brother is two years younger than me, and my baby brother is nine years younger. When my baby brother was old enough to hold the PlayStation controller and knew what was going on, there was almost no game we didn’t play together. Majority of the games we owned were team games and we would play them as a team. For example, when we would play Madden, my little brother was the Quarterback, I would play the Running Back, and my baby brother would play receiver (made sure he ran the route that was given to him). We all are Philadelphia Eagles fans, so there was never an argument for what team to play with. Unfortunately, my little brother is no longer here with us, but this is one of the many moments I cherish when I think of him and when my baby brother and I grab the PlayStation controller.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6415A San Felipe Street
Houston, Texas 77057 - Website: https://www.orangetheory.com/en-us/locations/texas/houston/6415-a-san-felipe-road/
- Phone: (713) 952-9917
- Email: studio0109@orangetheoryfitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otfsanfelipe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTFHouston/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARAZqzfrfLG1vYU5aBSEuDQb1taZ1-q515_qGIx-gp1k2E9DhY4FYfUGmyRrvk0tl_M1wTH5d05pqb7l
Image Credit:
OrangeTheory Fitness Houston
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