Today we’d like to introduce you to Levon (Le) Bergin.
Levon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a former high school teacher, I have a passion for finding the light bulb in people.
Teaching, motivating and training define my nature, so it made sense for me to take my skills and gifts and reach adults who needed that light bulb. In 2010, I was a stay at home mom of two who became a single mother. I felt a sense of purpose to provide for my family, to continue to teach, to have flexible hours and to find fulfillment in a new career. I tapped into that drive and determination to create a group training program that would be positive, personal, long-lasting and effective.
When my children were very little, I taught TaeBo(R) at a local church to ONE woman for the first six months for $5 per class two times per week. When I look back, I remember thinking that each person has value in themselves, not necessarily in the value of a group, and that there was no way I would let this woman feel like she wasn’t enough for ME! I believed in her and I believed in the program. The class began to grow and when I started Island Boot Camp 5 years after that little class, I wanted to highlight the individuals WITHIN the group as well as support the GROUP with the individuals.
Camaraderie, compassion and progressive safe training is the foundation of Island Boot Camp. I now co-own Urban Health and Fitness, a boutique gym, in Galveston with my husband of 6 years. Island Boot Camp is still going strong and I have created several programs within my expertise and passion for teaching. BabyBawlers, a class form moms and babies, CRUSH, a progressive weight training program, and HIITKick, my modern version of TaeBo.
Those programs along with my personal training clients and public speaking opportunities allow me to teach and train hundreds of people per week. It’s amazing that I can still be in the “classroom” teaching my favorite subject, longevity, to those who are looking to turn on the light.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since I have been the owner of Island Boot Camp, my husband and I purchased a second gym on the Seawall overlooking the ocean in an attempt to expand. We owned that business and struggled with upkeep and membership numbers for seven years while we lost sight of our purpose. Our purpose is the people. We realized that bigger wasn’t better and let that business go last November so that we could bring out focus back to the members of our smaller gym.
We have been able to partner with other studios and venues for our programs offered by our company GalvestonGyms. It’s been so lovely to build a wellness community in Galveston with support for each other without competing. So many fitness companies have variety, but we have found our niche and try hard to support the other facilities with referrals and support.
Island Boot Camp – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
GalvestonGyms is the umbrella for Urban Health and Fitness (the gym facility), Island Boot Camp (an outdoor training program), personal training and small group training for new moms, youth athletes, cheer prep, new moms and specialized small group fitness.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
We have been able to reward 4 of our Island Boot Campers with $1,000 each for various challenges within the program and community service activism as well.
Pricing:
- Island Boot Camp, gym membership and classes are offered in a package called “I Want It All” for $160 per month
- Island Boot Camp 12 week training program $500 for 36 classes.
- One year membership to Island Boot Camp $135 per month
- Personal Training $50 per session for 20 sessions
- Urban Health and Fitness gym membership and 24-hour access for prices as low as $33 per month
Contact Info:
- Website: galvestongyms.com
- Phone: 409-599-0166
- Email: le@galvestongyms.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/islandboot/
Image Credit:
Trinity Episcopal School, ANICO Wellness Center, Tysh Mefferd, Galveston Gyms, Donovan and Rebecca
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