Today we’d like to introduce you to Zen Burgos.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been a fitness professional for over 25 years. I was a co-star on Bravo’s TV show “WORKOUT” back in 2006 & 2007. Then I wrote, hosted and produced over 40 episodes of “The Skinny” for Exercise TV in 2009/2010 and worked as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor in Los Angeles until 2013 when my husband and I moved back to my hometown (La Grange, IL) to have our daughter and be close to family.
There were no personal training gyms locally and I had an idea for a group training gym and started talking to an old grade-school friend and client of mine about it. I explained that there are many treadmill fusion classes out there — but no one is using ellipticals (my favorite cardio machine). They are so much easier on the joints and you can still do simulated runs, sprints and hills without the impact! HIIT training or High Intensity Interval Training has been proven to be the most effective method to improve cardio endurance while increasing strength and decreasing body fat. After doing some market research and putting together a business plan, my old friend and I became my business partners and we opened The HIT Locker together.
I’ve always enjoyed motivating people… and I’m good at it. Plus, I’m super careful about injury prevention. So many people are getting hurt at other gyms, it kills me. The HIT Locker only has certified personal trainers conducting sessions unlike most of our competitors who use “group fitness instructors”. It’s not the same. Not even close. We modify exercises if you have an injury. We talk to you about your food, too, because most people are looking to lose extra body fat. And here’s the secret: it’s all about stress-relief and hormone response. No one talks about that… but we do. It’s revolutionary. We don’t just bark orders to do more pushups.
Has it been a smooth road?
Opening this gym has been way more challenging than just being a trainer. I’m wearing all the hats: creator, designer, salesperson, manager, marketer, accountant as well as being a trainer. To keep costs down, for months I was training up to 10 sessions a day, 7 days a week on top of running the business. I was exhausted but knew I had to put in some long hours to get the ball rolling. It’s been challenging but awesome to learn new skills and see my vision come to life.
After we signed our lease, we found out that a huge fitness franchise was opening up a few blocks away. I try to be inspired by fitness franchises that have grown quickly instead of being freaked-out by competition. Having faith in myself and my vision can be tricky sometimes — but I think every entrepreneur has those doubts at some point. I have many “regrouping” rituals to get back on track with enthusiasm.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The HIT Locker – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The HIT Locker utilizes elliptical cardio bursts and strength training segments in a group training format which is more fun and more economical than one-on-one training. My fees were typically around $100 per hour as a personal trainer, but our members can get unlimited group training for a fraction of the cost of one-on-one training. It just makes sense to have access to a trainer in a small group setting. (Our maximum number is 20 participants in a session.)
One thing I think The HIT Locker does better than any other gym is we provide nutritional guidance with every workout. No other gym asks you EVERY TIME what you had to eat. When you know that the trainer will ask about your food on the mic, your behavior will change. When you hear breakfast suggestions over and over again for other people, you get an idea of what will work best for YOU. And that’s why our members have such great weight loss results. We also discuss damage control and stress-relief strategies. And most importantly, we don’t judge you if you have a donut. We ask questions: We’re you craving it? Are you tired? How’s your water intake? Are you taking vitamins? Are you stressed? No one likes living in a diet bubble so it’s best to have real-world strategies and guidance to keep losing weight while enjoying your food. Like pizza and margaritas? We tell you what the best times are to enjoy that stuff without making you feel guilty.
The HIT Locker is so much more than just a gym. It’s a place where people of all fitness levels can go for guidance and support along their fitness journey. It’s super-efficient – just 50-minute cardio and strength sessions which we recommend just 2-3 times per week. Our 6-Week Challenge winners have lost as much as 21 pounds and 10% body fat in 6 weeks. The average weight loss is 2 inches off the belly in 30 days.
I feel like The HIT Locker is the perfect place for people who don’t love to work out — but realize it’s a fun, efficient and affordable way to get (and stay) healthy. With food tips, damage control strategies and expert easy-on-the-knees exercise guidance, we’re the best place to help anyone get leaner and stronger.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I lived in Los Angeles for almost 20 years and every time I came back to Chicago to visit, I noticed how friendly everyone was compared to the West Coast. Not that there aren’t lovely people there, but Chicago is just way more open. People say “hello” and strike up conversation here. When my husband and I moved back here, this happened wherever we went and at first, we were like, “Hey, is this person crazy or just friendly?” We weren’t used to the questions from anyone you’re standing in line with or see in a restaurant, “How’s it going?” What a day, huh?” People hold the door open for you more here, too. Makes me proud.
My home town La Grange is just a 20-minute train-ride to Chicago and it’s an amazing place for shopping, dining, and recreation. The HIT Locker is located in the heart of downtown La Grange and I always say it’s the perfect Saturday: Come workout at HIT, get a protein smoothie at Red Mango or Owl & Lark, a haircut next door at Floyd’s Barbershop, browse the cute outfits at Jayne, see a movie across the street at LaGrange Theatre, grab a burger and a beer at Palmer’s or a little wine and Italian at Francesca’s, and finish up with ice-cream or yogurt from Forever Yogurt, Coldstone, Red Mango or Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. There’s Wild Monk and Adele’s front room for a little nightlife, too. It’s an incredible two-block radius. I know it sounds like a commercial but I seriously love that HIT is in the middle of all that goodness.
I only wish we could wear opened-toes shoes here in December. I miss that. I also wish that Marcello’s Pizza on North Avenue would open a place in La Grange. If I was on death-row, Marcello’s thin crust with onions, sausage and mushroom would be my last meal.
Pricing:
- Drop-in session $24
- 21-Day Jumpstart deal for $99 – unlimited group training for 21 days
- Unlimited Monthly Membership $199
Contact Info:
- Address: 71 S. La Grange Rd., Ste B, La Grange, IL 60525
- Website: TheHITLocker.com
- Phone: 708-469-7262
- Email: info@TheHITLocker.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehitlocker/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHITLocker/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHITLocker
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-hit-locker-la-grange-2
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago 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.
