Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Nsiah-Kumi.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I played college basketball in the Chicagoland area, and as much as I loved it here, I moved out west upon graduation. I spent time with the athletic departments of a few Pac-12 schools, which was great since I was surrounded by like-minded colleagues and students, all of whom were focused on nutrition and fitness. And that world just sparked something in me. But I realized that “world” didn’t exist back in areas of Chicago, the city I love. So, in 2006, I moved back here and dedicated myself to starting my own personal training business. Though it was risky, It was a great decision since I got to help people improve their lives. Being my own boss was another perk.
However, It was tough at first trying to establish myself. Problem was I had no start-up capital, so I started seeing a few clients in their homes. I was traveling all over the suburbs of Chicago–Schaumburg, Hinsdale, wherever people needed my services. I was often driving up to a thousand miles a week. But wherever people who wanted to get in shape were living, I was gladly there.
Like I said, it was tough, but looking back, I’m glad I embraced an unrelenting commitment to the clients I could scrounge up at the time. By 2013, I had built up a wide client base, the connections, and a good reputation in the local fitness community, so I was able to open my own personal training gym in Logan Square. I had been living in the neighborhood since 2006, and I was excited that I could serve my own community as opposed to traveling all over the city and suburbs.
Paramount Personal Training has continued to grow, and we now have two locations (the original Logan Square location and a new Albany Park gym). We also have four trainers, so it makes me really happy that Paramount not only helps people reach their fitness and health goals, but it’s also created jobs in my community. I’m really proud of that.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t know if I would call it a “struggle,” but I definitely had a vision that I wanted to see fulfilled. My parents immigrated from Ghana, and I was fortunate enough to grow up in a very diverse area of Maryland. It was evident to me from a young age that across cultures, lifestyles, and ages, all people are interested in fitness, nutrition, and living a healthy life. But when I first moved back to Chicago, I saw that the local fitness scene was dominated by a very specific culture, a “bro-centric” culture if you will. It felt very exclusive. And elitist. I think that either intimidated or turned a lot of people off from ever even pursuing the gym. I knew that when I started my own business, I didn’t want that kind of vibe affiliated with my place.
I think my decision to first open Paramount Personal Training in Logan Square really helped establish the community I wanted. Since I had been living here since 2006, I had met many neighborhood locals, and no two people were alike. It really had people from all walks of life, and I’m glad they never felt alienated or put off by Paramount. I’m thrilled that everyone feels welcome at Paramount. In fact, I think both Paramount locations have done an excellent job creating a sense of community and warmth for anyone interested in working out. It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you come from, your interests, your lifestyle. We’re all friends at Paramount. Nothing matters besides your character. Just get in here and get fit.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Paramount Personal Training story. Tell us more about the business.
Paramount Personal Training provides one-on-one personal training as well as small group personal training classes (up to six people per class). We strive to create a fun, safe, and open community for people of all walks of life and fitness levels.
We’re a bit different from other gyms in that we emphasize the quality of movement before intensity. Our focus is first quality of movement, then strength, then conditioning.
There are a lot of places that simply try to beat you to a pulp every time you walk in the door. It’s all about lifting more or going faster without concern for form, function, or movement. We’re the opposite. We create a safe and balanced program that is sustainable for long-term gain.
I’m proud of Paramount because I see how much we can change people’s lives. It’s our goal to help our clients “Be [more] awesome.” Most people we meet are inherently awesome, so being “more awesome” can mean getting stronger, being able to keep up with the kids or grandkids, losing a few pounds, or simply being able to exercise without pain.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I’ve started to notice that small group classes (e.g. 10 or less people) and semi-private personal training (e.g. four people or less) are becoming more popular. Large format group classes can be great, but as people want a more personalized and intimate experience with more feedback on form, they’ll turn to smaller groups. It’s a good middle ground, as they can pay a less than a one-on-one personal training session but still get a ton of personal attention and feedback.
Pricing:
- One-on-One Training: $50 – $90 per hour
- Group Classes: $15-$25 per class
Contact Info:
- Address: Logan Square: 2624 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Albany Park: 4587 N Elston, Chicago, IL 60630 - Website: http://www.paramountpersonaltraining.com
- Phone: (773) 809-3488
- Email: paramountpersonaltraining@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pptchicago/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paramountpersonaltraining/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/paramount-personal-training-chicago
Image Credit:
Luhrs Photography
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