Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Emanuel.
Emily, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My active lifestyle started young. My mother decided to place me in dance class at the age of four because anytime I would hear music, I would dance no matter if it was in the grocery store or at church. My Mom said I danced before I walked, she even has it on video! As dancing became more of a passion verses a hobby, I found value in taking care of myself to be a better dancer by eating well and cross training. My sister used to say I ate only rabbit food.
I performed throughout Chicago and had various dance teaching jobs but Zumba was my first official fitness certification, required at the studio I was teaching. After some soul searching I decided to put my Physiology degree to work and try corporate fitness and enjoy normal work hours.
I discovered a love for helping people. Through my past multiple injuries (broken toes, protruding discs, sprained hamstrings, bruised tailbone, and lost toenails), I understood the importance of recovery and was able to cross train clients well to eliminate pain and improve performance. I also understood what it meant to look in the mirror every day as a dancer and struggle with body image and self-esteem. As I grew in my own technique, I eventually found the corporate world to be limiting. Through my own struggles and those of my clients, I knew there had to be a better way. A way that provided better results in a more well-rounded approach that eliminated many of the excuses and made you feel supported, pampered, and well informed. I then decided to take the plunge into becoming a business owner. Hit the Floor allows me to follow my passion of moving and teaching where I can make the most impact to truly help people live well.
Has it been a smooth road?
We have certainly faced our share of struggles along the way. I can’t say that owning a business is everything that I thought. The nine to five thing is out the window. Often, I find myself late at night or weekends utterly focused on work. Sometimes its hard to sleep worrying of the day ahead, but I know I must preserver. Long hours after long hours, but I know every moment I spend on this business helps one of our clients or potential clients feel better about themselves and reach their health goals.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We help people live healthier lives. Our clients turn to us to tend to all their fitness and wellness needs so they have more time to live the healthy lifestyle they choose. We are known most for our quality, expertise, our integrated approach, and our high-end concierge service. Our knowledgeable professionals work together to develop a customized plan that is seamless and leads to results. We do this by integrating our four main services private fitness training, wellness coaching, massage therapy, and personal chef services. Without all four pieces, change is possible but it may take longer or may be limited in results. Some of our clients wish to get off blood pressure medication, lose weight, become active, reduce stress, but every client dreams of being healthy and happy all at their convenience. We also work with associations, businesses, and hotels to create the perfect ambiance and provide resources for their own fitness and wellness facilities.
I am proud of our team and their genuine passion to help our clients. We treat our client’s like family yet provide each with professional expertise all with a touch of class. It is truly amazing how quickly our clients turn into family and for that, I am most proud.
What sets us apart is we borrowed concierge from the hospitality industry and brought it to the fitness and wellness world. We are the only full-service concierge fitness and wellness company in the Chicago suburbs. We handle any and all our clients’ fitness and wellness need from scheduling/delivering their sessions, ordering exercise equipment, taking care of preventative maintenance on equipment, or even scheduling a hair appointment after their fitness session. Every client has slightly different needs. Everyone deserves to be pampered.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago is a big market area that is well diverse which provides a great opportunity. I think Chicago is a great place to start a business if you have drive and vision. You are sure to find your ideal demographic and niche. Chicago is my home so I may be a bit bias.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hitthefloorfitness.com
- Phone: 224-456-1033
- Email: info@hitthefloorfitness.com
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.
Judi Whermeister
July 15, 2018 at 1:41 pm
Very proud to say I’ve watched this young woman grow up. It very true that she could always be seen dancing, in the house, outside, in school. She’s a go-getter!