April 17, 2017

Meet Emily Hutchins of On Your Mark in West loop and Bucktown

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Hutchins.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
On Your Mark started 10 years ago with the inspiration to bring a personal training experience to a small group environment. OYM started in a very small studio space and our only focus was personal training. From there we felt the industry needed something different. We felt those who engaged in group fitness deserved higher quality experiences from their training. So we created 23 different formats for groups of 10 people on average that catered to different forms of endurance, strength, mobility and metabolic conditioning. The success of our teaching and following helped us grow into 2 neighborhoods within 3 years and now 10 years later, still going strong and inspiring people everyday to live stronger, more efficient lives both in and out of the gym. We credit our success to developing content that’s both challenging and fun, yet rewarding experiences where clients feel taken care of. A place that feels like a second home to clients who actually look forward to training with us.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, it’s been smooth. A couple years ago I did lose my business partner who was a huge asset to OYM. Emotionally it was tough because I knew those would be big shoes to fill. It’s always hard to find people who care about your business as much as you do, but I’m happy for her and her new adventure. I wouldn’t trade it for anything and each day brings new challenges, but with the strength of a solid group of trainers, there’s nothing I don’t feel, as a team, we can’t overcome.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about On Your Mark – what should we know?
OYM specializes in personal training and small group training. Our backbone is built on the foundation of functional movement and how that translates to the real world outside of the gym. Our 23 different formats are designed to help clients increase their performance through endurance, strength, the ability to be able to move well, and longevity. I think what sets us apart from others is our ability to be able to help each individual that walks through our doors. Everyone’s goals in the gym are different, and what we don’t do is offer a cookie cutter experience. Our training is unique and different and we take the time to sit down with our members and talk to them about what focus they should have and how our classes, given the right plan, will help boost their performance. That is also what makes me the most proud of OYM, is the care each trainer has for each member and wanting to see them succeed.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My former business partner, Annette Fiscelli deserves just as much credit as myself for the reason OYM has been and is still so successful to this day. Had we not decided to start OYM from the beginning, not sure where I would be today. Her work ethic pushed me to work harder, her own dedication to her personal performance made me a better athlete. I think we pushed each other but I always looked up to her dedication to her craft both in and out of the gym.

My father would be another mentor of mine. He was self-employed his entire life and still is for that matter. He goes to work everyday, he’s well into his 70’s now and I have so much respect for that…I hope I work half has hard as he has.

All of our clients are our supporters and cheerleaders. So many of them have been with us since day one and have seen us through change and never gave up on our ability to be able to continue to improve the brand and their personal experiences.

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