Today we’d like to introduce you to Josha Kruvand.
Josha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I founded Kru Strength and Fitness in 2009 to share my passion for health and fitness with other individuals. Previously a former pro soccer player and two-time Women’s League National Champion, I’ve been a full-time fitness professional for almost two decades. My knowledge of exercise and belief in the importance of strength and mobility fueled my desire to open this business. Kru provides experienced personal training along with customer fitness solutions for all clients and budgets. The community of support strives to inspire individuals, and clients find they stay motivated with instructors and trainers who encourage them to stay with the workout plan and push themselves harder than they thought possible. Individuals work with a team of qualified trainers that have the knowledge and expertise to keep clients motivated without the fear of boredom.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Small business is hard. There are always struggles. It is especially more difficult in a city like Chicago where the stakes are much higher. The cost of doing business in the city is a major hurdle in itself. If you manage to get and keep your doors open, you have to be the very best every day, or your customers will let you know immediately. We’ve learned a lot about running a business over the years. Please support local business!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kru Strength + Fitness – what should we know?
Kru Strength + Fitness was one of the first boutique fitness gyms in Chicago. I created a hybrid personal training studio where everyone is welcome. The program was designed around strength training or personal training plus group fitness. So, you can supplement your personal or semi-private group training with group classes and still work with high-quality trainers 7 days a week without breaking the bank. I’m very proud of the community – the Krummunity, we call it – that we’ve created here. This is not a place to hide in the corner and be a treadmill zombie. We encourage everyone to get socially involved and foster an environment of support, not competition. Clients come and go, move in and out of the area, but the Krummunity stays together.
This personal experience sets us apart from other gyms and training centers. We truly work with all ability levels in a personalized program. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first day in the gym or if you are a former professional athlete like me, we help all of our clients reach their goals.
This August will be our 8th year of business in Andersonville. We are now one of the oldest business south of Foster. I’m proud of the team I’ve had join me and all of the lives we’ve changed. I’m looking forward to the next 8 years.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
It’s hard to run a business 18 hrs. day, 7 days a week – and I couldn’t do it without my staff. Thomas manages the client relations and facility. He is the backbone of our customer service and most senior staff member. Over the years I’ve been able to inspire a few clients to make fitness their full-time career. Two of my current training team, Eve and Ron are both a great example of how their passion for fitness has become a career.
Pricing:
- Unlimited Group Fitness $95/Month
- Semi-Private Personal Training $25/Session
- Individual Personal Training $65/Session
Contact Info:
- Address: 5117 N Clark St
Chicago IL 60640 - Website: http://www.krustrengthandfitness.com
- Phone: 773-944-1570
- Email: josha@krustrengthandfitness.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kruchicago
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kru-Strength-Fitness-139655528016/
- Twitter: twitter.com/kruchicago
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kru-strength-fitness-chicago-2
- Other: http://www.chicagonow.com/josha-kru-way-strength-fitness
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.
