FITDC Ambassador and trainer David Cole recently opened his own fitness studio and small group training facility in Mount Vernon Triangle this month. Definition Of Fitness is a 2,000 square foot personal training space that also hosts small group training classes that focus on getting you familiar and comfortable with weight training. We sat down with David to chat about his new studio, his biggest challenges as a small business owner, and what he likes to do for his BODY, MIND and COMMUNITY.
What inspired you to open your own training studio and gym?
I learned at a young age that I can help people believe in their physical abilities by teaching corrective exercise and I knew opening up my own place would allow me the ability to focus my craft while being able to have a more hands-on approach with my clients. Fitness journeys are just like any journey in our daily lives in that they have ups and downs, mountains and plateaus, but if you have a close-knit community by your side, you’re much more likely to succeed.
What do you see as the biggest obstacles to being a small business owner?
The biggest obstacles I have experienced as a small business owner so far have been funding and standing out. Funding a small business can be difficult and if you don’t know the right people then it can be hard to find a bank that will take a chance on you, but if you have the right mindset and game plan then the persistence will pay off. Being in the fitness industry can also be a challenging place to stand out because every gym or studio offers similar services, so you have to be able to believe in your plan and in your dream, because not every light bulb is the same but they all shine.
How is fitness important to your everyday life?
Fitness isn’t just important to me, it’s a lifestyle choice. No one doubts the medical benefits of healthy eating and exercise on a consistent basis or the physical aesthetics that can come from the same. But my focus with both my clients and myself has always been on how fitness can improve the whole person, mind and body, as I believe they’re all interconnected.
What would be one piece of advice you would offer someone looking to start their own fitness journey?
My advice to anyone wanting to start their journey towards a fitter lifestyle would be to just say enough is enough. There’s a well-known Chinese proverb that says, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” and I think that’s directly applicable to starting a fitness journey for the first time. To that end, find someone or something that inspires you, educate yourself on what it takes to be healthier, and find a trainer or nutrition coach that will hold you accountable. Don’t be afraid to invest your money into your fitness journey because it will pay dividends for your future.
What are 3 things you can do daily to support your Body, Mind, and Community?
I would say to support your body daily by spending at least 30-60 minutes stretching and exercising. For the mind, feed it by reading something educational or listening to someone positive that inspires you. I play a motivational podcast every morning (Inky Johnson is a great person to listen to). Also, music has a way to touch your soul and can be very therapeutic. And lastly, community engagement is at the top of my list, it is one of the main reasons I have a passion for what I do. I think fitness, just like good food and good company, can bring people together in unexpected ways. Invite a friend or family member to go on a jog or a walk. Visit your local community recreation center and engage with the people that are there. Every bit of movement counts and if you can build your community while you’re doing it then that’s a home run.
Want to get more information on Definition Of Fitness?
Visit their website: https://definitionoffitness.com, follow David on Instagram @definitiondof , call DOF at 2026707130 or pop by the studio at 506 K St NW.