Why creating outdoor training space is your smartest move yet
Thinking about creating an outdoor training space? Whether you own a gym, run a college recreation program, manage a YMCA, or develop multifamily housing properties, creating outdoor training space might be your smartest move yet. Here are five reasons why. 1. Expand access to strength and functional training Strength and functional training have exploded in popularity over the past decade – and with that growth often comes overcrowded indoor training zones. An outdoor space gives you breathing room to accommodate more members during peak hours, offer additional class formats, and reduce wait times on high-use equipment. With weatherproof training and storage solutions, you can confidently expand your most in-demand offerings to the outdoors. 2. Meet member demand for open-air wellness The benefits of outdoor training can’t be denied. Exercising in fresh air boosts vitamin D, increases serotonin, and helps reduce stress – all motivators for a wellness-minded member. Creating an outdoor training space shows your community that you’re listening to their preferences and evolving to meet their needs. 3. Grow without costly indoor expansion Expanding your indoor footprint can mean big dollars and even bigger headaches when it comes to permits, construction and temporary closures. Outdoor space is often just sitting there, waiting to be activated. A well-designed outdoor training environment expands your offerings without adding square footage or taking on a massive renovation. 4. Maximize underutilized outdoor areas Where do you have underutilized space? Where you may see an extra parking lot or tennis court, we see a blank canvas. If your lot has ample parking, redesignating a few spots can easily accommodate an outdoor training zone. Sports courts that aren’t getting the same play they used to can be converted into custom fitness environments. If neither of these are options, don’t forget to look up. Rooftops are often the most scenic, motivating places to train – proven by forward-thinking facilities like Bay Club San Francisco, 300 Main in San Antonio, Fit Athletic in San Diego, and University of Wisconsin. 5. Create a standout, branded fitness space Your outdoor space is an extension of your brand. With custom colors, logos and layout options, your training environment is a powerful representation of your facility. Even if someone never walks through your front doors during their workout, they’ll still connect your brand with their fitness experience – and that positive association is worth its weight in bumper plates. It might be time to think outside the building – and train outside of it, too. Eager to grow, differentiate and give your members more of what they want? We’re ready when you are. Let’s get started. Bring your vision. We’ll build the rest. Contact BeaverFit Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
BeaverFit launches redesigned Shred Shed: The next evolution in outdoor training
The leaders in outdoor fitness have done it again. BeaverFit, the industry’s premier manufacturer of outdoor training solutions, has officially launched the redesigned Shred Shed – now with expanded customization and training functionality for gyms, schools, first responders, military units and communities looking to take fitness outdoors. The Shred Shed is the only American-made outdoor fitness solution that combines secure storage, versatile strength and functional training capabilities, custom colors and branding in one durable, weatherproof design. It’s more than a place to store your equipment – it’s a complete, standalone training environment. “To us, it’s not just about building equipment – it’s about creating training environments that enable our customers to win, whatever winning looks like for them,” said Greg Monaco, product manager at BeaverFit. “The new Shred Shed delivers on that mission in every way.” What’s new with the Shred Shed: Dual roll-up doors for faster gear access, and more efficient setup and breakdown Corrosion-resistant aluminum panels for long-term durability and less maintenance Improved interior shelving and secure storage to stay organized and protected Modular rigging on up to four sides to support a wider range of training formats More compact footprint: 4’ x 4’ x 8’9” per unit More sustainable: 40% less material used, and streamlined production process Lighter weight: 30% weight reduction Still built with hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated steel for superior weather protection Still available with custom colors and branding to match your identity “We understand and have experienced the challenges of bringing structure, consistency and professionalism to outdoor training,” Monaco added. “You can either do your best with your surroundings and no equipment, or lug gear – not designed for outdoor use – back and forth, in and out. The Shred Shed solves this issue by creating an environment that delivers a secure, modular, and fully integrated training experience that adapts to any outdoor setting with one rugged solution.” Each Shred Shed combines interior storage with steel rigging and attachments to create a highly efficient space for strength and functional training. From rooftop terraces to parking lots, the Shred Shed transforms underutilized outdoor areas into fully-equipped, branded fitness zones. University of San Diego is the first customer to receive the new Shred Shed, with three custom units in gray and blue school colors and logos. Opting for two Shred Sheds connected by a 16’ modular rig and one standalone unit, the university now offers outdoor space for on-rack barbell work, pull-ups, landmines, dips, battle ropes, wall balls, boxing, and more – enhancing student recreation and campus appeal. “As always, our product innovation is driven by feedback from customers and our hands-on commitment to building smarter, more resilient training solutions,” Monaco said. “We preserved the strengths of the original Shred Shed while enhancing its modularity, durability and accessibility to deliver a more adaptable and performance-driven outdoor training platform.” The redesigned Shred Shed is now available. Make one (or two) your own. Click Here Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
Converting indoor space into a mission-ready training environment
Mission readiness begins with consistent, effective and accessible training. But what happens when teams lack the right environment to train? To overcome the hurdle of acquiring new real estate within the unit footprint, the answer often lies in converting underutilized indoor spaces – like old supply bays, hangars and basketball courts – into fully equipped training environments that support holistic health and fitness. A skilled approach to indoor space design Transforming an existing space into an effective training environment isn’t as simple as installing a few racks and calling it a day. Many companies offer fitness equipment, but few understand or can tailor their offerings to unique requirements. Scalable solutions that fit unique space, budget and training needs must be factored into the design to ensure the outcome maximizes both performance and efficiency. That’s why BeaverFit goes beyond providing equipment and, instead, designs and delivers completely tailored training environments. The process kicks off collaboratively, with units defining their ideal training throughput and programming, ensuring BeaverFit creates a space that supports strength, functional fitness, speed and agility, cardio, and recovery zones as needed. From there, BeaverFit designs custom rigs, racks and storage to meet each space requirement, and incorporates rubber flooring, turf, cardio equipment and accessories to further enhance the space. The final touch is the custom colors, branding plates and logos that reflect the pride and identity of the warfighters who use it. Real life examples U.S. Navy Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving – Indoor Conversion Maryland Army National Guard – Indoor Conversion Fort Jackson – Indoor Conversion Air Force Special Operations Command – Indoor Conversion 25th Infantry Division – Indoor Conversion Working with a trusted partner Understanding which equipment fits into a space is one thing; navigating the procurement process is another challenge entirely. Converting indoor space requires more than design work – it demands a partner who understands military procurement channels, processes and approval requirements. BeaverFit currently holds a Phase II Small Business Innovation and Research award for the Army Applications Laboratory Experimental Soldier Performance Readiness facilities and larger programmatic requirements, such the ongoing delivery of two dozen SunPros to U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training units across the nation. Extensive experience working with all branches and levels of the DoD ensures projects move forward efficiently and in compliance with necessary regulations. Indoor space conversions (along with other BeaverFit solutions) may be procured through many direct and partner contracts, such as DLA TLS, SBIR, Navy IDIQ and others. For units unfamiliar with these contracting vehicles, BeaverFit can offer the guidance needed. The result? Custom training environments that are designed, approved and delivered within months… not years. Hit the easy button Take stress out of the equation. BeaverFit has you covered. From concept to execution, we provide the expertise, equipment and support needed to create a training environment built to optimize human performance and mission readiness – with durable, American-made equipment that’s built to withstand the demand you’ll place on it. Interested in getting started? Reach out to our team today to discuss your space and training needs. BeaverFit Indoor Conversions Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
BeaverFit delivers two Inclined Skills Trainers to Army in Hawaii
There are only a few known Inclined Skills Trainers throughout the entire Department of Defense. And the U.S. Army in Hawaii just got two of them. BeaverFit ISTs are purpose-built to assess, enhance and refine strength, endurance and responsiveness. These custom, mission-focused solutions optimize muscular and cardiovascular conditioning while improving tactical mobility, equipping tactical athletes with the physical readiness needed for real-world operations. To make the most out of activating these products with the Soldiers, a few “unlucky” BeaverFit teammates flew out to Hawaii in January to host two training and education events with Soldiers. “What an absolute honor it was to be involved with this project,” said Scott Wing, OCONUS sales director, BeaverFit. “From the first conversations to finally seeing the ISTs in action, this was a true collaboration between the Division and BeaverFit.” During sessions led by BeaverFit Training and Education Director Jason Clark and Head of Human Performance Innovation Dr. Chris Frankel, roughly 80 Soldiers cycled through rotating circuits of strength and conditioning exercises including inclined sprints, inclined lateral lunges, modified rope climbs, hand-release push-ups, front-facing and lateral step-ups, and more. “It was incredible to watch the Soldiers train in that manner right there at the unit footprint,” said Clark. “Knowing the IST presents real-world skill crossover to what they encounter in the jungle environment meant even more.” The appearance of DOD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. The IST is designed to support various training formats based on unit needs, amount of personnel, and allotted time. High-intensity continuous training: Continuous work on and around the IST to target endurance and grit. High-intensity interval training: Hybrid strength and cardio work with active and/or passive recovery around stations for a balanced intensity challenge. Sprint interval training: Short sprints with extended recovery targeting maximal effort. “The IST is a unique training environment where the apparatus and proper coaching develops human performance qualities, capabilities and skills in a challenging and scalable way,” added Frankel. “The intentional design and execution of the ramp, stairs and accessory training stations makes for one of the best training experiences I have ever seen.” While BeaverFit custom-designs and manufactures each IST unique to a unit’s specific training requirements and available footprint, these solutions can typically feature: Steel I-beam or container-based options Center platforms Inclined ramps with anti-slip protection or turf lining 12, 18, 24 or 30-inch stairs Cargo nets, climbing and rappel walls, and/or rope climb options Fall protection – chipped rubber and/or crash pads Option to add performance turf or flooring Ability to incorporate BeaverFit Performance Lockers and accessories Weatherproof, hot-dip galvanized steel components – built to last Is this the game-changer your unit needs to level up your tactical preparedness? Contact us to start bringing your concept to life. Contact BeaverFit Team × Learn More – Inclined Skills Trainer Close Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
How boutiques can compete with big gyms in 2025
In today’s fitness landscape, boutique fitness studios face the common challenge of how to stand out against the resources, real estate and reach of big-box gyms. But industry leaders have identified the solution: carve out a competitive edge by leveraging innovative training solutions and efficient use of space. Maximize every square foot “Operational capacity has never been more critical,” said Brandon Cullen, co-founder and chief concept officer, MADabolic, noting rising costs of real estate, labor, expertise, goods and materials. “This is why partners like BeaverFit are invaluable. Their entire mission is to deliver customized solutions that address the cost-per-square-foot equation.” Working together, MADabolic and BeaverFit created custom bay units that save each studio 500 to 750 square feet “without compromising the attention to detail or client experience that define MADabolic,” Cullen said. Whereas large gyms boast more space overall, that often translates to underutilized or generic areas that feel impersonal. Boutiques like MADabolic are intentionally designed – with every piece of equipment serving a purpose – leading to more connected and engaging workouts. https://youtu.be/xyf9giBLW5I?si=wa5Jx5dS_Wre6juG Streamline member experience with seamless transitions Matt Wright, chief growth officer and founding partner, Earn Your Stripes, echoed the importance of maximizing operational capacity: “There is no one size fits all when it comes to spacing. Each studio is unique and every square foot should be allocated for something.” He also emphasized the importance of a commonly overlooked component: the transitions that take place during the workout. Member experience can hinge on the smallest details – whether transitioning from station to station or from one modality to another, “it all has an impact on the overall member experience and how well your workout will be perceived,” he said. For EYS, the co-development of a custom bay unit with BeaverFit was key. Heavy bags, which at one point needed to be hung up and taken down to allow for different training segments, now slide in and out of each station with a sliding trawler arm in the center – allowing for expanded training modalities with minimal transition effort. These thoughtfully planned workout stations are in contrast to big-box gyms, where members must navigate busy floors for the equipment they need, and potentially forego sets and exercises because every machine has a line of people waiting to use it. https://youtu.be/OLfjJVyVOpc?si=dWfMjcpw-2jrhE5S Get efficient with storage Operational capacity and seamless transitions come directly into play at SPENGA as well, whose signature workout combines spin, strength training and yoga. Traditionally requiring dedicated areas for each, SPENGA recently launched a smaller footprint design which condensed the experience by 1,000 square feet. Innovative training solutions with integrated storage features allow strength and yoga segments to now take place in the same area without compromising member experience. “Our collaboration with the BeaverFit team enabled us to customize efficient strength storage solutions that enhanced this transformation,” said Roger McGreal, co-founder, SPENGA. “The smaller footprint presents significant cost savings while maintaining the incredible workout experience our members have come to love.” Unlike larger gyms which often struggle with clutter and misplaced equipment, boutiques like SPENGA thrive on creating organized, clutter-free environments that are personalized to the user. https://youtu.be/RlFnqU_KNos?si=FxI7vDcOQV_WRGmC Think outside the box – and the standard catalog For boutique studios facing rising costs and competitive pressure, customization is key. Off-the-shelf solutions may work for some, but for many, the standard catalog won’t cut it anymore. “That’s the big difference for us: we build differently,” said CJ Kostranchuk, director of key accounts, BeaverFit. “No other company is able to sit down with a customer, listen to their needs, and potentially start from scratch to create something. And I think that’s really where this industry is heading – toward being able to do things differently.” From conceptual design to manufacturing, the BeaverFit team collaborates with fitness partners to create tailored solutions that address specific challenges and drive profitability. Whether it’s transforming underutilized spaces or designing equipment to fit precise needs, BeaverFit empowers boutique studios to think differently and thrive in a competitive market. Build your vision. We’ll build the rest. Learn more about the BeaverFit custom manufacturing process. Click Here Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
STRIDE Fitness redefines workouts under new ownership, BeaverFit partnership
STRIDE Fitness is redefining their workout concept this year as new owner Shaun Grove brings on BeaverFit as a manufacturing partner. As of August, three California locations are the first to incorporate custom functional benches designed and manufactured by BeaverFit into their spaces, combining treadmills and resistance training for a high intensity exercise program. “This will provide for a much better full-body workout with dedicated floor space for strength and conditioning versus just treadmill-based running,” said Grove, who acquired STRIDE Fitness from Xponential Fitness in February. “Moving back and forth between the modalities – the treadmills and the benches – is designed to be a really fun and effective workout.” Grove, former president of Rumble Boxing, is no stranger to working with BeaverFit – who have been the exclusive manufacturer of Rumble benches and rigs since 2021. The Rumble bench served as inspiration for the new STRIDE Fitness bench, which has been tweaked to complement STRIDE with custom branding, integrated storage for dumbbells and slam balls, and attachment points for bands and other training apparatuses. “Just knowing the product that had already been established at Rumble, working with BeaverFit on these benches was a no-brainer,” Grove said. “Everything was very customizable, and everybody was so amenable to getting it done and doing it well.” Grove explained that in the new workout concept, the coach directs members between their treadmill and bench while accompanied by fun and exciting music and lighting. “To this point, STRIDE has been marketed as an indoor running concept with some strength and conditioning; today, we’re redefining it as a full-body HIIT workout combining treadmills and strength and conditioning,” he said. “The concept is strong and universally appealing, so I’m excited to get it out to market. I’d love to see it grow into a multi-unit franchise model across the country, and across the globe.” Images courtesy of STRIDE Fitness Along with the Pasadena, San Diego and Tustin locations, Grove plans to convert more of the current STRIDE Fitness studios to the new model and begin franchising. CJ Kostranchuk, director of key accounts at BeaverFit, who also helped develop the partnership between BeaverFit and Rumble, said he’s excited about the STRIDE Fitness refresh and how it’ll expand their member demographic. “It’s fun to be able to bring concepts to life and see people be successful with them.” “I’m excited to be a partner with BeaverFit,” Grove said. “We established this relationship a few years ago starting with Rumble, and I look forward to extending that into STRIDE and any other concepts going forward.” Custom Manufacturing with BeaverFit Create equipment and environments that meet your specific space, needs and training requirements through hands-on collaboration with our in-house product managers, design engineers and fabricators. Learn More Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
BeaverFit to host third annual AUSA Human Performance Pavilion
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The AUSA Human Performance Pavilion powered by BeaverFit will take place at the AUSA 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition Oct. 14-16. The pavilion will showcase premier solutions to support Army leaders in operationalizing H2F across multiple domains, to include: + An experimental Soldier Performance Readiness Center setup + SPRC Walkthrough + Throughput Demonstration, Oct. 15, 3 p.m. + 17 human performance industry vendors highlighting an array of offerings “We’re excited to be the presenting sponsor of the AUSA Human Performance Pavilion for the third year in a row as we continue to support the readiness and resilience of the Soldier Weapon System,” said Mike Taylor, co-founder of BeaverFit USA. BeaverFit is a veteran owned and operated business, and the largest supplier of fitness and tactical training solutions to the U.S. military. Of note in fiscal year 2024, BeaverFit supplied the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training with more than a dozen company-sized outdoor training facilities, and advanced within the Army Applications Laboratory SPRC contract process for the opportunity to build more than 100 brigade-sized facilities by 2030. Both efforts support the Army’s move to roll H2F out across the entire force. Joining BeaverFit in the pavilion are vendors who provide industry leading solutions to support operationalizing H2F at the individual, unit and installation level. These vendor partners include: + Apollo Neuro + Chilly GOAT + Concept2 + Conflict Kinetics + COSMED – The Metabolic Company + DFND + DripDrop Hydration + GAP Solutions + O2X + Oura + PLAE + Serco + Teamworks Tactical + Trinsic + University of Health & Performance + Woodway “We look forward to showcasing how the human performance industry can help Army leaders redefine where and how Soldiers train, enabling them to win when it matters most,” said Alex Roodhouse, co-founder of BeaverFit USA. Discover the tools that power the Soldier Weapon System and learn how to operationalize your installation for H2F by visiting the AUSA Human Performance Pavilion in Booth 7227. Want to learn how BeaverFit can help you operationalize H2F? Request a meeting with our team at AUSA. Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
More than container gyms: A leader in tactical equipment
Most people know BeaverFit as the company behind the innovative container gyms used by military units and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. But what many don’t realize is that BeaverFit also provides a wide range of cutting-edge tactical equipment tailored to the unique needs of the military, first responders and law enforcement communities. As a veteran-owned company headquartered in Reno, Nevada, BeaverFit leverages years of first-hand experience, a robust project management team, skilled fabricators and domestic manufacturing to create training solutions that support customers’ needs. “We’re the premier custom fabrication shop for units seeking customized, requirements-based training solutions tailored to their needs,” said Nick Dail, BeaverFit tactical sales director. “The ideas always come from the customers, we’re just the ones who make it a reality.” Bringing those ideas to reality happens fairly quickly since the majority of BeaverFit’s tactical solutions do not fall under the military construction scope; however, they’re still engineer-certified and held to facility code standards to ensure safety and reliability. This combination of speed and quality allows units to optimize training efficiency without compromising standards. “In comparison to MILCON, it’s a hell of a lot faster to work with us,” said Chris McGrath, BeaverFit tactical product manager. “Solutions come to life in months, not years.” McGrath, who served in the U.S. Army for 23 years as a Green Beret, recalls the pain points of his career and emphasizes the opportunities and benefits that come from specialized training solutions. Upon retiring from active duty, McGrath came directly to BeaverFit to continue serving in a new capacity – by helping design training solutions needed to prepare for real-world operations. “It’s the customization to meet real-world training scenarios or environments, basically simulating and creating a somewhat realistic operational environment. For a unit to go train elsewhere, that costs time and money – we bring it to them instead,” he said. One example is a recently completed project for the 58th Training Readiness Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base: a Range Locker with aerial gunnery live-fire training capabilities. This state-of-the-art helicopter simulator allows the unit to perform aerial gunnery marksmanship training on-site. According to the unit, this will save the Air Force approximately $1.7 million annually in flight hours. The substantial reduction in setup time and costs allows them to focus on what matters most – training. “That’s the biggest value we bring to a unit when we’re delivering a tactical training solution: the money and time they save by having it,” Dail said, and noted BeaverFit Training Towers and complexes as being the “best bang for the buck” due to their versatility. These structures can be equipped with climbing and rappelling features, realistic air delivery platforms, close-quarters battle setups, and more, with a shorter build time than MILCON. “A Training Tower solves a big pain point for units with an air insertion requirement,” McGrath agreed. “It’s the biggest cost-saver in the long run, and it solves the obstacle of finding the funds and assets required for training.” For units with maritime requirements, Dail referenced the rising popularity of VBSS complexes, which create a realistic environment for visit, board, search and seizure training. The VBSS can be built where the unit needs it and eliminates their need to drive across town – a pain point BeaverFit solved for the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team in Florida. It’s not just high-quality steel workmanship and project efficiency that earned BeaverFit a leading role in delivering tactical training solutions to government entities – it’s the people. “We understand how procurement works; we have the military background and understanding of the unit’s needs; and we have the right team with the right experience to install these solutions in accordance with safety regulations, codes, and requirements,” McGrath said. “And if something isn’t right, we make it right.” “We’re with you for life,” Dail added. Learn more Explore the full BeaverFit Tactical line and reach out to the team to get started on your custom training solution. BeaverFit Tactical Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
BeaverFit unifies team with global merger
BeaverFit, defense contractor and custom fitness equipment manufacturer, officially merged its regionally-owned and operated US and UK branches into one global company in June 2024. Now jointly owned by the original founders, father and son Jim and Tom Beaver, and the North America founders, former Navy riverines Alex Roodhouse and Mike Taylor, the brand aims to unlock global efficiencies and company growth by enabling one team, one fight, in all regions of the world. “This is a unique opportunity to have two different parts of the world working together and growing the brand and product lines,” Tom Beaver said, noting the merger will bring specialized product development and expertise from one region to the other, and vice versa. The merger also includes UK subsidiaries of the business in Australia, Europe and the Middle East. Roodhouse said customers either won’t notice a difference or they’ll see a positive change due to increased US/UK collaboration across engineering, sales, product, project management and marketing channels. “It’s the same consistent brand and product with behind-the-scenes changes to product development, synergy and efficiency.” And although they’ve merged globally, BeaverFit remains committed to in-country manufacturing – continuing to be proudly American-, Britain- and Australian-made for customers in each respective region. Additionally, customers won’t suddenly be handed off to a rep outside of their region unless it makes reasonable sense for the customer to be serviced locally; such as a US military unit in Europe working with a BeaverFit UK project manager. “We’re doubling resources without increasing workload,” Taylor said. “This will lead to even more wins across the board.” ‘Winning Matters’ – a motto commonly used throughout the company – is evident this year as BeaverFit continues to meet partners in new ways. As BeaverFit USA competes for an Army contract that could lend them a role in building and outfitting more than 100 Soldier Performance Readiness Centers worldwide, BeaverFit UK is preparing to deliver more than 400 container gyms to the Bundeswehr, the German Armed Forces. Meanwhile, the commercial side of the business booms as an increasing number of fitness studios, gyms, college and university campuses, apartment complexes, and more, realize the potential to create their ideal training spaces through BeaverFit’s custom manufacturing capabilities. Bottom line, there’s no shortage of work or opportunity for this global company to get after. “We’re all beavers and we’re all eager to make it work,” Jim Beaver joked. “And we’re going to help each other a lot better as one company versus two.” Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
Dad, athlete, coach leads human performance at BeaverFit
Many athletes never transition to the world of coaching; of those who do, even fewer make a transition from coaching to academia, and again, even fewer from academia to the private sector. Chris Frankel, who has done all three, with a lifetime of accompanying experiences and lessons learned on his unique journey, was the obvious choice to lead human performance innovation at BeaverFit. One of Frankel’s strongest skills is “being able to walk into any environment – whether 5th grade PE, with professional athletes, at initial entry military training, or in a room full of PhDs – and have a relaxed conversation without having to code switch too much. It’s the same challenge, different environment,” he said. Frankel, who holds a doctorate in physical education with an emphasis on sports and exercise science, jokingly calls himself a “mediocre athlete” with a “dismal athletic career,” but it’s clear his early influences helped shape the trajectory of his path to success. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, Frankel attended Sidwell Friends private school where he ran track, and played soccer, football and basketball. He continued as a college athlete at Hiram College, Ohio, as part of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship football team and a standout in track and field. Unlike most athletes his age, Frankel also became closely involved with coaching these sports. Through summers spent under the wings of influential coaches such as Eddie Saah, recognized by the Washington Sports Hall of Fame for 16 consecutive youth baseball championship wins, and Dan Riley, former strength and conditioning coach for the Washington Commanders, Frankel developed an appreciation for the art of coaching and gained experience working with athletes at all levels – from middle school softball to basketball players en route to the NBA. He recalled that “learning the back-end of coaching was fascinating, because being just the player or athlete is so much different than understanding how to manage everything together.” In his mid-20s, Frankel moved to Los Angeles where he took a job at an upscale fitness club, and eventually a personal training gig at Gold’s Gym. He became immersed in the world of elite bodybuilders and their coaches, continued doing 5Ks and track meets, and worked hard enough at basketball to be able to play on the A court at Venice Beach. “If anybody asked what made me successful, it was just trying to be a sponge of everything,” he said. “I spent 90% of my time assuming I’m the dumbest person in the room. What can I learn from every athlete and every coach? What can I learn from every person I’m working with? And 10% of the time, I put pen to paper and action everything I’ve learned up until that point.” The Los Angeles scene took its toll after a couple years, so Frankel relocated to a quieter life in New Mexico, met his wife and began his master’s degree at the University of New Mexico. He entered the physiology and statistics-oriented exercise science program as a sociology undergrad and was big-timed by his peers once they realized he wasn’t from a science background. “And with the chip on my shoulder, I thought, not only am I going to do well in this class, I’m going to do better than all of you,” he recounted. He earned his master’s and went on to pursue a doctoral degree. What he didn’t expect at the time was that it would take 23 years to complete, as he raised a family and continued to work multiple jobs in the fitness, coaching, and high performance training industries. Chris Frankel and children The Frankels representing Dad’s team in hostile territory Frankel and his wife Georgia have five children, including two who were adopted, and a son-in-law, and are known for their big hearts as they frequently open their home to others facing hardships such as unemployment, family issues or financial difficulties. During the recession in 2009, they had 12 people living under one roof. “The time it took to earn my PhD turned out to be a blessing, because it forced me to stay on top of the science for 23 years, and be able to have conversations with a bunch of PhD propeller heads as we went to conferences or as I sat in on lectures,” he said. “At the same time I was still coaching, so I had two different worlds of showing up, coaching, training, and also learning about what’s going on in the deep physiology side of things.” During part of those two decades, Frankel worked as a trainer for professional golfer Notah Begay III – and went from knowing nearly nothing about golf to accompanying Begay on tour and during private practice rounds with Tiger Woods. Frankel continued to be a sponge, soaking in every experience and opportunity. “This role with Notah helped me realize that all these things I know about strength and conditioning and coaching – it’s not sports-specific. I could take it anywhere I wanted to go, and layer on top all the stuff I was learning in school,” Frankel said. From there, Frankel took a job in the commercial fitness industry with TRX and helped stand up their training and education side of the business. Through a twist of fate, his 13 years working there led him to cross paths with fellow TRX teammates Alex Roodhouse and Michael Taylor, before the two split off to found BeaverFit North America. Through their respective roles, Frankel and Taylor were involved in the early stages of the Marine Corps High Intensity Tactical Training program, and thus began Frankel’s exposure to training tactical athletes. “I thought – from a teaching, coaching, and programming standpoint – not only how do I train the end users in the tactical population, but how do I train the coaches to then turn around and coach these tactical environments?” he recalled. Chris Frankel instructs an early iteration of the USMC HITT course Chris Frankel tests kettlebell form under