Why I Chose Nine Realms

Let me tell you about Nine Realms.

And what I mean by that, let me tell you about the people there.

I’ve known Sean and Savannah for four years. We met during early morning gym hours in Middleton. One of my first conversations with Sav was comparing tattoo sleeves. At least one morning a week, Sean would be in one squat rack, our friend Dennis in the second, and I would be in the third. If you haven't been part of a gym community before, that's how you get to know everyone in a space where nearly everyone is wearing headphones. If you bump into the same people often enough, you get to know who they are and what they are about.

When Sav introduced medicupping bodywork from her home studio I was immediately on board. I have had my share of injuries and rehab. Sav's knowledge and thoroughness with bodywork and correctional exercise changed how I engaged with the weights. Then when Sean and Sav found out I was opening my own private training studio, they gifted and helped move several pieces of equipment that had been part of Sean’s family gym. These pieces included a Paramont vertical, benches, and plates. The help didn't stop there. For the past two years they have played a critical role in how I care for my own clients who walk in the door, from pain/injury management to appropriate business scaling and care plans.

Now, Nine Realms.

For a real in depth version of the blood, sweat and tears these two have put into building their gym, listen to Sean's interview with Matthew Sidwell's podcast, Rain Brings Growth. All I will say here is that one cannot ask for better friends with high standards, nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic, and growth mindsets. I love what they are cultivating here in our community and feel blessed to be a part of it. Their vision for Nine Realms is and has always been more than just a membership gym. They genuinely want to every person who walks in their doors to feel seen.

Last year when Savannah asked if I would come on board as one of their independent contractors, I told her "no" with a smile. I told her I was too spoiled training in my own studio but I was happy to support in other ways. And when they at long last started rolling their equipment onto the floor, I thought a punch pass would suffice. I literally have a fully equipped gym right next to my house.

Opening week, I changed my mind and bought the membership. One of my other friends who has been there put it perfectly. It just feels like home. It has enough of that rawness and old school iron to take me back to my first gym in Council, Idaho that was Don's Bodyshop where a shy nerd who was 14-year-old me felt an unusual sense of belonging with 80s bodybuilding posters, Muscle and Fitness magazines, and Don's own hand-welded equipment. I was a dorky, quiet kid who was anxious just walking down the hallway of school. I could relax at Don's, and Don made it clear I was supposed to be there.

That's Nine Realms. You can drop your shoulders, and then pick up some weights.

And that's why I couldn't say "no" when Sav approached me last month about bringing my training business to their location. I believe that in order to better yourself, you have got to be surrounded by people who push you to grow and improve. Coaching at their gym will only help me better serve my clients.

While I’m not giving up private studio hours, I am shifting my schedule to dedicate more time at Nine Realms. My books are currently open primarily on Tuesdays and Fridays, and I can accommodate some evening hours up until school starts. More days and times will become available as I transition coaching hours there.

I'd love to meet you all there. Send me a message and we'll set up a time to workout, schedule a free consult, or just say, "hi."