Every great journey starts with a single step—and for me, that step landed in a parking lot with a couple of weights, a whole lot of heart, and the first spark of what would become The Well.
In 2020, while the world was shutting down and uncertainty was everywhere, something inside me lit up. Not in a big gym, not in a fancy studio—but right there in an open parking lot in Bowling Green, Ohio. I showed up, and so did others. We came together to keep moving, to keep growing, and to keep believing in our health—even when everything around us felt out of control.
That spark? It became The Well Health & Fitness.
What started as a few workouts under the sky has grown into a 4,000-square-foot facility filled with energy, purpose, and an incredible community of people transforming their lives every day. But to me, this isn’t just a story about a gym. It’s about resilience. Vision. And what’s possible when you lead with heart and never stop showing up.
If you’re at the start of your own fitness journey—or if you’ve been feeling stuck and need a little push—I hope the story of The Well reminds you that progress doesn’t require perfection. It just takes one step.
Let me take you back to where it all began… and where we’re heading next.
The Parking Lot Days: When Everything Was Uncertain, We Showed Up Anyway
It all started during the summer of 2020. Gyms were shutting down, people were isolated, and I saw how badly we all needed something real—something that could keep us grounded and moving forward.
I didn’t have a business plan. What I had was a few dumbbells, a speaker, and a drive to make it work.
I remember that first workout like it was yesterday. The pavement was hot, the equipment was minimal, and I had no idea how things would turn out—but I did know this: people were craving connection, consistency, and hope.
That’s what we built. Day by day. Rep by rep.
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” —Arthur Ashe
From Parking Lot to Storage Unit: Growth Demands Movement
As more people joined, the parking lot started to feel too small. That’s when I asked a local storage facility if I could train clients there.
The manager gave me a half-nod and said, “Technically no, but you can try. If anyone complains, it’s on you.” That was all I needed.
We moved into a storage unit and kept grinding. No heat. No insulation. No guarantees. But we had each other, and that was enough.
When winter started creeping in, it was clear we needed something more permanent. I didn’t know where we’d go next, but I knew we weren’t quitting.
The Garage Phase: A Small Space with a Big Heart
The next stop on our journey was a three-car garage. It was tight, chaotic, and sometimes flat-out inconvenient—but it was ours.
We didn’t even have running water. There was a porta-potty out back and gear shoved in every corner. But you know what? The energy in that little space was electric.
People came in hungry to work. Hungry to grow. It didn’t matter that the ceilings were low or that we had to do sled pushes in the driveway. We were building something real.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” —Brené Brown
This wasn’t just about workouts anymore. It was about belief. Momentum. Vision.
The Woodland Mall: Where the Dream Took Root
After I graduated college, I knew it was time to expand. That’s when a member connected me with someone developing an indoor sports complex at the Woodland Mall. There was extra space available—and the rent? Lower than what I was paying before.
No long-term lease. Plenty of room. It felt like a green light from the universe.
So we moved in. Over the next three years, The Well took on new life. We refined our programs. We grew our community. We leveled up our systems.
It was inside that mall that I really began to see the long-term vision—not just for a gym, but for a lifestyle movement.
The Well Today: A Place to Grow Strong—Inside and Out
Fast forward to now, and The Well has a permanent home at 1099 N Main, with over 4,000 square feet of space, a full team of passionate coaches, and a vibrant community that inspires me daily.
We’ve expanded far beyond group classes. Today, we offer:
- Personal Training for focused, individualized progress
- Small Group Personal Training for support, accountability, and a personal touch
- Youth Athlete Classes to help kids develop strong foundations and avoid injuries
- Nutrition Habits Coaching for long-term results without fad diets
Everything we do is rooted in sustainability and empowerment. Because fitness shouldn’t feel like punishment—it should feel like possibility.
The Level Method: Progress with Purpose
One of the most powerful tools we’ve added is the Level Method—a color-coded system that functions like martial arts belts. Everyone in class works on the same workout, but at their own level, from white (beginner) to black (advanced).
This system lets us meet people exactly where they are—and helps them see clear, measurable progress.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” —James Clear
With the Level Method, our group classes became more inclusive, more effective, and way more fun.
Why We’re Just Getting Started
Looking back, I’m in awe of how far we’ve come—from a sun-baked parking lot to a full-scale fitness facility.
But what really matters isn’t the square footage or the equipment. It’s the people. It’s the way we support each other. It’s the belief that no matter where you start, growth is always possible.
And we’re not stopping here.
We’ve got big plans ahead—more ways to support our community, more tools to help people succeed, and more opportunities to create impact beyond the walls of our gym.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller
Your First Step Starts Now
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all of this, it’s that you don’t need everything to start—just the courage to take the first step.
That’s what I did in 2020. And that’s what you can do today.
Whether you’re walking into your first class or coming back after time away, you’re welcome here. The Well isn’t just a gym. It’s a community. It’s a place to grow strong—in every sense of the word.
And if you’re wondering when the right time is to begin… this is it.
Let’s build something great together.
We genuinely love helping people feel their best and stay healthy—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whenever you’re ready, we’d love to chat about your goals, your story, and how we can support you.
👉 Book your free intro and take your first step with us.
