Your Story is Your Superpower

Today, I sat down with Gabrielle Bryk, who is the Owner of GYM GAB LLC and the Co-Owner of Bryksquad Barbell. Garbielle is a female-focused trainer who helps women regain their strength and confidence! In addition to being a trainer, she is a competitive Powerlifter and wellness bodybuilder.

Gabrielle shares her remarkable journey from corporate employee to successful gym owner and specialized women's coach. What makes Gabrielle's story particularly powerful is how she transformed personal adversity—including divorce, loss, and miscarriage—into a coaching superpower that serves women navigating their own life challenges. Her insights on business development, community building, and the intersection of personal resilience with professional success offer invaluable lessons for strength and conditioning coaches looking to build sustainable, impactful practices.

10 Key Takeaways from Your Story is Your Superpower

Community and Culture Trump Equipment Every Time

Gabrielle discovered that clients will forgive basic equipment if they genuinely love being in your space. Her 1,400-square-foot gym with minimal equipment thrives because of the "grungy nineties, hardworking vibe" and genuine community atmosphere. People come for the feeling, not the fancy machines.

Master the Ascending Transaction Model

Gabrielle learned the power of moving prospects through free gifts (social media, podcasts) to micro-commitments (lead magnets requiring contact info) to paid services. This systematic approach to client acquisition provides a clear roadmap for coaches struggling with inconsistent lead generation.

Leave Toxic Environments to Create Your Own Success

Rather than compete in a race-to-the-bottom environment where trainers undercut each other, Gabrielle and Jeremy made the bold decision to leave and create their own professional space. Sometimes the best business decision is walking away from what's comfortable but counterproductive.

Leverage Complementary Partnership Skills

Gabrielle handles all backend operations—finances, marketing, administration—while Jeremy serves as the face of the business. This division of labor based on natural strengths and preferences maximizes efficiency and allows both partners to operate in their zones of excellence.

Transform Personal Challenges into Coaching Superpowers

Gabrielle's experiences with loss, divorce, and miscarriage became the foundation for her specialized work with women facing similar challenges. Your deepest struggles can become your greatest professional assets when channeled into authentic service.

Maintain Financial Stability During Business Growth

Despite business success, Gabrielle maintains her full-time corporate job for benefits and stability. This strategic approach allowed them to open the gym without financial stress and provides security during expansion phases.

Obsess Over Professional Standards and Details

Gabrielle and Jeremy spend every Sunday deep-cleaning their facility, moving equipment to eliminate dust buildup. This attention to detail creates a professional environment that commands respect and justifies premium pricing.

Recognize Time as Your Most Valuable Resource

Gabrielle identifies time scarcity as their primary business limitation. She emphasizes the critical distinction between spending time versus investing time—every minute must either generate future time savings or financial returns.

Specialize Based on Personal Experience and Education

Combining her psychology and human behavior education with personal life experiences, Gabrielle developed expertise working with women aged 40-60, helping them build confidence through barbell training during challenging life transitions.

Embrace the "You're Only Here Once" Philosophy

Gabrielle's core driving principle, born from losing her father at 21, pushes her to maximize impact and avoid regret. This memento mori mindset creates urgency around leaving corporate employment to focus full-time on serving others through fitness.

These insights from Gabrielle's journey demonstrate that successful coaching practices are built on authentic community, strategic business thinking, and the courage to transform personal adversity into professional purpose.

Find Gabrielle

IG -@gymgabpro

Email -[email protected]

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