Today we’d like to introduce you to Lila Bennett.
Hi Lila, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My start in the fitness industry was when I was 16 years old working in the babysitting department at an all women’s gym. Through the glass windows, I would watch these women exercise, move their bodies and have a great time doing it! They were all ages, all different personalities, but fitness brought them together in a positive way. I admired that and had decided at that point, I would open up a gym one day. I began to study to teach some classes and began to love it. I worked at the front desk so I could learn everything there was for the day I would get to own my own space.
Fast forward to college, where I worked hard for a business degree in management. My parents were conventional and convinced me it was best to get a job at a good corporate company. So I did. Sure I succeeded at what I was doing at a corporate level, but I was not fulfilled or happy. I soon had the opportunity to leave the corporate world to study and become a Certified Personal Trainer for the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Through work experience, consistent love to learn more about the body, exercise and nutrition, I soon had a full roster of clients at a small boutique studio in North Carolina. I eventually moved to wonderful Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina and decided it was the where I would open my very own completely private training business.
My passion became my expertise in training people that did not know what to do or where to start, held back by an injury or age, or just wanted to simply feel better. Transformation Training was born. We have been helping Mt. Pleasant get fit and healthy since February 2015. We truly care about our clients specific needs and are completely private so everyone feels comfortable in what can be an uncomfortable situation at a big gym.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always bumps in the road when it comes to running a business, big or small. I think the biggest obstacle in my training career was when Covid hit. I definitely had to innovate and figure out how to keep clients moving and positive at such a crucial time where it was the most needed. I went to people’s houses and we exercised outside maintaining social distance and also did Zoom training which became popular among many businesses. Personalities were hard to navigate in such a volatile time, so being flexible and supportive was crucial.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Transformation Training focuses on the relationship with the client first. We take the time to learn what the client is looking for from us so we can do our best to meet their needs. I started out specializing in injuries and adults all the way up to age 80, now we train all ages, for sports, for injury rehab, to increase mobility and free movement, the list goes on. Our focus is what the client needs first and then we gradually move forward from there. Strength training, balance, mobility, nutrition are all things we work on with each client to achieve an active and healthy overall lifestyle.
Our studio is completely private, so instead of being on display at a gym, clients can feel comfortable in a space of their own without anyone watching or listening. I am proud to say what is said and discussed in our studio stays between the client and their trainer and trust is an important ingredient in any relationship we have with our clients. I am most proud when my 72 year old client tells me he can squat down to grab things he dropped so easy now! We all want to look good, but to FEEL good and be able to move is a freedom all it’s own!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a rule follower. I did what I was told and didn’t much deviate. School was very important in our family and my parents taught me at a young age to never depend on a man or anyone. They wanted me to be an independent woman so I could have choices. I understood that at a young age and worked hard at my studies for that reason.
Pricing:
- $70 per private training session
- $50 per person for duo session
Contact Info:
