Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicole Edelstein, owner of Pivot Health & Fitness, located in Denver, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is Pivot Health & Fitness. This boutique personal training studio works primarily with women between the ages of 40-70 years of age that have either outgrown the big box gyms and large group format studios or prefer a more tailored program that is designed to address any concerns or physical limitations and coach them to be confident and successful in their health and fitness journey. My clients prefer a private, non-judgmental space to learn how to work out, especially with physical limitations, push themselves to higher levels of fitness, and learn tools and strategies to change their mindset and develop the habits to be successful not only in their workouts but in all areas of their life.

Tell us about yourself

My passion for health and fitness got its start in rowing. I started rowing my junior year of high school and continued throughout my college career. It is here that I observed these athletes were sponges for knowledge and excelled to high levels in all facets of life because of their mindset and habits. It didn’t take long for me to develop the same positive, infectious, life-changing habits and mindset that I continue to practice today.

Mindset is so important to success. I spent four years in the Army and often found myself helping fellow soldiers develop the confidence needed to get through routine tasks and unchartered situations. I carried those same self-confidence principles with me when I worked as an Exercise Specialist in Cardiac Rehab. There, I coached and monitored exercise programs for patients post-open-heart surgery. These patients truly stood at Death’s door. But these individuals changed their mindset and chose to live. Each day their performance and outlook pushed Death’s door farther away from them as they forged new habits and earned a second opportunity to live life to the fullest.

My work is to coach my clients towards their own improved mindset and habits. For example, many clients struggle with self-confidence. However, I coach that self-confidence happens when they keep the promises they make to themselves. So, when I have a client write down their goals, these goals are their promises to themselves. I help them develop a plan to work towards achieving those goals. Showing up for scheduled workouts when they are tired is one way they are helping themself keep their promise, be successful and gain self-confidence.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Until September 2021, I lived in South Florida. Pre pandemic, I worked in a busy, public 2000 sq ft gym that was staffed by five personal trainers, their clients, and gym members. Florida did not shut down for much time during the pandemic. When the gyms and fitness studios reopened, many of my clients preferred to work out in person but were uncomfortable with the status quo of the small, crowded gym.

Not knowing if my clients would truly follow me, I took a huge risk and opened a private personal training studio for my clients to be comfortable doing their workouts. This risk made me physically ill for the two months it took to open, but it turned out to be the best financial and career decision I ever made. Clients not only felt comfortable in the private training space, but they also excelled physically for two reasons. First, I didn’t have to continually redirect workouts due to items being occupied by other trainers or members, thus leading to less than optimal workouts, and they weren’t feeling awkward and objectified by others looking at them or having the feeling that others were looking and judging them.

Fast forward a year, my husband and I relocated to Denver in late September 2021. After operating a successful business for a year, I relocated to unchartered territory here in Denver, CO. Our love of the mountains and all the outdoor opportunities it provides was the catalyst for the move, but it took the right opportunity for my husband’s career to make a reality.

After several months of living in Denver, I decided it was time, and I opened Pivot Health & Fitness in May 2022. I seek to apply the same ease and comfort to new clients no longer interested in the status quo of the big box gyms and group fitness studios.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Being a small business owner definitely has its challenges. I wear a lot of “hats” and am always doing studio-related work. Not only am I the trainer, but I am also the marketer, bookkeeper, supply, and custodial person. I also depend on the help of my husband, Chris, to be my handyman when I need help hanging items on the wall or moving a large piece of equipment.

At the end of the day, all the extra “hats” I wear pay off with satisfied clients. Clients are happy with the physical space and are delighted in the change in themselves as they gain self-confidence and change their lives for the better.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Write down your idea and develop a specific plan to implement your idea. Talk about your idea with others and seek advice with moving forward. Your plan should have some flexibility in it.
  2. Develop and stick to a budget for your business. Costs and fees can get out of hand if you are not actively monitoring.
  3. Network with others in your community. Develop connections and relationships with them. Support their business as well. You never know who they know and who may be interested in your business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If the past few years have shown us anything, now is the time to take action. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, but if you can build the foundation for a better future, what are you waiting for!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pivothealthandfitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pivotdenver

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.