PT Profit Podcast The True Impact of Fitness with Alan Shaw
"Every person that comes into Rhapsody, whether they're a member or not ... I think I can say, hands down, would say, 'Man, they are probably the most welcoming community that I've been a part of.' And that's purposeful."
In today's episode of the PT Profit Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Alan Shaw of Rhapsody Fitness in Charleston, SC. We talk all about the pure humanity of fitness and the sense of belonging that can be fostered. Given a lot of what's been going on in the world over the past year, it was so fantastic to talk to Alan about an organization that fully embraces that and strives to better their community.
We get into sales. We get into training. We discuss staffing, clients, and what it would take for Rhapsody to expand. And we talk about attitude, outreach and truly seeing each other and supporting each other as human beings.
You'll hear Alan and I discuss:
- How important authenticity is from the front desk to coaching to feedback to leaving the gym.
- The difference between being a trainer for your client and a coach.
- Taking initiative to contribute to the community at large using your business.
...and a lot more.
We really dive into the humanity of fitness and the impact we make on each other as people, and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did recording it with Alan.
About Today's Guest
Alan Shaw is the Co-Found, Head Coach, and Head of Community Outreach at Rhapsody Fitness in Charleston, SC. A graduate of the esteemed CrossFit NYC Coaches Mentorship Program, Alan committed to a career in coaching after years working as an actor on Broadway. To date, he has 10+ years of coaching experience, holds a CrossFit Level 3 Trainer, and accumulated 14 specialty certifications/preferred courses.
In July 2018, he and his husband, Trinity Wheeler, founded Rhapsody Fitness in downtown Charleston. As Head Coach + Head of Community Outreach, Alan leads and owns all functions within the gym’s four walls to include coaching standards, member relations, facility management, team management, program development, community connections and more.
Within its first year, Rhapsody earned a reputation for being the fastest growing gym and primary fitness destination for travelers in Charleston. Over 12 short months, Rhapsody rolled out more than 8 specialty programs including Rhapsody Sweat, Rhapsody Barbell, Adaptive Training, Corporate Wellness, Rhapsody Brain Trust, Rhapsody Coaches Mentorship Program, Rhapsody Athletic Department and Rhapsody 101.
Constantly adapting to face the unknown, Alan directed Rhapsody’s response to the challenges presented in 2020 by immediately pivoting to provide members with essential equipment kits, online classes and regular remote check-ins. While neighboring fitness facilities closed their doors or significantly scaled back, Rhapsody maintained and ultimately grew its community by more than 25%.
As head of community outreach and development, Alan spearheaded the launch of Sweat + Serve in 2020, which to date has accumulated 1,000+ service hours dedicated to Lowcountry organizations and local initiatives. In the same year, he collaborated with the Charleston Police Department to designate Rhapsody as a Safe Place for LGBTQ+ community members when they experience crimes, discrimination or harassment. Alan also drove the roll out of Rhapsody’s United In Strength membership, mentorship and fitness career development scholarship program for young adults from local underserved communities.