Thrive Fitness was founded by Alex Edmonson, a personal trainer, with a passion for helping athletes of all ages create the right workout routines for their sport.
We catch up with this Gardendale business owner to find out how Alex got started, how he helps his clients and how he sees Thrive Fitness growing over the next 5 years.
Treye Hanner: Tell our readers about your business. How did it begin and why did you decide to get into your field?
Alex Edmonson: Thrive Fitness began as an idea to give our community a private gym with a high level of coaching to help the community achieve their goals. I decided to enter the Fitness/Strength and Conditioning profession due to my drive to help people in the gym. I’ve been fortunate to be able to help everyone from athletes to people looking for quality of life improvements.
Treye Hanner: Can you tell our readers about what you offer at Thrive? What relationships have you established with local athletic groups, and what type of training programs do you have for young athletes?
Alex Edmonson: We have 3 main offerings at Thrive. Our small group training, which is groups no bigger than 4, but offers the benefits of personal training in a group setting. Our one-on-one personal training. Lastly our athletic training for any age and sport.
I do not currently have any official relationships with athletic teams but have had great contact with local coaches about our program and how it improves their athletes.
Our athlete program is built on the foundation of technique and best practices in current strength and conditioning. We tailor the workouts and intensity on the various factors based on where the athlete is on their journey. Our program also heavily focuses on nutrition, so the athlete can perform at the top level.
Treye Hanner: Why did you choose Gardendale as the place for your business?
Alex Edmonson: My wife and I chose Gardendale due to it being her family’s home and we would be able to work closely together with their business, the Chiropractic Oasis of Gardendale (formerly Gardendale Chiropractic) to help better serve their patients with a combined approach to their health.
Treye Hanner: What changes have you seen in Gardendale that have affected your business since it began?
Alex Edmonson: After opening in January of 2020, the biggest change that has also affected the rest of the world has been Covid. Opening a new gym in the era of Covid has presented a unique challenge, but the support of this community has been tremendous. We look forward to being able to give back in the future to the community that supported us.
Treye Hanner: Are there any changes you would like to see in Gardendale that would help your business grow?
Alex Edmonson: The biggest change I personally would like to see for Gardendale would be a revitalized Main Street and 31 area. I have spoken to other business owners and city leaders who have expressed a similar desire. Lots of available space for new businesses to supplement the already existing businesses.
Treye Hanner: Why do you believe your business has been so successful and what would you like prospective customers to know about why they should buy from a local business like yours?
Alex Edmonson: I believe our business has been successful due to our level of customer service and the success of our clients in meeting their goals.
Customers should always try to shop local small businesses because you are directly helping make your community you live in a more successful and prosperous place.
Treye Hanner: What plans do you have to grow your business over the next 5 years?
Alex Edmonson: My plans for growth over the next 5 years are to bring in more coaches with the same knowledge and skills needed to help our community achieve their goals. Also, to create relationships with local teams to have the entire team benefit from the ability to perform at their best.
