Today, we’d like to introduce you to Chad Yarvitz.
Hi Chad, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all started in pee-wee football. I was getting smoked by all the other kids on the football field. They were bigger, stronger, and faster. At nine years old, I was so frustrated that I couldn’t walk on my first year playing and get the running back position I had dreamed of playing; I left the field that day crying and claiming I never wanted to play this stupid game again! That was my first lesson in “You’re going to have to work for it.”
My parents didn’t let my spoiled little a*s quit that day, luckily. I stuck it out, played second string for two seasons, and hated every minute of being a bench warmer. But I worked my butt off in the off-seasons and got running lessons. In year three, I was a starter. Still smaller and slower than a lot of the other kids, I had learned the art of hustle and perseverance.
Fast forward to 21 years old, I had created a nice little fitness business for myself using the same lessons that got me that glorious running back position. With little experience and being the least educated trainer at Kennedy Club Fitness in San Luis Obispo, I went all-in on a small group boxing program and quickly broke the 25-year sales record, then broke my own record the following month. The formula for hard work and not giving up that I learned at nine years old, was paying off. I was on the verge of opening my own boutique training facility, along with finally getting accepted to Cal Poly after being denied for two semesters. But, something was keeping me up at night…
I wanted to box for real. I never had a fight, but I was about to open a fitness boxing gym and felt like a fraud. Distraught, I called my dad and explained my dilemma. He convinced me to go for my dreams, and within three months, I had dropped out of school, moved to LA, and was boxing full-time while advertising my personal training services on Craigslist and selling the medicinal weed I grew under the house to cannabis shops just to make ends meet.
I spent the next three years competing, winning a California Golden Glove boxing title and a unanimous decision in my pro debut. I was coming to another fork in the road between choosing the hard life of a fighter chasing a world championship or going back to the business world. I made the tough decision to walk away from competition but use my expert knowledge to re-ignite the dream of owning a fitness business. In August of 2010, Xplicit Fitness, LLC was formed, and classes began in a detached garage in La Mesa, CA.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Now, in 2024, the dream is still alive and better than ever. We are on the verge of franchising our club. Membership is the highest it’s ever been, and I couldn’t be happier in my life and career.
However, I would be dishonest if I told you it’s been sunshine and rainbows to get to this point. I’ve had multiple businesses fail and thought many times I was going to have to fold up shop and get a “real job.” Gyms were not an essential business during COVID (liquor stores were, go figure), and we were forced to shut down. Though it almost suffocated us, the pandemic forced us to go back to basics and redesign the club from the ground up. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
That discouraged little boy who hates second string with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove is still here. I know I’ll always have to work for it if I want my dreams to come true. It will never be easy, and failure is an unavoidable yet necessary part of the process. But, the only one REAL obstacle that will ever be in my way is me.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Xplicit Fitness has been serving San Diego since 2010. It has been home to thousands of people looking to improve their lives. Since the beginning, we’ve taken pride in being a healthy escape from the daily grind. Life is best enjoyed with a healthy balance between hard work and play.
We offer 40-minute boxing + strength workouts using a combination of heavy bags, dumbbells, and body weight exercises with mobility. Our program has been distilled from years of world-class athletic competition and nearly two decades of industry experience. The Xplicit Fitness brand is fun, exciting, and effective.
I was never the best student, and the highlight of my day at school was always recess. As adults, many of us have forgotten how to play. Our objective is to be that recess for hardworking moms, dads, plumbers, doctors, lawyers, and college students. Community, as well as physical and mental health, are essential to the quality of life, and we’ve dedicated our lives to creating a space that provides all of the above.
Lift. Punch. Party. Let’s bang!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
You never quit until you win. Self-belief is the most powerful tool in this life.
Pricing:
- Unlimited Membership is only $169/mo
- Classes start at $15/class
Contact Info:
- Website: www.xplicitfitness.com
- Instagram: @xplicitfitness
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/xplicit-fitness-san-diego-2
