Benjamin Pickard’s motivation for staying in shape and helping others do the same has evolved over the years.
“It started just with that, I want to look good naked 17-year-old’s goal,” said Pickard.
“I loved the problem solving aspect and the impact it can have on the actual ability to make a positive change in someone’s life.”
Sharing his passion for fitness has been the motivating factor behind nearly everything he has done since.
“It led to a kinesiology degree and to my first business, that I started with a friend while I was in school doing my undergrad,” he said. “I interned in Toronto then I worked in Guelph then I opened this.”
He launched Lean Strong Fitness with three members and a lean but strong business model.
“I thought I would rent space,” he said. “I didn’t have any overhead. I would jokingly say I had a laptop, a polo with my logo on it and a backpack. That was my entire business.”
He eventually set up in a location at the south end of Wyndham Street.
“Over the two years we were there everything went really well and it was a lot of fun,” he said. “We were attracting more of the people we want to deal with and were inline with our values, philosophy and our mission.”
When he got word that the building was set for demolition to make way for a new condo tower he relocated Lean Strong Fitness to a larger facility on Beverly Street.
“The other gym was 1,450 square feet,” he said. “This place is 3,600 plus we have a full parking lot. It’s a much better layout than the other one. On paper it is only two and a half times as big but it feels like triple the size.”
They held the grand opening on Oct 1 and are ready to make full use of the extra space.
“We want to help those who aren’t necessarily gym people,” he said. “Most gyms cater to people who are already engaged. We want to help people that are afraid to workout. Our ideal client is 47 with two kids and a bad knee.”
He wants to help guide his members on their journey toward better nutrition, exercise and an overall healthier lifestyle.
“I give the analogy that we spent the last two and half years building the ship,” said Pickard. “We know the ship floats so now we have to figure out where we want to take it.
We have the potential because we have a lot more space here and it is a lot nicer.”
