Community Highlights: Meet Cody Johnson of Chapel Hill Training

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Johnson.

Hi Cody, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey with Chapel Hill Training (CHT) as a student at UNC-Chapel Hill in the Spring of 2013. I received an email through the Exercise and Sport Science department listserv detailing an open internship with the original Owner, Lauren Cruz. On that same day, I also received a marketing flier from CHT in the mail, which kept the internship email top of mind. I applied for the internship, received an offer, and began learning under Lauren for the remainder of the Spring semester before accepting a part-time personal training position during the Summer. I would work part-time at CHT throughout the following year when my school schedule and football schedule (I played for the UNC Varsity Football program) allowed. As part of my major, I accepted an internship at another personal training studio in Durham, NC – Empower Personalized Fitness. Studying and working under their staff and leadership was an absolute blessing and further drove home my interest in entrepreneurship and catapulted my fitness professional skillset. In June of 2015, I accepted an offer to return to Chapel Hill Training as its studio manager. Over the next 3 years, I would transform Chapel Hill Training into the area’s #1 Fitness Facility before taking the step to become a Co-owner alongside Lauren. In December of 2021, I became the sole Owner of Chapel Hill Training.

Throughout my 9 year journey at CHT, from Intern to Manager, to President of the board, to Owner, it’s been my goal to establish a welcoming community for clients to receive individualized care from highly qualified individuals while also creating a progressive atmosphere for high-achieving fitness professionals to work in an environment that cares deeply for them and their well-being. As an entrepreneur, I aim to solve both customer-facing AND employee-facing issues prevalent in the fitness industry. From 1-on-1 attention to clients to ending 12-hour work days and availability, I hope that I can continue to create a thriving business that resembles a Mecca of the Personal Training industry!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most business owners, I’ve had my fair share of struggles! The most difficult challenge yet has been the Covid-19 pandemic, which completely altered how CHT operated and will forever change how we view personal training. While it was an incredibly trying time, it allowed me to reevaluate my business model and make long-lasting changes to CHT’s communication styles, schedule availability, marketing channels, service offerings, and so much more. So many of the changes that have been made over the last 2 years were a direct result of innovation due to the pandemic. We received so much support from our client base, and the feedback from our innovation attempts was our saving grace.

We’ve been impressed with Chapel Hill Training, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Chapel Hill Training, private personal training takes on a customized and focused approach, uniquely designed based on the goals of each client. Our certified expert trainers have worked with clients rehabbing from injury, working towards a fitness goal, or beginning a workout regimen. Our uniquely tailored approach is unlike anything you will experience at a big-box gym or other large group training facilities in the area. Our clean, inviting studio will make you feel at home from the moment you step inside. We will ensure that you get an excellent training session with education, form refinement, and a well-rounded approach. We will challenge you to become better with every session. We currently offer Personal Training, Small Group Training, Virtual Training, Health Coaching, Fitness Programming, Mobility & Recovery sessions, and CHT On-Demand. Chapel Hill Training has offerings for every fitness level, every budget, and goal!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chapelhilltraining.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/chapelhilltraining

Image Credits
credit: Victoria Bliss, Chapel Hill Training