This episode is a first for the Painful Pursuit as I sit down with a guest outside of the healthcare world. Chad Volant is owner of Big North Barbell in Gaylord, Michigan. Chad and I played football together while in undergrad at Alma College in Alma, Michigan.

Chad takes us on his journey from an overweight, unhealthy insurance salesman to a fit, successful gym owner. He discusses how his “normal” wasn’t a healthy way to live at all. Chad knew it wasn’t going to be a long journey but one that he needed to start not only for himself but his family. He uses his path to health as a guide for how he interacts with his clients. Progress isn’t linear, but each day of positive change is a step closer to your goal. 

Chad and I also dive into what the current state of healthcare is as consumers ourselves. And what can be done to be proactive about your health. He wants to build strong relationships with the doctors in his area. He is also a proponent of “staying in your lane” in a world where doctors, therapists, and trainers fall into the trap of a one stop shop. 

Chad ends on how he has set his gym, Big North Barbell, apart from the status quo and the mechanisms he implements for each new client. He and his coaches pride themselves on personalizing movements for each member and respecting anatomical differences in each individual. Chad has a great outlook on what the future holds for him and is setting his clients up for nothing but success moving forward.