What it Takes to Train at Renegade Gym
Question: Jason, I just wanted to let you know that I have been following your stuff since 2003 and am a huge fan of your work. I am thinking about opening a small, hardcore gym like yours and had a quick question for you. Would you mind sharing with me what kind of application form you use and how you determine who gets to train at Renegade Gym? From what I understand you don’t just accept anybody off the streets, correct? Thanks for all that you do and keep up the great work.
Andy
Answer: Andy, thanks for the comments and the support. Years ago I had a formal application sheet that potential gym members/clients had to fill out as a pre screening measure. After looking over that we would arrange for a sit down interview with them. If I liked what I saw and heard the applicant was granted a short term membership to prove their self. If that worked out they were invited to stay.
Nowadays, in an effort to be more time efficient, and just because I have done this so many times over the last 15 years, we have whittled the application process down to this…you come in and you train. That’s it. Your “application” is your first workout. I know within one training session if someone is Renegade material and if they are someone we want at the gym. After that first session I will invite someone to train with us or bluntly let them know that it isn’t going to work out. At this point in my career it usually doesn’t even take a workout any more. One two minute conversation is usually enough. But I try to give people the benefit of the doubt.
At Renegade we want and accept only the most dedicated, disciplined hardest workers around. There is absolutely zero tolerance for anything less than 100% commitment. I don’t say that to be cool or hardcore or tough. Because I am none of those things. I say it because I take this business very seriously and am not in it for the money. I do it because I eat, sleep and breathe this shit. I am obsessed with it. I love getting people bull fucking strong and jacked out of their minds. I love helping guys run faster and jump higher. I live to help people hit goals and do things they never thought possible.
The majority of people, however, just don’t have the level of commitment that I expect and demand. That is why I have turned down more clients than I have accepted and will always continue to do so. It’s why I have always thrown an average of probably half a dozen people per year out of the gym. From a business perspective I highly recommend that you do the same. When you’re starting out it can be tempting to just take money from everyone that comes your way. But doing this will ruin your business in the long run. Your clients/ members need to be walking billboards for your company. And if they are lazy, whining schmucks, how is that going make you look when they get zero results and then tell people they train at your place? Never mind the fact that these types of negative, weak minded people will ruin the atmosphere in the gym, bring others down of and basically make you hate your very existence.
At Renegade we demand that if you are going to be a part of the team, you bring something to the table and make the entire group better. If you are not making the atmosphere better you’re only making it worse and just taking up space that we can’t afford to give you. At Renegade it’s not just about you; it’s about everyone else you train with as well. You need to not only elevate your game but also bring everyone else up with you. And if you are the low man on the totem pole, your job is to get to the top fast.
Like the great strength coaching legend Louie Simmons said about his world famous Westside Barbell Club, “I don’t have room for poodles in my gym; I only want pit bulls.” I am not comparing myself to Louie or Renegade to Westside, because there can not and will not ever be any comparison. But like Louie, I want guys (and girls) who are fiercely competitive and will do whatever it takes to constantly set PR’s and be the top dog in the gym.
I expect that every member of Renegade not only “brings it” each and every time they are in the gym but also that they do whatever is necessary to enhance their results outside of the gym like eating more (or less), getting enough protein, sleeping more, foam rolling, stretching, meditating, doing mobility work, sprinting, conditioning, etc. And if they don’t do it I always know. And soon I lose interest in them. We all do. Renegade is similar to the animal kingdom in that once you fall behind the pack you’re on your own and left to die. The rest of the group will move onward and upward and those who are not doing what’s necessary to excel will be forgotten about. In the jungle, the weakest and slowest water buffalo are left behind to get eaten by the lions. Things are no different at Renegade. When you get to the point that people stop caring about your results and your lack of progress you are all but dead. And your complaints and excuses will fall upon deaf ears because nobody gives a shit.
Yesterday was a max effort squat day, and longtime Renegade member Jeff D’Annunzio walked into the gym with a fire in his eyes and approached me like he was going to punch my teeth out. He told me he couldn’t sleep last night nor could he think about anything all day long at work except hitting big numbers on his squat last night. He had his fists clenched and was nearly foaming at the mouth before we even started warming up.
THAT’S the way it should be.
Some guys walk in and don’t even know what we’re training that day and are more concerned with what they are doing after the workout is over than the task at hand. Those are the guys that won’t last long and will never achieve greatness. I’ve always said if I had a 100 guys like D’Nunz and Doyle I would never leave the gym all day long.
For 15 years people have walked through the doors of Renegade Gym and have left their blood, sweat and tears on the floor. And those people have all become family. I have formed some of my closest friendships and bonds inside those four walls and I love many of those guys like brothers.
In all the years since I first started doing this, I have never once tried to sell myself or the gym. I have read almost as many business books as I have training books and I have helped many people in the fitness industry increase their yearly income to six figures. I know all the rules of business and have taught them to many people. But I don’t follow too many of them. It’s just not in me to do so. Like Sinatra, I have to do things my way.
Many of my friends and clients joke around about my salesmanship, saying it’s the worst they’ve ever seen. One of my oldest clients, Mike Schwalb, brought his friend Andrew Slater in once about six or seven years ago, and on the way to the gym repeatedly told him, “Don’t expect any sales pitch whatsoever from Jay. In fact, don’t expect him to say much of anything. He really doesn’t give a shit if you train there or not. If anything you’re gonna have to prove to him why he should let you train there.”
Andrew is now one of my close friends who I go to concerts and party in Vegas with. Something neither of us would have guessed that first day. But when you go to battle with a guy you develop a level of respect and mutual admiration that you can’t get in any other way. And if he starts slacking in the gym I’ll be the first person to get on his ass and let him know it.
I couldn’t possibly count the number of people who have trained at Renegade over the years. The weak fall out rather quickly; the driven often become lifetime members.
My friend and longtime client, Joey “Styles” Scott told me recently that winning the Big East Championship with Seton Hall University and playing professional baseball in the Oakland A‘s organization both paled in comparison to the times he had training at Renegade. He said it was the best time of his life and many have echoed his sentiments.
To create something that special that people love so much is an amazing feeling that no words can describe. There is no amount of money in the world that can replace that. That is why I will never accept payment from just anyone who walks in my door. It’s not about the money.
It’s about creating a place where guys can excel beyond any and all expectations and be the absolute best they can be. And if you’re not prepared to do whatever it takes to be the best… you’re not prepared to train at Renegade.
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Comments on What it Takes to Train at Renegade Gym
Do you know of any gyms with a similar format/training style in the Cincinnati, OH area?
Ok, I wanna move to Jersey….I wanna train with the best and Jersey is obviously where they are at! Jay, keep up the great work and excellent posts!
This is the best post I have ever read from you Jay and you know I have been a fan of a lot of your writing. This should be the application to enter Renegade and should be mandatory reading for anyone at the gym now.
For those visiting the blog and points outside NJ – this is no bullshit. I joined Renegade in March and everything Jay says above is 100% legit. There is an unspoken expectation that everyone at the gym is there to bring something to the table each and every session and to attack personal gains inside and outside the gym. There is also a spoken expectation when Jay gets pissed and lets an entire group know that we are focused more on shooting the shit than hitting the plates. I’ve been there for that and it sucks because you all know that you F-ed up and should have been more focused on the weights first, catch up with everyone else afterward.
I positively love Renegade and it has completely changed my approach to strength training and fitness (for the better). Every person who I have met that comes in to train has been great and much of that credit goes to Jay for creating this environment for us all. Thanks man.
Chicago needs a place like this. Since every gym is either a health club or a fitness center it might be time to start one!
There’s no bullshit in any of this post. Its hardcore…its dirty…its raw…its serious.. the workouts make you wanna puke..its the best gym i’ve ever been a member of.
JAY! this is one of those posts that you write that gets my blood boiling man!
this part is priceless — “Don’t expect any sales pitch whatsoever from Jay. In fact, don’t expect him to say much of anything. He really doesn’t give a shit if you train there or not. If anything you’re gonna have to prove to him why he should let you train there.”
i am the SAME way with Strength Camp…. i’d rather starve than take money from someone who brings disgrace to my program!!
Elliott
J-
As expected, this is an awesome post!
First off, you have a knack for words…it bores the hell out of me reading lame-ass posts by those in our profession who simply cannot write. It may sound cheesy, but oh well…you create images with your words and it’s obvious they come from your heart. I completely admire the fact that you turn down clients – too many feel the need to take on as many clients as possible, leading to burnout & like you said, you end up with people who don’t “walk the talk” for you…they bitch and complain and make excuses, which reflects negatively on you. Thank you for not being a conformist and for standing by what you believe in!
Yours in Health,
Sarah
That’s a great story about Mike and Andrew. When I first met Jason and talked to him about writing for Men’s Fitness, it went much the same way. I don’t remember Jay kissing my ass, trying to sell me on his “new” and “unique” training philosophy, or even so much as asking to write an article for me. (These are the usual procedures.) I think all he really said was, “Yeah, you can e-mail me.”
The way I read it was this: “I know something the other guys don’t, but I’m not going to waste my time selling it because it sells itself. And if you don’t act now, it’s your loss… shithead.”
Now I don’t know if Jay is a master of reverse psychology, or if he really just doesn’t give a damn (I’m guessing it’s the latter), but that aloof attitude worked on me—just like it does on some girls
Somehow I knew that Jay was special, and that he had the inside track. I knew he could offer more than all these other trainers, no matter how much they promised me that they held the keys to the universe.
I got Jay working on stuff as soon as I could and I’ve been very grateful ever since.
As for Renegade Gym, I’ve gladly traveled 90 minutes on many a Saturday to train there. One day I may get tired of that trip… and that’s when I’ll move to Jersey.
Kirsten,
Unfortunately I do not but perhaps someone else does.
Thanks Chris. Come by anytime.
AC,
Thanks for that. It’s been a pleasure and an honor to have you train at Renegade. Thanks for everything.
Thanks for the comment, Aly. And for being so dedicated and being exactly the type of person we want at Renegade. Aly busts her ass, outworks and is more committed than some of the guys are.
Well said Jay. You wouldn’t sell a classic car to a kid who’s not going to appreciate it or drive it how it was meant to be driven, and you can’t sell your gym that way either. Thanks.
Dude I love it and thats exactly what I am working on building right now at my warehouse. Hope you can make it out here soon and give us some of the east coast and renegade fire!!
-Matty holmes
Elliot,
Thanks a lot man. Means a lot coming from someone like you. I knew you would love this and know that you run Strength Camp the exact same way. I was laughing when I read your comment.
Thanks so much, Sarah. From one non conformist to another, I appreciate you taking the time to post that.
Good point, Rob.
Matty, I will be out there sometime in the next few months ready to bring it.
Great post, Jay.
I’ve been training at Renegade for a few months now, and already I can’t imagine ever going back to one of the health club type gyms at which I used to train. Training at Renegade isn’t just “working out,” it’s being part of a team with people to motivate you, get you fired up on those days when you’re feeling run down or tired, and to push you beyond what you thought you could do. Everyone pushes and fully supports one another to the absolute best they can. It’s just a great environment to train. Thanks, Jay.
Great article, but it has made me a little scared of Renegade. Scared in a good way though; a way that will drive me to bust my ass in the gym. Gotta make sure I am the kind of person that would be accepted into Renegade.
After training at Renegade this weekend its going to be a sad reality stepping foot in my normal gym in NYC. There is nothing like training in an environment that Jay creates. Thin, thick, weak. Strong, guy, girl, it doesn’t matter what you are before you enter that facility, once inside EVERYBODY is a fucking animal! Jay and I have been (and always will be) long time friends, but once the training begins the friendship is paused. That friendship is replaced with the most gut wrenching intensity and a sick determination to concquor all. Aside from comparing Renegade to my collegiate football days, there is nothing I’ve experienced that rivals that feeling. I can’t wait to train again and encourage any serious competitors to make the trip to NJ.
After training at Renegade this weekend its going to be a sad reality stepping foot in my normal gym in NYC. There is nothing like training in an environment that Jay creates. Thin, thick, weak. Strong, guy, girl, it doesn’t matter what you are before you enter that facility, once inside EVERYBODY is a fucking animal! Jay and I have been (and always will be) long time friends, but once the training begins the friendship is paused. That friendship is replaced with the most gut wrenching intensity and a sick determination to conquer all. Aside from comparing Renegade to my collegiate football days, there is nothing I’ve experienced that rivals that feeling. I can’t wait to train again and encourage any serious competitors to make the trip to NJ.
That’s a great story about Mike and Andrew. When I first met Jason and talked to him about writing for Men’s Fitness, it went much the same way. I don’t remember Jay kissing my ass, trying to sell me on his “new” and “unique” training philosophy, or even so much as asking to write an article for me. (These are the usual procedures.) I think all he really said was, “Yeah, you can e-mail me.”
The way I read it was this: “I know something the other guys don’t, but I’m not going to waste my time selling it because it sells itself. And if you don’t act now, it’s your loss… shithead.”
Now I don’t know if Jay is a master of reverse psychology, or if he really just doesn’t give a damn (I’m guessing it’s the latter), but that aloof attitude worked on me—just like it does on some girls
Somehow I knew that Jay was a cut above, and that he had the inside track. I knew he could offer more than all these other trainers, no matter how much they promised me that they held the keys to the universe.
I got Jay working on stuff as soon as I could and I’ve been very grateful ever since.
As for Renegade Gym, I’ve gladly traveled 90 minutes on many a Saturday to train there. One day I may get tired of that trip… and that’s when I’ll move to Jersey.
I got goose bumps reading and remembered some great times and can’t wait for many more. I love renegade and will never train anywhere else because renegade is like a home away from home.
Thanks for everything Jay.
Pat
It’s so good to see gyms that aren’t your typical “Golds Gym” type of place. I’m hoping to open up a gym of my own like this, because theres no way in hell you could get me to work out at your typical gym, and that’s all we have around here.Thumbs up for doin it right Jason.
Outstanding article Jay, great stuff. You couldn’t be more right about knowing if someone has what it takes to train there the first time they step foot into the place.
Jay and I have become great friends since the first time I walked into his gym seven years ago. I was fresh out of high school at 6’2 and a terrifying 135 pounds. Jay thought I had no shot at making it, I mean I couldn’t even lift the barbell. Haha. After the first two weeks of training I took everything Jay was telling me to heart and immediately put on 9 pounds. I remember that weigh in like it was yesterday. I had never felt accomplishment quite like that. In just one year of training at Renegade I gained 50 pounds and felt like a totally different person. Before going to Jay I was very uncomfortably with the way I felt and looked. Jay gave me the chance and helped me turn my life around. I can’t begin to tell you how Renegade has changed my life. At renegade you are never satisfied, you look at everyone else and push yourself to be the strongest. Renegade is not a public gym. You have only one goal, and that is to be the best.
I love going to the gym and seeing new clients and think to myself do they have what it takes? Jay doesn’t need to sell himself to anyone, he doesn’t need applications. If you come in and train and don’t give it your all, you’ll know renegade is not for you. You’ll know you’re weak and you’ll know you‘re better off in a public gym listening to some terrible pop radio station and have no fucking idea what you’re doing.
Great post! This is a no BS, HARDCORE, NASTY gym. Jay brings an intensity which is indescribable as soon as he walks in the door. This intensity is immediately transferred not only to myself but to everyone else who is training.
“I expect that every member of Renegade not only “brings it” each and every time they are in the gym but also that they do whatever is necessary to enhance their results outside of the gym like eating more (or less), getting enough protein, sleeping more, foam rolling, stretching, meditating, doing mobility work, sprinting, conditioning, etc. And if they don’t do it I always know.”
I know for a fact, Jay genuinely cares and is obsessed about the results of each and every member that trains at Renegade. He spends hours each day going through diets and creating training programs appropriate for each member there. If your training for a sport, just had surgery or just trying to get ripped and strong, this is the place to be. Jay knows his shit, he wants to see results and he knows how to get the job done. So please, please, please be a committed and dedicated member of Renegade. You won’t regret it.
You know when people come from all over to train, even if it’s just for Saturdays, this is a great place to get STRONG. It’s worth the drive or the train ride, just ask Sean, Mike or Kat. If your looking for a change this is the place to be. Since I’ve met Jay, I’ve never been a stronger person inside and out.
Thanks My Man!
Man this is the way it should be, raw and brutal.
It’s midnight here in the UK as I read this post and it makes me wanna bend some bars!
I need to find a gym like this near me or f**king open one. Too much shit around here.
Keep it real mate, awesome.
Great post Jay. I read it right before I went to deadlift today and it got me even more amped up than usual.
My motivation is at an all time high right now to get my numbers back to what they used to be and reading your posts just pushes me even more.
I really wanna get out there and train with you guys soon.
Mike,
Thank you. It’s been great having you in there and watching your numbers skyrocket up lately. Keep killing it.
Schwalby, it was awesome having you back this weekend. It’s not the same without you.
Sean, great stuff, man. That’s hilarious. I don’t even remember that. And look at us now, haha.
Pat, you’re welcome. We have had a lot of good times. The gym is definitely a better place when you’re around.
Kyle, awesome fucking post, man. I almost forgot that you gained fifty pounds that first year. That’s insane when I think about it.
Both of you guys are definitely Renegade for life. Once you’re in to the point that you are it’s like the mob; there’s no getting out.
Family. This is what Renegade means to me. Family is what I feel when I walk in and out of the gym. A family that tells me, without words, that I can and I will. To watch guys go for PR’s and have chills run up your back is as much inspiring as it is scary. I do not believe you are a member until you experience one of these moments.
I wonder how those, who do not train at Renegade feel when they are with their family. See you under the bar, boys and girls.
It is extremely difficult to find the combination of a great training environment, dedicated/ focused team members and expert coaching. For those serious about training and who have experienced all variations of the above, you know those 3 together result in your fastest and biggest gains– and more importantly they continue to progress. Jay has created that holy trinity at Renegade.
I certainly am not super strong, as big or as athletic compared to some others in the gym but that’s me—4th picture down doing towel curls with a KB— 46yrs old–met Jay weighing 160, weak and soft but with the right attitude so he let me hang. Now 188 (my choice for now- could be more) and like to think I can hold my own.
What are you waiting for? Get here! On second thought- don’t bother– 75% don’t cut it, waste time and dilute the joint for the time they are there. But if you think you’re that 25%…
Wow…i don’t no what to say…this has to be my second favorite article I have read by you right behind the one you wrote about me…this is no bullshit
Since training at Renegade about six or so years ago it has changed my life. After suffering two shoulder operations I came to Jay to help me get back on the baseball field stronger than ever. With Jays help I was able to fight through adversity and become one of the top baseball players in the state my senior year posting great numbers and receiving top accolades. Since then I went on to play college ball and suffered another injury and decided to hang it up. Now that I am no longer playing competitive ball I have been focusing on getting bigger stronger and faster while training hard at Renegade. There is nothing in the world like this gym. The intensity, the fire, the motivation, the atmosphere, and the music is just a few ways to describe this gym. Since joining Renegade Jay has become an older brother I never had. He is always there for me helping me in and outside the gym.
I recommend that you come stop by the gym and push yourself and see if you fit in… it will be a life changer.
Thanks for everything brother.
(big day on friday!)
Hi Jay. I posted something when I clicked on share and posted through Facebook but I don’t know where that post went exactly so I’ll try again.
Jay, I’ve been reading your articles and using some of your workouts from Men’s Fitness. You and Craig Ballantyne are the only two I use a source for workouts. I hope I can save up and come to Jersey someday and test myself in your gym. I wish I had come to your website 3 years ago so I could have saved myself thousands of dollars that I wasted on supplements. In a few weeks I’ll be turning 24 and the only thing I’ve asked anyone to get me this year is your MGS system. I plan on using it for the fall/winter to get as big as I can and hopefully start training seriously in MMA as a heavyweight.
at,
I have been reading your stuff for over 3 years now and yet have never written a comment. Your Muscle Gaining Secrets is one of the top reasons I won my WNBF Natural bodybuilding pro status in only 3 years but I can honestly say this is the best post yet!!
I left my job as a personal trainer in a regular gym of 4 years to start my own boot camp business and open my own NO BS “gym” and I am living a dream. Things run my way…gone are the days where I have to work with a person. Hell now I hold tryouts! I love what I do and live it day in a day out! To hear this post has me even more fired up then ever! Shit I have a 6am camp and I am fired up to drive to Jersey right now!
It’s great to know there is a resource out there who is truly passionate about what he does! So thanks man and keep doing what you do!t
Simply the best post I’ve read since I started following muscle gaining secrets. I am more determined than ever to be fitter, faster, stronger and better than last years results.
Coming summer time in Australia, I will be living and breathing your training philosophies.
Thanks for the inspiration Jay.
I kinda wanna tell my parents I’m not going back to school cause all I want to do is train at Renegade for the rest of time. Jeff always tried getting me in there in high school, but I was too stubborn..it took a serious knee injury to get me in there. Jay has revolutionized my idea of fitness, lifting, and nutrition. He’s an endless source of information and always there to help, as long as your dedicated. You’ve got to earn your respect in the gym with the other guys and you better push yourself, or else people will take notice and you’ll just be pushed to the side. I try to tell people the type of place I lift at, my mom wonders why I just don’t go to a public gym with her, but she doesn’t understand. I’ve spent so much time at Renegade this summer it’s become a second home to me. There hasn’t been a workout where I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, I’m always “in”, no matter what kind of day I had or what stress I’m under. Renegade gets the adrenaline going and now I’m addicted..
when I first walked in to Renegade in May, the first thing that caught my eyes and put me in awe of these “hallowed grounds” was a Renegade banner in the gym saying: “I’d rather die standing than live on my knees”. Now every step I take each day I try to live by that. Don’t be just a statistic or a follower, but a renegade..
I was so jacked up after reading this i HAD to do squats…Thanks for the motivation!
Great post, Jay.
AnimalMother,
Glad to hear I could provide some extra motivation for you.
Mel,
Incredible post. Just reading it gave me goosebumps. Thanks man.
D’Nunz,
Thanks so much for that. It was awesome. Always love having you in there.
Tyler,
Thanks for sharing that. Congrats on the win and doing your own thing. That’s great to hear. You’re welcome to come train with us anytime.
Christian,
You’re welcome. Keep up the great work.
Joey,
I kinda wish you would do that too. Haha. Honestly, it has been a joy and pleasure to have you in there. D’Nunz was right with everything he said about you when he told me you wanted to come in. I appreciate your dedication and commitment and like I said about D’Nunz and Pat, if I had a gym full of guys like you I would be ecstatic.
Jay,
That might be the best posts (anywhere) I’ve ever read! You’re truly inspirational man. I’ve been stuck in a place for the last two years where all they care about is numbers and all I care about is passion.
But, I’m saying f*ck it and heading out on my own. I know its going to be hard as hell but the prospects of building something that is truly my own where I can train who I want and how I want, gets me fired up.
The comment you made about one of your clients breathing fire before a squat workout was awesome. I had lost that fire dealing with all the b.s. at my current place of business, but since I’ve made the commitment go do my own thing that fire has returned.
Thanks again for the inspiration!
-Jamie
I couldn’t tell from your post but I wonder how much absolute strength if any is a requirement for you? Are you only concerned with max effort and improvement or do you also require a base amount of absolute strength so that someone is also useful for heavy spots and such?
please excuse the Jay greating! Looks like my keyboard got away from me. Sorry Jason!
Jason,
Thank you for the awesome post! I’m a new convert and have found a wealth of information from your post and your awesome book Muscle Gaining Secrets.
I am SOOOOOO freaking jealous of all you guys in NJ that have this at your disposal!!! I have been looking for a gym like this for so long and really haven’t found anything close to this! I can push myself to some extent but being accountable to not only your coach but your whole “team” would be amazing! I wish there was something like this in Boston because I would be ALL OVER IT!!! The only thing I have found so far is a boxing gym that incorporates sprints, stairs and such into the workouts but it’s just not the same as what you offer. And it’s also hard to find women that like to work out this way so I am often alone in my workouts. Maybe someday!
Great post!! And to those of you in NJ be lucky and proud you have this gym in your backyard!
Jay, do you ever do any online training? I have been interested in finding a coach like this since I can’t seem to find any good trainers in Boston…would love to get into fitness modeling!
Jami
Kirsten:
Saw your comment above. I own a private facility in Cincinnati, OH (FORCE Fitness & Performance in hyde park) and if you are looking for an atmosphere and philosophy similar to Jay’s, check out my site at cincinnatifitnesstrainer.com or my youtube channel at youtube.com/ironstriet. I’d love to have you come in to check out the facility. Hope to hear from you.
PJ Striet
oops, I put Jay as well! my bad…
Sick post, bro. Got me fired up like you wouldn’t believe.
Fantastic read!
Im gonna save this link to my favourites as a continual source of motivation. Ill admit that ive slacked off on many training sessions, hell it would be fair to say ive wasted months in the gym, but it articles like this which bring back the hunger and honestly make me feel like bitch for some half assed performances.
Like all gyms in my area, none have the environment which Jason just described. None even come close. But after reading this and understanding the type of dedication and hard work that it takes to train at Renegade, im gonna treat every gym I step into as a Renegade Gym. Forget the disco music blaring in the background, forget the people talking on mobile phones, forget the excessive fake tan and hair gel. As kids we were told to use our imaginations, well Im gonna use mine so that everytime I train, Im training in a Renegade gym.
And when the training session is over, I best be sure that it was up to Renegade standard.
Great post again Jason, thanks for sharing
Jay,
I was looking at your sweet “Renegade Barbell Club” T-shirts and it reminded me of this post.
If you put your new “applicatants” to the test, and as you say, “Your clients/ members need to be walking billboards for your company”, then it doesn’t seem right to me to be ALLOWED to just buy T-shirt. I should have to prove it to you I think!
So, what’s my test? I’m up for it. Things are much better EARNED then bought.
Jamie,
Thanks a lot for the comments. Glad I could provide some inspiration. Good luck going out on your own.
Jami,
Haha.
Thanks for the comment. Maybe it’s time to move to Jersey. At least you won’t have to root for the Red Sox anymore and can get behind a real team
You’re right about their being a shortage of girls who want to train hardcore. It’s really a shame.
I do some online training occasionally. The criteria is the same as it is to train at Renegade and I need a 12 week commitment up front. But you seem like the kind of person I would be happy to have at Renegade or to work with online. Let me know if you are interested as I may have some time opening up in late August or September.
And no worries about being so formal, guys. I appreciate the respect but all my friends call me Jay.
Adam,
Glad we could get you fired up and provide some motivation. Time to take it to the next level.
Hey Jason,
I would DEFINITELY be interested! I have been doing Craig’s TT workouts for the last 8 weeks and definitely enjoyed them but would love something more personal with both my eating and working out. August/September would be a great timeframe for me as well.
I took a friend to the gym a few weeks ago for one of Craig’s workouts and I laughed at her when she said she doesn’t want anything to be hard…she didn’t want to push at all and didn’t want to be sore. I LIVE for soreness! HAHA
HAHA on the Sox! Well I am originally from Oregon and not having a team there I have always rooted for the Mariners…however I have converted and am a Sox fan now (except when the Mariners are here)…it’s hard not to be when you live here…it’s infectious!
Let me guess…you are a YANKEE fan?? Have you been to the new stadium?
Looking forward to hopefully working with you!!! I will absolutely give it my all!!
Jami
Wow , incredibly inspirational.
Not many people have this much passion about anything. I wish I had more of you guys in my circle.
Keep killing it everyone.
-Chris
I just got the biggest slap across the face…my brother and i run a taekwondo club and we have been successful in our own training for 20 years…always researching new and wonderful methods to improve…people don’t realise why we were successful..that is making the effort to think for ourselves and putting in the effort to ensure we did not miss any training sessions and ensuring that we gave our max to improve 2-3 times a day…yes that’s what it took to be the best in the sport we so dearly luv…but now we have tried so hard to ensure our students work hard and smart with no results…they always had excuses not turning up to training and not doing extra sessions to improve…for 2 years i have wondered why they failed and i kept wondering whether it was our training methods that was failing them…well after reading this article which im 100% sure the other students wont even look at gave a big wake up call….from tomorrow i will be adopting a new approach to the way i teach…if they don’t make the effort to train and improve than why bother…so true…the students should be the walking billboards of excellence not a billboard of excuses…i feel great…i cant thank you enough for the article…its funny how things come to you but you know what it doesn’t matter as long as it does…again thank you….
Rob,
We have some shirts that can not be bought, only earned. Those will never be up on the site.
Jami,
Unfortunately that’s how the majority of girls seem to feel about training. The ones we have at Renegade and girls like you are the exception.
I am a Yankees fan and have been to the new stadium. It’s pretty nice, although I would have preferred to keep the old one.
Send us an email to renegadegym @ gmail. com about training and we will notify you with specifics when some time opens up.
Thanks
Shiagami,
That’s awesome to hear. Glad I could motivate and inspire you in some way. Best of luck to you.
I believe you know my feelings on this already, but just so everyone else can see it as well…
This post epitomizes EVERYTHING I want in a gym. Not only to train at but eventually start one of my own. Between you and DeFranco, there are no better “role models” (in a gym owning sense, lol) out there. The fitness scene is prime and ready for this type of thing in Minneapolis, and it doesn’t look like anyone is willing to provide it. I am. I just need a little more time. Everything you post is pure, unadulterated inspiration. Hopefully someday down the road, I’ll have the opportunity to meet you. Until then, keep busting out posts like this, and I’ll be up and running in no time!
- Dave
Hey Jason, great to read about your philosophy and approach. Like the others said, a great post but what has really blown me out of the water are the comments – testimonial after testimonial from people who actually train at your gym backing up what you say and more. That must feel pretty good and make it all worthwhile! Keep up the good work
Just a quick comment though on women working hard. There are loads of women who work their butts off in many areas of sport and fitness. The problem is most women think that lifting heavy isn’t for them and won’t do them any good. If more women thought strength training would bring them the results they want, they would definitely work hard at it!
best part of my week. elliptical results aren’t even comparable
Understood on the Tees.
So… You’re saying my only chance is to make a trip to NJ to earn it?
Thanks a lot, Dave. I appreciate that.
Gubernatrix, it does feel pretty good and I’m happy that people love Renegade so much. Like Mel said, everyone becomes family in there. The ones who don’t are the ones who don’t last.
Lauren, that’s so great to hear. Glad you feel that way. We miss not having you around all the time now.
Rob, that is the only way to get one of the camo tee’s. To perform at a high level for an extended time period.
Jami, you could check out Cressey Performance:
http://www.cresseyperformance.com/
They have an indoor prowler/sled area, so I assume it can’t be that bad (I haven’t been there).
HTH,
Dave.
I definitely puked after my first time lifting at Renegade. But at least I made it to the parking lot first. I really had no idea what lifting meant and I sure didn’t wear chucks for squat days. Now…I love it and there is truly nothing else that compares to a Renegade workout. NOTHING. Totally worth the train ride from NY.
PS – One request….can you please bring back the glute ham raise!!!!! ahahahaa.
Thanks Kat. Will do.
HEY Jay I am new to your site. I have been training at various health clubs for 6 years. I have a BA in Behavioral Science and have been working in the mental health field for the last nine years, and let me tell you that I am TIRED of not living up to my potiential. I made the decision recently to start my own fitness company, but i am quickly realizing that without the proper capital and dedicated clientel it is rough. I writing to you because i share your philosiphy on traing and no toleration for slackers. I don’t want to sell people training I want to sell them results. After going trhough your site i realized that it is a must that i be your understudy. I want to know everything that you know about strength and conditioning, and whatever else that you can teach me about the fitness industry. I want to be the best so i need to lean from the best point blank! Please let me know what it would take for me to make this happen, I have a two year old daughter that needs to know that her father did all that he could do to achieve his dreams. When i read your Bio i knew that some way some how that i have to work with you. I just want to learn everything that i can from you. I don’t want to give up and that’s why i’m writing you, because i also live eat and breathe this stuff. Please give me a shot, i am a hard worker who just wants to learn because, where there is knowledge there is power.
You’ve got to know who you are and who your clients ought to be. If you know someone isn’t going to be a good fit for your style, or if you know they have no chance at success in your program, do both of yourselves a favor a cut it off before it starts. Hard to do when you want a paying client but it’s best in the long run.
After reading “you must have the wrong guy” i decided to read on with more of Jason’s Blogs and not only am i truly inspired by some of the words he articulates but I’m also scared shitless of the man now, I am traveling to Jersey middle of this year and hope to even just sneak a peak through a window!
Todd, Australia
lol I tried the no sales pitch approach,trying to get only dedicated people to sign up. Maybe thats part of why I only got four sales in 2 1/2 months….but there is something that kinda tears your heart out about fat people on treadmills that never seem to lose any weight at all and yet keep going along like hamsters on a wheel…