Gym owner finds motivation in training others

Warm up, stretch, workout, track progress — this was the usual regimen Brennan Eggers would start his clients off with when he started as a trainer at Georgetown Fitness more than five years ago. A student at Southwestern University at the time, he fit working as a personal trainer into his busy schedule as a physics major. Mr. Eggers liked that, through personal training, he got to help others achieve their health goals. His more motivated clients helped motivate him. He loved the gym. 

Georgetown Fitness opened in 2003 and is a “relic of Georgetown,” Mr. Eggers said, compared to some of the newer chains that have opened in recent years. He said it’s “the cleanest gym you will ever see.” Then in 2021 — when Mr. Eggers was still a junior in college — he said the gym’s owner approached him and asked if he was interested in purchasing the business. 

“It was the opportunity presented to me,” he said. “I'm compulsive, so if I see an opportunity, I'll pursue it. Then I’ll realize where I put myself.” He jumped in, despite never owning a business before. He took out a loan to purchase the gym, and then signed a new lease a year later. Unfortunately, he said his inexperience caught up to him, and the lease’s terms weren’t what he expected. “I misunderstood the way the lease was written, and I didn’t ask. I just signed the lease,” he said. “[I was] compulsive and naive. I felt rushed. I didn’t read the fine print.” 

Although he has found himself in an unideal situation at the age of 26— facing student debt and an unforeseen rent increase — he doesn’t plan on quitting. He owns the gym outright and has been taking on side hustles to help cover his personal expenses. He still offers personal training and works in payment processing. He also helps build out gyms for schools and universities. He recently designed a gym for Concordia University in Northwest Austin. 

“As a business owner, you're playing a game,” Mr. Eggers said. “You don't have to play if you don't want to. But who the hell wants to quit?” 

Mr. Eggers work motivating clients to get healthier as a personal trainer at his gym continues to drive him. His goal at Georgetown Fitness is to provide a safe space for people to get healthy, build community and cope with stress. The gym has cardio equipment, weight and cable machines for legs and upper body work, and free weights. There’s also a stretch and warm-up area, as well as lockers. A staff of personal trainers is on hand to help members of all ability levels, from those interested in powerlifting to those just getting started. Georgetown Fitness is located at 900 North Austin Avenue, Ste. 200. The gym is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit www.georgetownfitness.com or call 512-686-8440.