Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Bachert.
Hi Thomas, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Lawrence. Basketball was a passion of mine growing up, that led me into lifting weights and eventually Exercise Science at the University of Kansas. This was where I gained an appreciation of how the human body functions. I continued being around basketball, coaching high school for a few years, this was a natural path into personal training and strength coaching.
I had a personal training position at KU, when it came time to graduate I was looking for work and reached out to Zach and Whitney Schneider at “The Gym” in Lawrence. They told me they would not give me a job, but instead that I should work for myself because they rent their space to personal trainers. This business model of a fitness collective allowed me to start Rooted Fitness.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is hard to think of any challenges when I have had such great support. I had parents and siblings that had done similar things and they believed I was capable. Starting out Zach and Whitney were nothing but helpful in getting me to turn profit and be part of the collective.
Although one point in time does come to mind. The Covid-shaped elephant in the gym. Meeting for zoom workouts and lifting jugs of water was not enjoyable for anyone. But I have a wonderful clientele that stuck with it. Word of mouth has been the best marketing; I take care of them and they take care of me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I will train anyone, exercise is a tool for everyone.
My clients range from the 20 year-old amateur athlete to the deadlifting grandma. I do this in semi-private sessions of 1-4 individuals that are each pursuing their own goals and interests.
I want to stand out in my business by educating my clients with trusted and sensible information. I try my best to keep up on the latest research, as well as read and listen to the most respected minds in the industry. This is important because the loudest voices out there are trying to convince people they have a problem they don’t have, so they can get them to buy something they don’t need. For me, I think about the large metaphorical rocks we have to move: are you physically active enough? Do you get enough sleep? Do you have well rounded dietary habits? This is what I focus on. You aren’t going to greens powder or cold plunge yourself out of 4 hours of sleep.
There is a time and a place for particular things. I will work with you to figure these things out, by using a combination of: your goals, the best available evidence, and my experience. Being in this profession gives me the responsibility of guiding people through what is a fad, what is the real deal, and when they should consult with other experts. Guiding them so they can decide if something is worth their time and effort.
Also we should have some fun along the way while we are at it.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
If I were to pull out my crystal ball I would say the hybrid approach to personal training will continue to grow. With costumers finding it easier to combine in-person sessions with at home workouts.
As long as people have money to spend the industry will continue to grow. We’ve seen this with the creation of health entertainment and wearables. Which has made more people interested in physical activity than ever before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therooted.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedfitness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRootedMe
