Inspiring Conversations with Mackenzie Schutt of Mack’s Fit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mackenzie Schutt.

Hi Mackenzie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As long as I can remember, physical fitness and sport have been a part of my life. From playing backyard soccer with my older brother to excelling in collegiate equestrian events to running marathons with my dad, all while learning excellent nutrition from my mom, the discipline of pushing myself to ever higher limits runs deep in my psyche.

While in college, my passion for athletics, sports and healthy living found an outlet as a career. With further certification and a Master’s degree, I now share my passion for health and fitness with my clients as a Personal Trainer. Nothing brings me more joy than building into my clients, no matter where they are on their personal journey, to help them establish and realize their next goal…and set an even higher goal once achieved.

While my focus is on physical fitness, the benefits far outpace the physical realm and contribute to my client’s overall mental and emotional health. All are intertwined, as they are in my life. It is a thrill–and an honor–to work with the 57-year-old male who realizes that he needs to make a change in his life, or to prepare the female high school athlete for her college tryouts, or to celebrate mid-life with a mother of three.

With my clients’ goals in focus, I build out plans for them and live into my life/career passions. Westerville/Columbus, Ohio, has been a gift to me, for which I will always be thankful.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Every small business has its own set of challenges. My beginning was difficult as I chose to move to a new state without having many connections. I did not have roots that ran deep to give me a starting client base. I had to prove myself to complete strangers and show why they should put their trust in me. Thankfully, I landed in a community that is extremely open and welcoming. With hard work, I built my client base through success stories and word of mouth referrals. I am extremely blessed to be supported by my community.

But it wasn’t all smooth. Just when I began to hit my stride, COVID-19 hit. As gyms were not considered essential businesses (though I would argue they are) we were forced to shut our doors. Panic ran through me as the significance of the situation set in. Yet, once again, my clients and the community stepped up for me. My clients were willing to go virtual, and although we were working out with makeshift dumbbells- laundry detergent, pots, pans, and chairs- we made it work.

When gyms opened back up an influx of people came in looking for a personal trainer, as they had chosen to reprioritize their health during the stay at home order. I thank my Westerville community for being so resilient and also supportive of their local businesses. I would not be where I am today without their loyalty and optimism.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mack’s Fit provides personally and professionally tailored exercise programs to accommodate all levels of fitness, strengthen previous injuries, and motivate clients to achieve their (next) goal. My clients range from adolescence to late adulthood and include various complex needs. I have trained women through pregnancy, clients with neurological diseases, and beginner runners across a marathon finish line.

By supporting the daily steps to improve overall health and empowering personal changes in individuals, my clients have experienced reduction in body fat and chronic pains while increasing strength and confidence. I help clients excel beyond their expectations because I know that everyone’s potential is greater than they think when they are equipped with the right tools and a proper mindset.

I have always been inspired by sport and exercise and the endorphins that flow the minute you begin working out. Exercise is essential for my mental health and I want to help others in my community realize it is for them as well. People who have never had a consistent exercise life may not realize the significant role it could be for their overall health, both mentally and physically. Consistent exercise and strength training improves sleep habits, mental health, and bone density. It increases productivity physical strength and eases daily tasks. It also improves muscle tissue while decreasing body fat, negativity, and risk of injury. Exercise provides so much more than just physical changes, it truly reinvents someone and pulls them from self-destructive habits and turmoil they may face.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
As mentioned earlier, deciding to start a business that heavily relies on in-person connection and interaction in a state that was new to me was a huge risk. I recognize that if it were not for my amazing community who took me in as their own, I would not have succeeded in the way that I have.

Ryan, the owner of Fit One Four-the gym in which I work is another reason I was able to succeed. Ryan built into me and set me up for success by introducing me to gym members in need of a trainer and being willing to help me with any business, tax, or personal questions. Along with guiding me, he pushes me to self-improve and he always challenges me with new ways of thinking.

I think risk is vital for success–in business and life. Even if one is in a good place, becoming stagnant and comfortable will not help. Expanding out of your comfort zone will force you to learn new things and reach a new audience or experience that is previously unknown to you. As a business owner, you need to know your market, but taking risks to reach new demographics and trying different business strategies can be the key to unlocking a whole new part of your brand.

Contact Info:

• Email: macks.fit.trainer@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.fitonefour.com/coaches/mackenzie-schutt/
• Instagram: @macks.fit
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacksFit 

Image Credits
Christian Florez- Florez Media (first seven) Rick Martinez (photo #8)