Academy of Athletics in Rossville offers everything from boot camps and personal training, to an American Ninja Warrior-style course and more, with memberships beginning at $29.Owner: Ashley Lott
Humble beginnings: As a personal trainer for several years prior to opening, Lott mostly worked in homes or at parks with her clients, until one day, someone approached her and said he wanted to build a gym space and lease it to her for a full-time business.
“I pretty much just prayed one day and said, ‘Lord, I need somewhere,'” she recalled. “And not long after, I got a message about a space.”
Business concept: AOA is about much more than just the rotating monthly boot camps and personal training it offers in addition to regular gym workout space. The gym offers challenging courses, but ensures modifications are always available for those who are at a different level in their fitness journey.
“… Everyone has different goals and backgrounds and stories,” Lott said. “We work more on encouragement than pushiness.”