When Ryan McStockard launched Fit2Live Gym in 2008, he had one big goal.
“My hope was to create a space for people to work on their health and fitness in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment with a coach,” McStockard said. “I wanted to build a professional gym with coaches who care and a supportive and fun community to keep them going. I think we’ve hit that goal.”
Fit2Live is now the longest operating functional fitness gym in Ann Arbor, with a 7,000 square foot facility and a team of personal trainers and wellness coaches that services a diverse clientele in the community.
“There weren’t enough positive and professional gyms in the area and certainly not enough working on real, sustainable health and fitness change with function and longevity being the goal. Too many quick fixes and 30 day challenges. I knew we could flip that script.”
McStockard feels that he’s making a positive health ripple in the world. The gym offers group fitness programs, personal training, and nutrition and wellness coaching for busy parents, professionals, and any individual who is ready to prioritize their health
“Our mission now is to impact the lives of 12,000 residents in the Ann Arbor community area. We chose 12,000 because Ann Arbor is a great big-small town. With one or two degrees of separation, we can impact a large number through our members. We are doing this with 200 members at a time, knowing that those 200 will pay it forward and spread health and fitness knowledge to their friends, family, co-workers or passersby to at least 10 percent (or 12,000 people) of the community.”
By providing a fun and positive environment, coaches and members can connect in ways that go beyond the typical workout.
“Our members often say that we are their ‘third place’ outside of home and work, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Get to Know Ryan McStockard
Tell us about yourself!
Currently, I’m a girl dad of three amazing girls: Avery (7), Lexi (5), and Mia (2). This will all change with our 4th (and final) on the way being our first boy, coming Christmas Day! My wife works at Mott’s Children’s Hospital and is quite the amazing mother of our kids.
Where did you grow up?
I’m originally from Iowa, born and raised. My education is a blended degree from the University of Iowa in Recreation Management, Kinesiology and Entrepreneurship.
Dream vacation?
Hawaii, the Gold Coast of Australia, south island of New Zealand.
If you could learn one new skill to master, what would it be?
Playing the guitar.
Pick your favorite: podcasts, books, or movies?
Podcast favorites: The Ed Mylett Show, Strength Coach Collective, Chasing Excellence.
Book favorites: Atomic Habits, Outlive Mindset, Never Split the Difference, The Sleep Easy Solution.
Movie: Dumb and Dumber
Any hobbies?
Spending quality time with my family. Exercising. Watching movies. Traveling and experiencing new things. Reading self-help and business books. Watching and playing sports.
Favorite local restaurants?
Pacific Rim, First Watch, Salt Springs Brewery, DropTop Pizza.
Favorite hidden (or not so hidden) gems of the Ann Arbor area?
Wiard’s Orchard, Dinoland, Creature Conservancy, 2/42 Community Center, U of M Natural History Museum, Lillie Park trails, Zingerman’s Bakehouse
Any quotes that inspire you?
- I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.
- You only die once, but you can live every day.
- Never miss two days in a row.
- Listen more than you talk.
- Be curious and be present.
Best fitness tips?
- Get off the couch and off the processed foods.
- Exercise your body the way life demands of it.
- Eat real food and not too much.
- Move your body in ways that are fun and sustainable.
What has surprised you about being a business owner?
- It’s not a linear path.
- How many arts and crafts I find myself doing.
- Relationships are everything.
- Just how much impact we can have.
Advice for entrepreneurs who are thinking of starting their own business?
- You are the asset.
- Sleep, move your body, and eat real foods.
- Take time away from the business.
- Get a mentor.
- Find someone who has done what you want to do successfully before.
