When Chris Gendusa started Future Fitness in 1990, he set out on a mission to help people approach exercise and wellness in a different way. Instead of joining a crowded gym and having to figure out how to use equipment on their own, Gendusa wanted to make sure his clients had personalized guidance and a tailored plan for improving all aspects of their health.
AT A GLANCE
Top executives: Chris Gendusa, Owner
Phone: 225.928.0486
Address: 1650 Lobdell Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Website: futurefitnessbr.com
That strategy has worked well for Gendusa—and his clients. Over the past three decades, he has built a one stop shop for wellness. While Future Fitness’ focus is on personal training, clients also can take advantage of private yoga and pilates instruction, massage therapy, aesthetics services and physical therapy, all under the same roof.
Gendusa is a firm believer in the benefits of individualized training, and Future Fitness provides it in a comfortable, resort-style atmosphere. After an initial consultation, clients are paired with one of the facility’s dozen trainers, who can help reach a variety of fitness goals—whether it’s recovering from an injury or just getting in shape.
Sticking with the same trainer makes it easy to monitor progress and keep clients accountable and motivated. For many, simply being in a one-on-one environment as opposed to a class setting is helpful. “They’re much more comfortable here,” Gendusa says. “They get into a better routine and stay more consistent.”
Exercise is just one part of staying healthy, and at Future Fitness, clients have access to other services aimed at improving their well-being. They can enjoy skincare services from an aesthetician and relax in an infrared sauna. They can get help with injuries at the in-house Linx Physical Therapy clinic. Therapists and trainers work together to speed recovery.
“We integrate physical therapy into training, and help the healing process,” Gendusa says.
He enjoys watching clients make strides toward their goals. It can be difficult to start exercising for the first time or keep it up in the face of an injury or health challenges—something he and his trainers understand.
“But when you finally get the point across of what they have to do and they get in that routine, it’s really good to see them start making accomplishments, and they feel good about themselves too,” he says. “For instance, we see clients come in on blood pressure medicine, and then they lose weight and feel better. We love seeing that.”
