Podcast Summary: Locally Owned – "Geaux Play Takes Fitness To Heart: Interview with Lisa Shores Hall"

Episode Details:

• Title: Geaux Play Takes Fitness To Heart: Interview with Lisa Shores Hall
• Host: The Street Smart Entrepreneur
• Release Date: January 3, 2025

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of Locally Owned, host Sarah engages in a heartfelt conversation with Lisa Shores Hall, the passionate owner of Go Play Sports Gym in Pelham, Alabama. The discussion delves into Lisa's entrepreneurial journey, the unique ethos of her fitness center, and her unwavering commitment to community and personal well-being.

Lisa Shores Hall's Background and Inspiration

Lisa's Early Life and Familial Influence

Lisa attributes her deep-seated passion for fitness to her upbringing. She shares, “[...] I have a twin sister, and I think my dad wanted a boy but ended up having twins. [...] my dad was really big on fitness, so I got to watch him and some of the boys in the neighborhood work out” (00:52). Her father's dedication led to the creation of a home gym in their garage, fostering an environment where Lisa and her sister were actively involved in sports from a young age.

Balancing Nutrition and Active Lifestyle

While her father emphasized physical activity, Lisa's mother focused on nutrition. She recalls, “we tried to run away from home one time [...] just being very active” (03:09). This balanced approach instilled in Lisa the importance of both exercise and healthy eating, values that continue to shape her business philosophy.

The Founding of Go Play Sports Gym

Transition from Martial Arts to Fitness Entrepreneurship

Lisa's journey into entrepreneurship began with her involvement in martial arts. After achieving a black belt in Taekwondo and teaching martial arts for over a decade, she faced personal and professional crossroads. Following a challenging divorce and a stint in the corporate world, Lisa decided to fully embrace her passion for fitness. She explains, “I always taught some kind of either kickboxing [...] and personal training. So that was always my passion to do that” (07:20).

Establishing Go Play Sports Gym

Combining her martial arts expertise with her love for sports, Lisa founded Go Play Sports Gym. The name, inspired by her ex-husband— a professional baseball coach— reflects a philosophy of "go hard or go home." She notes, “we got Go play, because he's from Louisiana. [...] So we just continued it on” (17:15).

Challenges Faced and Overcome

Relocation and Personal Struggles

One of the significant hurdles Lisa encountered was the sudden sale of her gym's building by the landlord, forcing an abrupt relocation. Facing this alongside a personal divorce, Lisa demonstrates resilience: “I just made a choice of, let's just keep going and don't stop” (15:53). With the support of her sons and community, she successfully relocated to a larger facility, ensuring the continuity of her business.

Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic presented additional challenges, including temporary closures and financial strains. Despite these obstacles, Lisa's commitment to her mission kept Go Play Sports Gym thriving. She states, “we are still growing and want to grow even more” (31:18).

Go Play Sports Gym's Unique Approach and Services

Comprehensive Fitness Solutions

Go Play Sports Gym is not just a traditional gym; it’s a multifaceted training center catering to a diverse clientele. Offering 24-hour gym access, specialized classes in martial arts, softball, baseball, spin, kickboxing, and personal training, Lisa ensures that members receive personalized and comprehensive fitness programs. “[...] it could be a kickboxing class, a spin to a boot camp, or we do a full body workout with weights” (32:52).

Focus on Athletic Performance and Health

Lisa emphasizes sustainable health improvements over temporary fixes: “I want to help you get off these meds. [...] I just want you to be healthy” (21:11). Her approach includes detailed assessments of weight, fat percentage, and BMI to tailor fitness plans that promote long-term well-being.

Community and Accessibility

The gym fosters a welcoming community atmosphere, often attracting new members through friendly interactions and a supportive environment. Lisa mentions, “you get greeted by two fur babies [...] they get a lot of loving” (34:32), highlighting the inclusive and friendly nature of Go Play Sports Gym.

Client Success Stories

Transformative Journeys

Lisa shares touching stories of clients who have overcome significant challenges through her programs. One such story involves a young lacrosse player recovering from a severe injury: “Your support and kindness have made such a difference during some of my toughest days” (38:57). Another standout narrative involves a police officer battling PTSD post-accident, ultimately returning to duty after rigorous training and emotional support: “[...] she's about to go back on duty soon” (43:36).

Personal Testimonials

The impact of Lisa's work is evident through heartfelt letters from clients, underscoring her dedication: “Your gentle push to help me keep going when things weren't easy means more than words can express” (40:37).

Building Community and Incorporating Faith

Integrating Faith into Fitness

Faith plays a significant role in Lisa's approach to business. She believes her work is a divine calling: “[...] I believe that this is my God-given gift and I want to keep serving people in the community” (43:59). This spiritual foundation fosters a supportive and uplifting environment within the gym.

Community Engagement and Support

Go Play Sports Gym actively participates in community events and charitable activities. Lisa recounts, “we did a fundraiser for my son [...] a karate tournament at the facility for St. Jude's Hospital” (37:16). Such initiatives reinforce the gym's commitment to giving back and building strong community ties.

Future Goals and Expansion

Vision for Growth

Looking ahead, Lisa aims to expand Go Play Sports Gym to accommodate growing demand and diversify offerings. Her goals include adding volleyball courts, pickleball facilities, and specialized weightlifting programs for middle and high school athletes: “going to start a program for middle and high school kids to come in and do weightlifting” (31:55).

Enhanced Facilities and Programs

With plans to further enhance the facility's capacity and introduce new sports-specific training, Lisa envisions Go Play Sports Gym becoming a premier destination for comprehensive athletic development: “we want it to be like a one-stop shop” (36:14).

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Lisa Shores Hall's journey with Go Play Sports Gym exemplifies the fusion of passion, resilience, and community-centric values. Her story underscores the importance of aligning business practices with personal values and the profound impact such an approach can have on individuals and the broader community.

Notable Insights:

• Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Overcoming personal and professional setbacks through determination and support systems.
• Community Building: Creating a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters mutual growth and well-being.
• Holistic Health Approach: Emphasizing sustainable lifestyle changes over temporary fixes to promote long-term health.

Key Quote: “Your support and kindness have made such a difference during some of my toughest days.” – Client, 38:57

Final Thoughts

Lisa Shores Hall's dedication to fostering a healthier, more connected community through Go Play Sports Gym serves as an inspiring model for local entrepreneurs. Her blend of expertise, empathy, and faith-driven leadership highlights how businesses rooted in genuine passion and community service can thrive and make a lasting positive impact.