20 Questions with Listen To Your Body Keilor East Owner, Laurie Checketts
How long has your personal training studio been operating?
6 years
How did you come up with your business name?
The Franchisor, Ben Fletcher, came up with the name. It’s a really good name and we say it all the time. Nobody knows your body better than you so you really do need to listen out for niggles or not feeling right.
Describe your business in 3 words:
Fitness. Fun. Community.
What’s a typical day at work like for you?
I wake up at 4.30am and I’m in the studio by 5am – first session starts at 5:45am. I train approximately 60 clients individually in the morning sessions. Home for a Nanna nap and then back into the studio to train myself and do consultations with new enquiries. I’m also a mum of 3 teenage children, so when I’m at home there’s lots of housework to deal with as well!
Who is the most famous person you’ve ever trained?
One of our clients is a 3 time Olympic Basketball player.
Has your business ever won any awards?
Every year our Franchisor gives out awards and last year we were awarded the LTYB Franchisee Community Award. We ran a 24-hour gym session to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. We thought we would be lucky if we got to $1000. With all the amazing support of my clients and the community we managed to raise nearly $6000.
What is your most popular service?
We have a 6-week membership at reduced rates as an introductory to our studio. We find most people will stay on with us after the 6 weeks as they love us so much.
What’s the biggest change your business has made as a result of the pandemic?
We have been closed more than we have been open in the last 12 months. We have had to implement virtual training, but only a small number of our clients have chosen to do this.
When restrictions allow, we have to do outdoor training as well. Nothing beats being in the studio though with all the equipment we have at hand.
My 3 other personal trainers are without jobs and this is really sad. We all want to be working and making a difference in our clients’ lives.
Where do you turn for business support and advice?
As I am part of a franchise network I rely on my Franchisor and my other franchisees. Their guidance and support is so important. I am also part of lots of community Facebook groups as well, including the Business Goddesses of Moonee Valley Facebook Group for local women in business.
What is your business most looking forward to when lockdown lifts?
Seeing all our clients face to face – we miss everyone so much! Having a sense of purpose back in our day. Helping clients live a healthier lifestyle is such a great feeling.
What do you do to keep staff morale high?
I check in with my staff regularly and ensure they are still keeping fit and healthy during lockdown.
What’s your favourite part about living in the City of Moonee Valley?
Everything is very nearby. So even though we aren’t allowed to go more than 5kms it doesn’t really matter to me as everything I need is here. There are so many beautiful parks, waterways and streets to explore. I never get bored of trying to walk somewhere new.
Who is someone in the local community you admire, and why?
He will probably get a shock reading this, but my Franchisor, Ben Fletcher. He had the faith in me that I would make a great PT and now I own my own business. Without Ben’s guidance along the way I would not be here.
Ben has a young family of 4 children and you never see him in a bad mood. His smile and his passion for life is contagious. Even through lockdown not once has he complained – positivity all the way!
If you could only eat food from one Moonee Valley restaurant for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Il Parco Italian in North Essendon. The nicest staff and food.
Tell us something about your business your clients might not know…
We were the 6th studio in the LTYB network and there are now 16 including in Queensland, Perth and Adelaide.
Tell us something about YOU that your customers might not know…
I am the youngest of 7 daughters – born and bred in Wyong Street East Keilor, just up the road from the studio. We grew up hanging around the Centerway.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs for sure – I have a black Cavador named Shadow
Have you read any interesting books lately, or listened to any podcasts?
I like listening to podcasts that involve training, eating healthy and feeling good.
What are you watching on Netflix right now?
OMG where do I start! During lockdown lots of series have been watched. The best one so far without a doubt was Clickbait. The last scene was filmed at Arundel Farm Estate in Keilor.
If you were a superhero what would your superpower be?
Strength, of course! As a PT, feeling strong is so important.
Train with Laurie & the Team at Listen To Your Body
Website: www.listentoyourbody.com.au/studio/east-keilor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ltybeastkeilor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ltybeastkeilor/
