Today we’d like to introduce you to Athan Schindler.
Hi Athan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I enlisted as an Airborne Ranger in high school and almost immediately served in repeated combat tours. After 8 years of active duty, I began my academic endeavors; what initially was a plan to go to medical school ended up pivoting to a Master’s Degree in Social Work. As a social worker, I got to help many people confront the obstacles in their lives. Two notable roles were as the founder of a one-of-kind restorative justice program within a criminal defense law firm and then as a manager of a cancer navigation center that helped people in the fight of their lives against cancer. After a six-and-a-half-year break in service, I returned to military service through the Texas Army National Guard, where I continue serving as an Infantry First Sergeant.
I have worn many hats between my military career, professional experience, and personal goals. Each phase, though distinct, had a golden thread interwoven within: My commitment to being uncommon among the common in my pursuit to serve the world in meaningful ways. These diverse experiences sculpted me into a social worker, strength coach, entrepreneur, and, more recently, the driving force behind the Bastrop Fitness Project. If my journey could be surmised in a word, it would be “transformational.” I’ve been blessed with considerable success, from military service, social justice advocacy, fitness/strength coaching, and starting successful businesses to making productive investments. All along, I’ve anchored myself in my purpose: Cultivating optimal health, nurturing profound human connections, and propelling self-actualization for myself and others.
In 2011, my entrepreneurial voyage in the fitness realm ignited with a humble by-donation boot camp in Austin. Rapid success beckoned a transition into a brick-and-mortar establishment, which soon achieved the title of the ‘Best Gym in Austin’ for two consecutive years. An opportunity in Bastrop to revitalize a waning gym led to an exponential growth of members and revenue under my helm. This success gave me the platform to achieve the bigger vision that became the Bastrop Fitness Project. The vision is inspired by the struggles of the people we were serving; they had many valid obstacles to success in their wellness journey, and I felt called to try to knock as many of the challenges down as I could, all under one roof.
Fueled by the desire to resolve these barriers, I partnered with a real estate developer and a builder and purchased land in 2019. It was a historically difficult time to begin a project like this; adversity knocked with COVID during 2020, and challenges were heightened by my deployment supporting COVID-19 operations, but we bounced back stronger than ever. I assembled a collective of talented and committed business leaders in the health and wellness space to share a mission within the Bastrop Fitness Project.
The Bastrop Fitness Project isn’t just another business endeavor. It encapsulates my purpose and unifies my values of prioritizing what matters, doing the work, failing often, owning one’s life, and fostering kindness above everything. This project, located at the heart of Bastrop, is more than just a fitness facility. It is a holistic health and wellness nexus, from strength and conditioning coaching to a coffee bar, a recovery room, and much more.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey has not been devoid of trials. A dream a decade in the making faced significant setbacks in 2022 due to higher building costs during the COVID pandemic and a failed business partnership, eventually leading to legal disputes. However, The lessons from these legal and personal challenges were invaluable. It re-emphasized the importance of integrity, persistence, and the very values I hold dear. While the Bastrop Fitness Project represents a beacon of optimal health and community engagement, it is also a testament to my creed. “I recognize and acknowledge that I volunteered for this life – because I wanted it” is a sentiment I revisit regularly. Every hurdle, every success, every lesson has been integral to my journey. I’ve embraced challenges with joy, energy, and courage, firmly believing that every search ends with the searcher being tested but emerging stronger. Today, as I stand at the threshold of the Bastrop Fitness Project, it is more than a business. It is a manifestation of my purpose, my values, my vision. It’s a space where everyone, including myself, can journey toward optimal health, deep human connection, and self-actualization. In this whirlwind of life, I’ve realized that it’s not just about the goals achieved or the milestones crossed. It’s about the purpose that drives us, the values that guide us, and the community we uplift. Through the Bastrop Fitness Project, I aim to transform bodies and souls, teach, inspire, guide, and learn. It is a testament to the power of persistence, the strength of unity, and the magic of unwavering faith in oneself and one’s purpose.
At the Bastrop Fitness Project, we believe that a vibrant and fulfilling life begins with caring for your body and mind. We are a dynamic group of health and wellness businesses dedicated to empowering you on your journey to optimal well-being. Our diverse services include a top-notch gym, pilates studio, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu studio, IV therapies, recovery room, cafe, juice & smoothie bar, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and a children’s play center. Whatever your unique health goals, we have the expertise and facilities to cater to your needs. Regarding health and wellness, BFP is the go-to destination in Bastrop. We take pride in our community of businesses, each excelling in their respective fields. Together, we create an unparalleled collective focused on your well-being. BFP is not an all-inclusive membership – You only pay for the services you use. This means you can tailor your wellness experience to suit your preferences, and it’s all about you!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Each business within the Bastrop Fitness Project is individually owned and operated, and we take pride in providing a professional home for local small businesses to share in a like-minded community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bastropfitnessproject.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bastropfitnessproject/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085494234888
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athan-schindler-6830985/
