Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Pelt.
Hi Lisa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Let’s go back to the beginning when I was pursuing my degree in Kinesiology. I desired to be a track coach and be a part of the athletic community. I became a mother and put my career on hold. Mothering became my focus, and I made the decision to go into the corporate world. Although I was successful in the corporate world, my desire to go back to what I truly loved resurfaced once my two sons went to college.
In 2019, I was presented with the opportunity to partner with a friend of mine and open a strength and conditioning business. Unfortunately, Covid hit and my dream was placed on hold….temporarily. During this time, I remember sitting on my front porch and asking God what to do. Should I go back to what is comfortable which is the corporate world, or do I stick with my dream of going into the athletic community? And it was so clear to me. God‘s words were “Continue to pursue the desire that I have placed on your heart.” I made the decision then to purchase a cargo trailer, buy athletic equipment and to go mobile. My partner and I traveled to different locations to train track athletes, private school organizations, and found multiple locations to personally train adults and youth athletes.
In 2022, after two years of being mobile, we were presented with another opportunity to train a select basketball team at an athletic facility in Leander called The PAC. This has been our home ever since.
Unfortunately, in 2023, the partnership dissolved and I made the decision to rebrand and change the name to Atlas Performance Training. During this time, I have been given the opportunity to train athletes of different caliber and needs. I’m truly grateful for overcoming all the obstacles that arose, and led me to the growth and success that I am currently experiencing with Atlas Performance.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I feel like the challenges were just continuous. This has not been an easy road from the start, As I mentioned earlier, first was Covid putting a halt to opening up a gym facility, shortly thereafter, I went through a divorce and then a dissolved partnership. As this may look like struggles to some, this is what built my faith and as a result, helped me to become a strong businesswoman. My resilience to keep fighting and never give up is something I’m most proud of.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Atlas Performance Training?
Atlas Performance Training by normal definition is a strength and conditioning training facility for athletes of all ages. But in reality, it’s so much more. For starters, we don’t just focus on the physical strength of our athletes but we focus on the whole body. This includes their mental and emotional health as well. Communication, understanding and listening are a way that we are able to provide this support. We make a great deal of effort building relationships with our athletes. We listen, and discuss the needs and desires they want to get out of the program.
Next, we focus on addressing any weaknesses, strains or pains they are experiencing. Injury prevention is so crucial for an athlete. I like to define it as Prehab; providing the necessary strengthening and mobility exercises to try and prevent future injuries. I would say injury prevention is by far the most important aspect of our training. Observing the imbalances, helping the athlete be aware of the issue and together building a stronger foundation. Most of our athletes come to us with past and/or current injuries. Helping them heal and become their strongest self is so rewarding.
I love every aspect of my training business but what I am most proud of is our Adaptive Training program. In 2022, I started a Special Olympics Delegation called The Athlos Warriors. Students with special needs age out of the public school program at 22 years of age. Unfortunately, they have no where to go to continue competing in sports. I was approached to create an adult over 22 SO delegation and I did not hesitate. I took it one step further and decided to offer strength training to all athletes and adults with special needs. Thursdays are dedicated to those athletes and their families to get specialized training. They all have filled my heart and soul with such happiness. I am forever a changed person because of them. They are God’s special warriors.
And finally, I would not have a successful training business if it were not for my staff of trainers. Isaiah Poston and Juliann McGinnis are amazing! They both were college athletes and have a wealth of knowledge of what it takes to get to the next level. They both understand overcoming injuries and what that physical and mental journey looks like. They are both well loved by our athletes and that speaks volumes! I am blessed to have them on my team!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
This is a hard question because by nature I’m an open book. Haha! I am open and honest with my life and I try to be as authentic and intentional with everyone I meet. But I do have a current goal I’m working on. My mom suffers from Parkinson’s Disease. Watching her struggles with walking and everyday life activities has been hard. But her fighting spirit has inspired me to learn more about her disease. I’m currently getting my mobility certification. Atlas Performance will soon have an exercise program for Seniors with disabilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theatlasperformance.com/
- Instagram: @atlas_sportstraining
