In this episode of Brave Bold Brilliant, we sit down with Chris Howell — founder and owner of SPX Gym Design - to explore how he's redefining the future of fitness and wellness spaces. From his early days as a Division 1 lacrosse player and Wall Street trader to becoming a global leader in gym and wellness design, Chris shares his inspiring journey of blending functionality, luxury, and personal storytelling into every space he creates.
Discover how Chris crafts bespoke gyms for high-end homes, NFL athletes, luxury hotels like Soho House and 1Hotel, and innovative wellness hubs across 14 countries. We dive deep into the trends shaping fitness spaces today, including saunas, plunge pools, meditation zones, and the integration of recovery into gym design. Chris also reveals how collaboration with architects and designers brings his vision to life - creating environments that are as emotionally powerful as they are technically excellent.
You'll hear why:
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Success often comes from following interests and being open to opportunities rather than having a rigid master plan.
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The journey can evolve based on experiences and networking.
- The design of a gym or wellness space significantly impacts a person's motivation and willingness to engage in fitness.
- A welcoming and well-designed environment can make individuals feel more inclined to work out.
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Different regions have unique approaches to fitness and wellness, influenced by local customs, preferences, and available resources.
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Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for successful gym design.
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Creating a sense of belonging and community within a gym can enhance member retention.
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Personal connections and accountability, such as friendships or trainers, play a vital role in maintaining motivation.
This episode is living proof that no matter where you’re starting from — or what life throws at you — it’s never too late to be brave, bold, and unlock your inner brilliant.
Visit https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ for free tools, guides and resources to help you take action now
📩 Want extra support? Email [email protected] to book your free mentoring session with Jeannette.
Let’s make your next move your bravest yet.
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IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:02:39] Transition from Wall Street to wellness.
[00:06:02] Career reassessment after college.
[00:10:28] Entrepreneurial journey in finance.
[00:11:31] Mindset and personal growth.
[00:16:30] Entrepreneurial risk and support.
[00:19:34] Cultural differences in gym design.
[00:24:35] Cultural differences in fitness approaches.
[00:27:11] Designing an amazing gym.
[00:32:24] Collaboration with iconic brands.
[00:35:30] Importance of gym environment.
[00:39:25] Gym membership retention strategies.
[00:40:52] Gym design and wellness impact.
[00:45:22] Resilience in personal growth.
[00:48:38] Transformational wellness spaces.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Brave Bold Brilliant - https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/
Brave, Bold, Brilliant podcast series - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brave-bold-brilliant-podcast/id1524278970
ABOUT THE GUEST
Chris Howell is a former Division 1 lacrosse player from Hofstra University who transitioned from the field to a Wall Street trader. Chris is the founder and owner of SPX Gym Design, a company that has been transforming spaces since 2017. SPX Gym Design fuses interior design with custom gym equipment, creating bespoke wellness environments for high-end homes of NFL athletes and boardroom executives.
Chris has collaborated with prestigious brands such as Soho House Gyms, 1Hotel,
Gurney’s Resorts, Proper Hotels, and C4 Energy. His innovative approach to gym
and wellness design has positioned SPX Gym Design as a leader in the industry.
Currently based in Jupiter, Florida.
ABOUT THE HOST
Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development.
Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams.
Podcast Description
Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant.
From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.
Travel, Bold, Brilliant, business, growth, scale, marketing, investment, investing, entrepreneurship, coach, consultant, mindset, six figures, seven figures, travel, industry, ROI, B2B, inspirational: https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot
