Meet Alex Hooper

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alex Hooper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alex, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I’ve found that in this industry most successful people don’t look, sound and/or act like me. Since my early childhood, I have always been in spaces where I am the only ME in the room. So being an African American female in the fitness space was a summit I wasn’t afraid to climb. Instead of letting this reality hinder me, I’ve embraced it by showcasing my unique gifts of inclusive community building with an authentic passion for the wellness of the people I serve. I am not trying to fit a mold, or even create a new one; I want to be who I am genuinely and hope others receive. I recognize that my background and experiences allow me a fresh perspective to offer insights and ideas that can contribute to the growth of fitness. As a black woman, I feel pressured to constantly advocate for myself. For example, the excitement around my presence at times can feel consumptive where there is a pressure to “perform” for my audience. An audience solely present because I am a marvel in the industry, instead of drawn by my talent. This has benefitted me as an individual employee wherever I have taught; and as a person it has forced me to stand clearly within my boundaries for my physical being, my time, and emotional capacity.
I’ve had to build my confidence to overcome this imposter syndrome and remind myself of my skills and accomplishments. Sometimes, simply projecting confidence can shift how others perceive me and their ideas of my capabilities.

Staying resilient has been an essential factor in my journey, along with understanding that being different will sometimes lead to extra scrutiny or obstacles. For example, where other colleagues have space to be “off”, I have to be turned “on” at all times, or I my risk my standing with the company. However my resiliency has allowed me to use these challenges as opportunities to prove my skills and perseverance. Clarity of mind, confidence of heart, and genuine passion for movement is what makes me most effective in an industry–dare I say world–that is determined to devalue my efforts every time.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

With over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, I have worked my way up from the front desk of well-known fitness studios to opening up & managing flagship facilities of renowned franchises. Before the opportunity arrived to create my own brand concept, I decided to open up a franchise studio right before the pandemic. During those unprecedented times of the shutdown, I had to get creative from online classes to outdoor bootcamps socially distanced. Somehow I was able to gain and maintain a loyal following that have continued to grow with me and support each endeavor as the doors opened a year after lockdown. Now fast forward 4 years later, I culminated all of my experience of opening businesses, programming transformative routines, and curating immersive events into the ultimate guide for my own concept, The Combine.

The Combine is more than just an aesthetic; it’s a gathering space for like minded, goal driven individuals to unite with the same vision towards being comfortable in their bodies, their movements, and their environments. It’s a mindset that I want all those who meet me to adopt: every-BODY is an athlete, so train it like one! My own athletic and physical journey informs my empathy towards any person who struggles with any kind of movement as I have firsthand knowledge of the ambition necessary to push through when you have a goal in sight. It excites me to bring premium fitness to my hometown of Oakland, where I have a desire to elevate the purpose of athletic training for more than a sport or academia. The Combine is more than a gym; it is a facility where a truly supportive community has flourished as they uphold each other in class and keep one another accountable to their own motivations that drew them to my class initially.

Currently we are hoping to assist people with their new year goals now, so they can enter the new year already the new them! An unlimited membership for a 90 day commitment, upon which completed with no pauses, guarantees a free month as a reward. See your transformation within 3 months and see why others think we are special!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that I embody as core values that have paved the way and pace of my life are my charisma, my tenacity, and my composure. I have always been very personable and outgoing in any group setting. This usually distinguished me in leadership roles whether to guide a team, or generate the atmosphere. As much as it felt burdensome, I comfortably rose to the occasion as my ambitions for success keep me bound towards development. This is where my tenacity kicks in and soldiers me through the battles and hurdles I face personally and professionally. I knew that I had a passion to magnify and actualize others’ potential, as I had done for myself since young. So when faced with doubts or naysayers, I use their vitriol as fuel and validation that I am on the right track and to keep moving forward. Gratefully my even keeled composure in any scenario affords me the space to valiantly express my grievances and respectfully convey my recommended solutions. I am never afraid to walk away from a situation that will not serve me, but also discern the complications worth relieving.

As much as charisma is natural, I believe any person with a dream and drive to bear the fruit of that dream can develop the necessary skills and magnetism to benefit their goals. My charisma got me through the door, but persisting through the challenges to learn from; whilst keeping a cool head and calmly accessing the next steps, brought me to today and it can anyone else.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Partnering with passionate professionals across various fields is a vision I have held for awhile. My past experience in the event industry exposed me to the intersectionality of service and wide network of innovative creators. That exposure fed the growing desire to collaborate with others who want to create an environment for folks to feel good about themselves and enjoy the company of others within uniquely curated experiences melding health & wellness, social awareness, food & beverage, and fellowship. I want to work with open minded individuals that present novel ideas and concepts that provide resources and services to communities starved of quality advocacy and care. I am passionate of truly adding to the expansion of my beloved roots of Oakland, so working with others that comprehend the importance of Oakland’s impactful history and trendsetting culture to any new business or brand wishing to thrive in the Bay.

I am always able to be reached by email at ahooper@enterthecombine.com. I am open to discussions to access alignment, as well as working to create new avenues of alignment if the traditional construct doesn’t exist. Paying it forward to the Town that made me, and the people that raised me by standing proud and speaking loud.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Brenton Gieser

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