When you visit Warren-T Fitness, the emblem featuring a striking Doberman immediately catches your eye. Terrance Warren, the proud owner, shares the story behind this unique logo.

“The dog, that is Zelda.” Zelda is Warren’s family dog that you can catch running around the gym. “She’s amazing and there’s plenty of days you can catch her running around here or somewhere over there chilling, but we decided to go ahead and throw her in the logo.”

The logo was inspired by Warren’s wife, who suggested rebranding after nine years. Warren and his wife decided that Zelda was a good way to remember the brand by. This personal touch embodies the welcoming and family-oriented atmosphere that Warren-T Fitness is known for.

From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Warren’s Journey

Warren’s passion for fitness began long before he opened his own gym. With a background steeped in sports, Warren transitioned from being an athlete to a dedicated fitness professional.

“My background, years as an athlete. I worked for the YMCA actually. I did human resources, did some managing, got to a point of growth where I need to get some experience in another department.”

His tenure at the YMCA allowed him to explore various facets of fitness and wellness, ultimately igniting his love for personal training and teaching classes, but Warren felt the need to embark on his own adventure.

“I worked with the YMCA for about eight years at that point in time. And the growth was happening where I just needed my own. So, I started my own company, which now will be 10 and a half years ago. April will be 11 years.”

Starting by training at an apartment complex, Warren’s dedication and expertise laid the foundation for what would become Warren-T Fitness.

Choosing Spring Branch: A Community Like No Other

In February 2023, Warren opened the Spring Branch location of Warren-T Fitness, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey. Spring Branch, known for its strong sense of community, proved to be the perfect fit.

“The Spring Branch area is definitely different from any other area. It’s the family feeling that I definitely love. It’s grown on me.”

Warren was convinced by a friend to explore the Briar Grove, Tanglewood, and Piney Point areas. Seeing the potential, he decided to establish his gym here.

“A friend of mine owns Slowpoke’s and he convinced me to come over and take a look at this area. And I saw the vision of where it was going and it’s been the best decision ever.”

The unwavering support from the Spring Branch community has been instrumental in Warren-T Fitness’ success.

“Spring Branch honestly wants their own to succeed. So, from it doesn’t matter what side of Long Point, you know, people like to divide it, but there is no real division because everyone wants to get healthy. Everyone wants the same things, but it just comes from a little bit different backgrounds. And so, to get their Spring Branch, honestly, they just rally behind you and it’s just been a great family feeling.”

A Unique Approach to Fitness

Warren-T Fitness stands out in the crowded fitness industry by offering a diverse range of classes tailored to various needs and preferences.

“We are a training gym, but we do have a full scale of group exercise classes. So, we have classes of a HIIT, circuit, boot camp. We have a total body strength and conditioning, which is lighter weights and dumbbells because we have the personal training.”

Additionally, the gym caters to specific demographics with programs like Active Aging for those 55 and up, men’s- and women’s-only workouts, and upcoming kids-only programs. This comprehensive approach ensures that everyone in the community can find a workout that suits their lifestyle and fitness goals.

A Family Affair

Warren-T Fitness is not just a business; it’s a family endeavor. Warren incorporates his loved ones into the daily operations, fostering a warm and inviting environment.

“We are a family business and no better way than to show it by actually having my son here. And so, I bring him in whenever he’s out of school, we’re waking up. He comes in, he cleans, he mops, he pulls towels, he checks people in.”

Warren’s commitment to involving his family underscores the gym’s dedication to creating a community where everyone feels welcome.

“People seeing him here truly cracks down on the fact of, hey, yes, this is a family environment. Everyone is welcome. I love it.”

Vision for the Future: Growth and Legacy

Looking ahead, Warren has ambitious plans for Warren-T Fitness. He aims to expand and solidify the gym’s presence in the community.

“My vision, people who know me, I’ve said it for years. I’m retiring at 50. I just turned 40 this year. My goal was always to open a gym when I turned 40. I got a head start on it and I started at 38. But my goal is in five years, I will definitely have a second location. I don’t know where it’ll be, but I will have a second location.”

In the next decade, Warren envisions Warren-T Fitness becoming a staple in the community, recognized not just by his name but as a trusted brand.

“Building a true staple in the community is what I’m trying to do. I want people to know the brand, not just know me, but they know the brand. And from there, just make it bigger than I expected.”

Advice for Aspiring Trainers

“My biggest advice would be listen to your brain. Don’t sit there and take somebody else’s vision and try and make it your own. Find a lane and fill it. That was the best advice I ever got in business. So anyone who sees a boy anywhere in any business or industry, if you can find a way for you to fill a lane that is unfilled, it doesn’t matter if anyone comes behind you and copies you like you were the first one to do it, they can copy you, but it’s not the same. You are already steps ahead. And so that was the best advice someone gave me. And that’s the advice I always give new trainers is to find a lane and fill it.”

Join the Warren-T Fitness Family

Warren invites everyone in Spring Branch to experience the welcoming and supportive environment at Warren-T Fitness.

“You want to get in here? Come here.”

With a commitment to excellence, community, and family, Warren-T Fitness exemplifies the spirit of Black History Month by showcasing the resilience and dedication of a black-owned business making a positive impact.

Join Terrance and his family in their mission to build a healthier, stronger community.