OUR STORY

 Starting Line Health & Fitness is founded in 2010 with one goal in mind; to be a customer-experience oriented community for athletes.  It all started with Boot Camp in the park where a group of men and women with athletic backgrounds assembled for conditioning workouts inspired by the sport-specific conditioning Coach Chip Werner was known for.  The program quickly grew and it was time for Starting Line to build a permanent home. 

The facility would be dedicated to high school, college, professional and weekend-warrior athletes who all strive to improve. This gym would provide exceptional training and focus funding on exceptional professionals rather than rows of machines and costly overhead. And while other training centers opened and sadly closed their doors, Starting Line remained healthy and strong thanks to the community Coach Chip worked to create.

 The strategy for Starting Line was derailed in 2014 when the Founder suffered a career-altering injury.  Coach Chip’s 30+ year running career quickly ended with two torn ligaments to his right ankle.  This was the first in a series of bizarre coincidences that would guide SLHF moving forward.  Unable to perform the high-energy programming that athletes relied upon, Coach Chip sought new life for Starting Line and found it with an athlete who also endured a career ending injury.

 Aaron Gray left the University of Pittsburgh for the 2007 NBA Draft and was selected in the 2nd round by the Chicago Bulls as the 49th overall pick.  His career would span 9-seasons including time with the New Orleans Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons.  His career also drastically changed in 2014 when a voluntary workout led to a cardiac episode ending his playing career.  A blood clot in his heart moved him from the court and to the bench as an Assistant Coach to Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons. 

 Two athletes with a passion for coaching and sense of community would quickly soon cross paths as they search for their next opportunity.  Aaron acquired ownership of Starting Line Health & Fitness in 2019 allowing Coach Chip to refocus his energy on client care and the future progression of the business.  Enter Nate Collins. Joining the Team as a Co-Owner and Top Trainer, Nate brings a resume filled with 7 years of professional Arena Football and 10+ years in the Fitness Industry. Starting Line Health and Fitness has never been in a better position to Grow into the Future.