We share the story of an Alloy coach, Chris Hogan, who lost 100 pounds and set his life on a journey turning pain into passion. With the right mindset and support system, radical change is possible.
At Alloy Personal Training, the phrase “changing lives” isn’t just marketing speak—it’s a mission. And no one embodies that mission better than the Alloy Coach Chris Hogan.In a powerful episode of the Alloy Personal Training Business Podcast, founder Rick Mayo sits down with Chris to unpack his extraordinary weight loss journey, overcoming a lifelong stutter, and finding his calling as a coach who now helps others discover their own strength.
This story isn’t just about transformation—it’s about perseverance, humility, and purpose. Whether you’re a fitness professional, a prospective Alloy franchisee, or someone simply looking for inspiration,
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A Wake-Up Call at 24
Chris’s journey began in January 2021. At the time, he was working a corporate job at Apple, weighed nearly 300 pounds, and had never stepped foot in a gym. On top of that, he had lived with a heavy speech stutter since childhood. But something clicked that January. Call it a resolution or a reckoning—Chris realized that if he didn’t make a change now, he might never get another chance. On January 18, 2021, he walked into a Planet Fitness for the first time.
“I was overweight my whole life,” Chris says. “I never played sports. I wasn’t athletic. I was the kid who got bullied, and I carried a lot of that with me into adulthood. I had no idea what I was doing, but I told myself: once you walk in, you’re not walking back out.”
Teaching Himself to Train—and to Speak
In just two months, Chris lost 30 pounds. He walked daily, lifted weights without formal instruction, and leaned into YouTube and online content to guide his progress.
But perhaps even more impressively, he began to tackle the stutter that had plagued him his entire life.
“I stopped talking for a while to teach myself how to think before I speak,” Chris says. “That was the start of everything—getting control of my words and my body.”
By the end of 2021, Chris had lost 100 pounds. But he wasn’t done yet.
From Client to Coach: Finding His Passion
In early 2022, Chris realized that fitness had become more than just a personal mission—it had become his passion. He was still at Apple, doing the same desk job, and I hated it. Chris says. “I loved going to the gym. I couldn’t wait for the next day. That’s when I knew: this is what I want to do.”
Chris earned his personal training certification from ISSA in just seven days. (It usually takes six months.) He bought the textbook, studied nonstop, and passed the final exam that same week. That’s how serious he was. Shortly after, he interviewed with several gyms—and Alloy stood out.
Becoming an Alloy Coach
Chris started coaching at Alloy Dunwoody and eventually expanded his role to include coaching at Windermere and West Roswell. His charisma, work ethic, and relatability quickly earned him recognition from franchisees and clients alike. Today, he’s known as a high-energy coach who brings humor, heart, and relentless positivity to every session.
“This job isn’t work,” Chris says. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I would do it for free.”
Why Chris Chose Alloy
When asked what makes Alloy special, Chris doesn’t hesitate: it’s the people. Chris’s personal transformation allows him to connect with clients on a deeper level, especially those struggling with weight loss or confidence.
“I love Alloy because we’re not just coaching workouts—we’re building community,” he explains. “Clients walk in nervous, unsure, maybe defeated. We help them leave feeling like winners. I’ve been there. So when a client says, ‘I’m not sure I can do this,’ I can say, ‘Yes, you can—and I’ll help you every step of the way.’”
A Coach with No Ego—Just Impact
Chris believes that the key to great coaching isn’t knowledge—it’s humility and empathy. “This job is about learning every single day,” he says. “I don’t walk in thinking I know it all. Every client teaches me something new. People ask if I write my own workouts. I don’t need to because every client is different. My job is to coach them through what works for them—not my ego.”
”Rick Mayo echoes this sentiment: “Chris brings zero ego. He’s a student of the game, and that’s what makes him so powerful.”
Chris also emphasizes that Alloy’s structured programming isn’t a limitation—it’s a foundation.
Advice for New Coaches
Chris offers this advice to anyone starting out in the fitness industry:
- Be accountable: “If you’re going to coach people, you have to hold yourself to a high standard.”
- Stay curious: “Learn from every session, every client, every mistake.”
- Build rapport: “Your client isn’t just a number. Know their name, their story, and their ‘why.’”
- Push with compassion: “Challenge your clients—but always make them feel like they accomplished something.”
Advice for New Clients
To clients struggling to stay consistent or believe in themselves, He makes it a priority to understand each client’s story and tailor the workout experience accordingly.
Chris shares, “Your mindset is everything. Walk in like you’re going to win. If you don’t feel that yet, let your coach help you get there. Ask the client why they’re here. If you know that, you know how to guide them.”
Building a Coaching Culture
Chris doesn’t just coach individuals—he builds communities. When you introduce a new client to others in the session, next thing you know, they’re friends. That’s the culture we’re creating. He views himself as a conduit for connection. Whether it’s a high-five, a joke, or just listening, you want every client to feel like they belong there.
Coaching Across Multiple Locations
Chris currently works at three different Alloy franchises, thanks to the support of local owners. The flexibility and collaboration between locations is amazing. Chris If one studio needs help, he is able to be there. It’s all about the team.
Rick adds, “That’s one of the advantages of Alloy’s close-knit franchise model—coaches like Chris can thrive and contribute across multiple clubs.”
The Road Ahead
Chris’s future at Alloy is just beginning. He’s already expressed an interest in growing into leadership—and maybe even owning a studio one day.
Rick concludes the podcast with high praise: “Chris, you’re in the right seat. This is your calling. And I’m proud to have you in the Alloy family.”
Final Thoughts
Chris Hogan’s story is a masterclass in grit, transformation, and the power of purpose. He lost 100 pounds, overcame a stutter, and turned his pain into power—all so he could help others do the same.
If you’re a coach, a franchise owner, or someone starting your own fitness journey, transformation starts with one step. But it grows through consistency, compassion, and community.
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Key Takeaways
- Intro (00:00)
- Chris Hogan’s background and personal journey (02:05)
- Transition to becoming a trainer (05:52)
- Chris Hogan’s role at Alloy (08:48)
- Advice for new coaches and clients (10:08)
- Building client confidence and accountability (22:10)
- Final thoughts and future aspirations (25:26)
Other information: