According to the CDC, 75% of Americans fail to meet the physical activity guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Every January, gyms fill with hopefuls chasing fresh-start resolutions. Yet by June, most fail their goals. Research shows that 50% of new gym members quit within six months, and 67% rarely use their memberships consistently. The reasons are familiar: lack of motivation, no clear plan, inconsistent routines, and little to no support. Furthermore, most traditional gyms emphasize intensity but often neglect any attention to restorative care. Without this necessary step, progress can stall and injuries are more likely. Factor in daily work and family responsibilities, and it’s no wonder that building and sustaining a healthy lifestyle often feels overwhelming.
Karlin Soelberg knows first-hand the challenges of maintaining health amidst a demanding career. She envisioned a facility that empowered people to achieve optimal health and vitality, leading her to establish Empowered Fitness & Recovery, LLC, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The wellness club was conceived to bridge the gap between intense fitness regimens and the often-overlooked importance of recovery. “Our mission is to provide a sanctuary where individuals can pursue their fitness goals while receiving the necessary support to recover, rejuvenate, and thrive,” Soelberg explains. Her holistic approach sets a path for success by focusing on three strategic pillars, fitness, nutrition, and accountability, while ensuring consistent support.
The club offers a synergistic blend of high-intensity training and advanced recovery services. The variety of fitness offerings ranges from group Body Pump, semi-private training, and boxing, to corporate, private, and semi-private yoga sessions, and recovery modalities include cold plunge, infrared sauna, and red light therapy. Soelberg is proud of the facility’s ability to cater to their clients’ needs, explaining, “What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a community that empowers individuals to achieve sustainable health and wellness.” To share this fitness philosophy with a global audience, Soelberg coauthored the “Get The Edge” series with Tony Figueroa. The three books in the series are “Fitness & Recovery Strategies for Peak Performance”, “Hormone Health for Women”, and “Fitness & Recovery Strategies for Teens”, all available on Amazon.
While Soelberg didn’t come from a traditional fitness background, her personal journey in overcoming injuries coupled with a passion for holistic health led her to this venture. What she lacked in formal fitness industry experience, she made up for with vision and drive, but as a first-time entrepreneur, launching a business from the ground up came with real challenges. Soelberg particularly needed guidance with navigating the complexities of financial projections and operations to bring her vision to fruition.
Soelberg worked with two advisors at the Illinois SBDC at Harper College, Margaret Johnsson and Kevin McVearry. Each played a pivotal role at different stages of her entrepreneurial journey.
Before Empowered Fitness & Recovery opened its doors, Johnsson supported Soelberg with promotional strategies for her book. As the focus shifted fully to launching the wellness club, their conversations turned to legal structure and ownership arrangements. Financial concerns such as compensation and commission structures were reviewed. Johnsson used LivePlan to model profitability based on different facility layouts. Together, they developed a comprehensive business plan tailored to the unique blend of fitness and recovery services Soelberg envisioned. While many entrepreneurs find the process of writing a business plan intimidating or tedious, Karlin embraced it as an essential step in bringing clarity and structure to her ideas. Beyond internal planning, the plan was submitted to potential landlords to secure a commercial lease for the space. Interestingly, Empowered opened in a different location than originally planned, proof of the importance of flexibility, foresight, and a solid planning process.
McVearry helped Soelberg fine-tune financial projections, evaluate service offerings, and calculate realistic startup and operational costs. They analyzed staffing requirements, considered pricing structures, and mapped out workflow logistics. McVearry reviewed her business plan and leases as she considered two different locations. He also conducted in-person walk-throughs of potential spaces alongside Soelberg, providing feedback on floor plan options, customer flow, and layout configurations. His advice helped translate vision into functionality, ensuring that the physical space would support both the day-to-day operations and long-term business goals.
Both Johnsson and McVearry continue their role as advisors as the business transitions from launch to growth phase.
They provided invaluable support in refining our business plan, offering insights into financial projections, and advising on marketing strategies. Their expertise was instrumental in transforming our concept into a tangible, operational business.
Soelberg highly recommends the SBDC at Harper College to any entrepreneur, citing their invaluable resources and mentorship. “Their support can significantly impact the trajectory of a small business, providing the tools and knowledge necessary for success.”
Soelberg envisions a vibrant future for Empowered Fitness & Recovery, LLC, with plans to expand services and reach a broader audience. She intends to incorporate innovative wellness technologies and build partnerships that reflect the club’s mission and achieve their goal of becoming a leading authority in integrated fitness and recovery solutions. Her approach to entrepreneurship mirrors her philosophy on health – holistic, intentional, and rooted in long-term growth. For Soelberg, running a business isn’t just about profit, it’s about purpose.
Asked to share one piece of advice with aspiring business owners, she echoes her wellness mindset: “Embrace the journey with resilience and adaptability. Challenges are inevitable, but with a clear vision and the willingness to seek support, success is within reach.”
To learn more about the Illinois SBDC at Harper College, visit their website.
To learn more about Empowered Fitness & Recovery, visit their website.
With more than 20 years of experience as a holistic health practitioner and licensed massage therapist, Baugh has now created a unique business that blends her expertise in trauma-informed wellness education and somatic mental health therapy.