Meet Kris Herbert | The Gym Venice

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kris Herbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kris, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There comes a moment in life when you reach a crossroads—one path leads to a life spent building someone else’s dream, the other to building your own. For most of my early years, I worked tirelessly to prove my worth to others, hoping that effort alone would earn recognition, stability, or even fulfillment. But instead, I found myself a replaceable piece in someone else’s machine—used, discarded, and left wondering what it was all for.

In that moment of disillusionment, I made a decision. I would no longer pour my energy into dreams that weren’t my own. I wasn’t just seeking financial reward—I was reclaiming my time, my purpose, my identity. I decided that if I was going to work myself to the bone, it would be in service of my vision. I had my why. Now I just had to figure out how.

That decision demanded more risk than I’d ever taken before—but oddly, that risk didn’t scare me. What scared me more was what would happen if I didn’t leap. For the first time, uncertainty didn’t feel threatening—it felt liberating. I had no idea what the future held. Would I become a chiropractor? A trauma surgeon? A butcher? The beauty was in the not knowing. Anything felt possible.

I spent years chasing that sense of possibility, pivoting when paths grew cold, adjusting course when life called for it. I made a deal with myself: I would never say no to discomfort. If a door opened, I would walk through it—no matter where it led. Some were dead ends. Some were costly. But a few were exactly what I needed. Each step taught me something invaluable: resilience, perspective, and, most importantly, belief in myself.

All the while, my ‘why’ burned steady inside me—and eventually, the pieces began to connect. I realized no one could ever see my worth more clearly than I could. That truth left me with only one path: entrepreneurship.

I’d seen it done. People I admired had turned passion into purpose, and purpose into profit. If they could do it, so could I. And when I looked back on the through-line of my life, it was clear: physical strength had always been my foundation. It gave me clarity when everything else felt chaotic. It gave me confidence when I was at my lowest. It wasn’t just lifting weights—it was lifting my entire life.

That became my ‘how.’ I would build a business grounded in strength—not just physical, but emotional, mental, and personal. I would help others find what I had found: a sense of power that starts in the body and spills into every corner of life.

I wish I could say the rest fell into place—that from that point on, everything was smooth sailing. But that was only the beginning. The road ahead was long and uncertain. But this time, I wasn’t walking someone else’s path. I was carving my own.

And that has made all the difference.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I run a personal training gym in Venice that focuses on strength and mobility for people over 40. We’re not about chasing trends or selling quick fixes—we’re about helping real people build real strength that carries over into their daily lives. What sets us apart is our commitment to thoughtful, personalized coaching. Every session is built around the individual in front of us, not a cookie-cutter workout plan. Our mission is simple: to help people move better, feel stronger, and reclaim confidence in their bodies—especially those who may have felt overlooked or underserved by the fitness industry.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Like many small business owners, I started this with a lot of passion and very little certainty. I took risks. I pivoted—more than once. There were seasons of growth, and seasons where I wasn’t sure we’d make it to the next month. But the hard days taught me the most. I learned how to lead, how to listen, and how to double down on the things that actually matter—showing up, doing the work, and putting people first.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the space we’ve built—it’s the impact we’ve had on our clients. Watching someone walk in unsure of themselves and walk out stronger, more mobile, and more confident—that never gets old. That’s what fuels me.

If there’s one thing I’d want the world to know about our story, it’s this: we believe strength is for everyone, and it’s never too late to start. We’re not just building stronger bodies—we’re building a community that values resilience, growth, and longevity. That’s the legacy we’re working toward every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, we’d do it right—no tourist traps, just the real gems.

We’d kick things off with some serious laughs at The Comedy Store—the best stand-up in town, hands down. You never know who’s going to show up, and that’s part of the magic. It’s raw, it’s iconic, and it always delivers. For a different vibe but just as much fun, we’d hit The Laugh Factory another night—never a dull moment in that room either.

Now, for food—Irori Sushi is my go-to when I want to impress. You take your shoes off, sit traditional-style, and get absolutely spoiled. It’s hands down the sexiest sushi spot in LA. And if we’re talking cocktails, The Market is where it’s at. The 72 Special is the best cocktail in the city—period. No debate.

Midweek, we’d slow it down with a morning hike through Solstice Canyon. It’s the perfect kind of difficult—challenging enough to feel it, but with a trailhead payoff that makes every step worth it. Plus, it gives you that rare LA moment where it’s just you, the canyon, and the view.

For something fresh and local, we’d stop by Dudley St Market—the squash blossoms there are next level. Sexy, seasonal, and always on point. Then we’d wrap up one night at Largo at the Coronet, one of the most intimate, inspiring venues in town. Comedy, music, storytelling—whatever’s on, it’s going to be good.

That’s my LA—laughter, food, movement, and a little magic. Every stop tells a story. Every moment counts.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s my absolute honor to recognize a true miracle worker: Amir Jannat of Amiracle Pain Studio. In my experience, Amir is one of the most gifted and intuitive bodyworkers and pain management specialists in the field. His ability to use symptoms as a roadmap to uncover and treat the root cause of pain is nothing short of extraordinary. His talent is rare, his impact profound—and I’m proud to shine a spotlight on this true healer.

Website: https://www.thegymvenice.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegymvenice

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/Kris Herbert

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegymvenice

Image Credits
@vibelizabeth_