Today we’d like to introduce you to Harold Watson
Hi Harold, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Harold Watson, and I’m from Stanton, TN. I am a business owner, certified personal trainer, licensed protection professional, Podcast co-host, and proud father. I’ve called Nashville home since 2010, when I moved here to attend Tennessee State University on a football scholarship. During my time at TSU, I built meaningful relationships and a strong network that continue to support me today.
A significant rule change by the NCAA caused me to lose my senior year of college football. Although I had the option to graduate and return to football in grad school, I made the difficult decision to look beyond the sport and explore new opportunities. The transition was anything but easy—I battled depression for about eight months and temporarily stepped away from school. To regain focus, I prioritized joining organizations, networking, and building connections, which helped me navigate this challenging time. I eventually returned to school, graduated, and began my journey as a business owner and entrepreneur.
I started my fitness career as a trainer at a small, Black-owned gym in Nashville, where I discovered my passion for the fitness industry. This environment shaped and influenced me as a trainer, and within my first year, I was promoted to head trainer. From there, I launched my own business, **Trvp Training**.
I later moved my business to another Black-owned gym in the Antioch area, where my clientele grew rapidly. I brought on two partners to Trvp Training, one of whom is still with me today. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 had a devastating impact on my business—I lost over half of my clients and our physical location. To meet financial responsibilities, I stepped away from fitness training for two years, during which I expanded my skills in the protection industry and forex trading.
In 2022, everything aligned perfectly for my business partner and me to lease our own gym space. We launched **The Lab Training Studio** in a 1,300-square-foot facility, opening our doors on January 1, 2023. In just 18 months, we tripled our space and now operate out of an incredible 6,500-square-foot facility.
Through resilience, hard work, and faith, I’ve been able to navigate life’s challenges, and I remain committed to making an impact in both the fitness and protection industries.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has certainly had its ups and downs—times of smooth progress, uphill climbs toward growth, and downhill moments where it felt like everything might fall apart. I’ve faced significant challenges, including losing my childhood dream of playing professional sports, the devastating impact of COVID-19 on my business, experiencing evictions and homelessness, enduring heartbreak and depression, and even surviving being shot in the back and leg.
Through it all, life has consistently tested my resilience and ability to adapt. However, one thing has remained clear: God’s hand has been present in every step of my journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Lab Training Studio . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
TN. Our goal is to provide a state-of-the-art gym experience, combining modern equipment with expert training and personalized services to create a supportive community for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. We aim to cater to the needs of the local community, including individuals of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. For so long now, we have been told that people want corporate amenities with a personalized feel and we are here to fill that void. The Lab aims to be a light and inspiration in our community. To be a center for the culture to live and flow freely. To be a place of transformation for the body, a light for the mind, and food for the soul.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I expect the industry to incorporate more technology and recovery and we plan to move with the industry,
Pricing:
- $19.99 base membership
- Free Band class Saturday 9am
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelabtrainingstudio.online/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelabtrainingstudio_?igsh=MWE5aHZ0Y3NyZmhqMQ==
- Other: https://linktr.ee/elev8tedpodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6d9fd015-04c6-49d7-8a09-608fea8de765
