Meet Kenny Bennett Jr of Train 36ixty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenny Bennett Jr.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Kenny Bennett
Age: 34
Hometown: Clarksville, TN
Business Owner: Train 36ixty Sports Performance and Fitness

First, I want to give all honor and glory to God. I am where I am and who I am because of him. I grew up in Clarksville, TN, as a two-sport athlete who was always smaller than everyone else on the field. Early on, I realized that I needed to put in extra work off the field to make up for my size, which sparked my passion for strength and conditioning—long before I even knew what that meant.

This passion followed me to college, where I fell in love with the field of Exercise Science. During that time, my good friend Shawn Conley and I set a goal to open a strength, conditioning, and rehab facility in our hometown. We wanted to create something unique—especially for the Black community—since we hadn’t seen anything like it locally. The plan was for Shawn, a future physical therapist, to focus on rehab, while I would handle personal training and sports performance.

Tragically, Shawn passed away the following summer while we were on break. His loss deeply impacted me, and I made it my personal mission to turn our dream into reality.

I went on to earn my Master’s Degree in Exercise Science from Middle Tennessee State University while working as a graduate teaching assistant. Throughout my studies, I would return home on weekends to train fat loss clients and the top high school basketball players in the area. These experiences shaped my approach to training and deepened my commitment to building something impactful.

In 2016, shortly after graduation, I opened Train 36ixty Sports Performance and Fitness. Since then, we’ve been dedicated to helping athletes and community members achieve their goals, honoring the vision Shawn and I originally had.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Entrepreneurship is one of the toughest challenges anyone can take on, but it’s equally rewarding. You need thick skin, relentless drive, and an unwavering faith that can withstand any storm. Over the past decade, we’ve faced countless setbacks, but I’m proud to say we’ve made it through—and are celebrating 10 years in business.

One of the most significant challenges came in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. As the government mandated the closure of all fitness facilities for three months, we suddenly found ourselves without income while still responsible for rent and the overhead costs of running the gym. It was an incredibly tough period, but it also tested our resilience.

During this time, I have to give a huge shoutout to my close friend and business partner, Tim Wisdom. Our moms grew up together, we grew up together, and we’ve been like brothers ever since. Tim had just gotten out of the Marines and came to help me run the gym. His support and leadership were instrumental in keeping Train 36ixty afloat during those uncertain months.

To adapt, we pivoted to online training, hosting donation-based live sessions on social media, and selling our merchandise to keep the business going. That experience taught me a crucial lesson: in business, you don’t have time to sit and dwell on the challenges. You have to take the hit, regroup, and find a way to fight back.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the support of my team, our community, and the lessons learned during that trying time. It made us stronger and more resilient as a business—and as individuals.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Train 36ixty?
Train 36ixty provides a wide range of Fitness, Health and Performance Enhancement. Train 36ixty is located in Clarksville, TN but extends services to surrounding areas throughout the Middle Tennessee region. We train athletes of all ages, no matter the sport, as well as any individual seeking improved fitness. Members of the Train36ixty family have experience in fields such as Division 1 athletics, corporate fitness, bodybuilding, and enhanced fitness of general and special populations.

We hold a standard of providing constant motivation, education, and structured fitness programming. Our family is dedicated to getting the results our client’s desire. A client’s goal is our goal and we give it our all here at Train36ixty. We also strive to enhance the quality of life in the Clarksville, TN through our fitness philosophy, facility, and culture. Our ultimate mission is to instill in the lives of people everywhere the importance of a maintained level of health and fitness.

Our principles stem from years of experience in the strength and conditioning and personal training field. Our programs consist of three basic, but very important components.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in business is that resilience is everything. Entrepreneurship will test you in ways you never imagined—from financial struggles to unexpected obstacles like the pandemic. The ability to keep moving forward, adapt, and find solutions when things go sideways is what sets successful businesses apart from the rest.

In our journey with Train 36ixty, we’ve faced challenges that could have easily made us fold. Whether it was the financial strain during COVID-19 or the everyday hurdles of managing and growing a business, the key has always been to remain adaptable and persistent. You can’t control every situation, but you can control how you respond to it.

One phrase that has stuck with me is: “The Marathon Continues” It’s not a sprint, you have to have endurance. You have to take the hit, analyze the situation, and find a way to bounce back stronger. Complaining doesn’t move you forward—action does.

Another crucial lesson is the importance of community and partnerships. Surrounding yourself with the right people who believe in the vision and are willing to go through the highs and lows with you makes all the difference. My business partner Tim Wisdom is a prime example of that. His commitment to our mission has been invaluable, especially during tough times. Not just serving our community, be being engrained and active in it is also something we thrive on. Going to local athlete games, throwing charity events, sponsoring local teams and schools are just some of the ways we accomplish that mission.

Ultimately, the journey has taught me to be grateful for the challenges because they’ve shaped me into a stronger, more resourceful leader. If you can learn to embrace the struggle and keep pushing forward, success will follow.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @Train36ixty
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/T36ixty