You Won’t Believe What This Trophy Club Gym is Doing for 40+ Fitness Enthusiasts! Shocking Results Inside!

In January 2019, Dr. John Dougherty took a leap of faith, opening Conquer Fitness in Frisco, Texas. Armed with a doctorate in physical therapy, two personal loans, and five maxed-out credit cards, he transformed a dream into reality. Fast forward to today, and Dougherty has not only survived but thrived, expanding his fitness empire to six locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the latest being in Trophy Club, which opened in April 2024.

Conquer Fitness targets a unique demographic: clients aged 40 and older. Dougherty explained, “The bulk of the clients come in with an initial weight loss goal; once they start strength training, they’re getting results on weight loss. They are also stronger, not in pain, moving better, and have more energy and flexibility. Overall, they feel better, and that’s what creates the addiction—to the long-term journey.” This approach not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters a community of support and motivation among clients.

The structure of Conquer Fitness is designed to be accessible. Participants engage in semi-private sessions limited to six individuals, allowing for personalized attention during a one-hour full-body workout led by trainers. Sessions are offered throughout the day, starting as early as 5 a.m. and running until 7 p.m., with options for beginners, intermediates, and advanced clients. “About half of our clients are beginners—they either have never strength trained before, or it's been 10 to 15 years and they're just getting back into it,” Dougherty noted. This inclusivity encourages those who may have felt intimidated by traditional gym environments to take that critical first step toward better health.

Before starting any workout regimen, clients undergo an initial consultation with a studio director. Dougherty emphasizes the importance of this one-on-one assessment, stating, “You'll do a deep dive into goals, exercise and injury history.” Following this, clients participate in a movement screen that introduces them to five basic movements, teaching them fundamental form and technique. This tailored approach ensures that each client knows their starting point and how to adapt workouts to suit their individual needs from day one.

Following the unexpected success of achieving his initial goal of building a million-dollar gym within just five years, Dougherty has set his sights even higher. His new ambition is to open 100 locations of Conquer Fitness across the United States by 2034. Currently, he remains the sole proprietor of the Frisco gym while sharing ownership of the other five locations with his business partner, Prasanna Singaraju. The company’s core values—integrity, grit, and growth—are instilled in every aspect of the business. Dougherty passionately explained, “[The] growth mindset is continuously learning, [being] continuously hungry—never complacent. In business, you're either growing or you're dying.”

The success of Conquer Fitness is indicative of a growing trend in the fitness industry, which is increasingly recognizing the importance of catering to older adults. As more individuals in this age group seek to improve their physical health, businesses that provide tailored solutions are well-positioned for growth. Dougherty’s journey from a single gym in Frisco to a burgeoning fitness network serves as both inspiration and a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs in the health and wellness sector.

With an emphasis on community, individualized training, and a commitment to long-term health, Conquer Fitness not only transforms bodies but also lives. As Dougherty continues to expand his vision, it is clear that he is not just building a fitness business; he is fostering a movement toward healthier, more active lifestyles for all ages.