Sometimes the next chapter in your career begins with something you never expected to love. For Leslie Gonzalez, that something was strength training. Leslie is the new owner of The Exercise Coach; her path to Cleveland Park has been anything but conventional.

Leslie grew up in a military family, so moving was a familiar part of childhood. By the mid-1990s, she had left the United States to pursue a career in international development, eventually working with USAID on economic development initiatives focused on marginalized communities in developing countries. She moved to Washington, DC, in 2018 and continued her work in international development until this year, when the government agency she was working for USAID was abolished.

Leslie began thinking about what she wanted her next professional chapter to look like. Then, a conversation with a former boss in her mid-70s introduced her to an unexpected possibility. Her former boss couldn’t stop talking about an amazing strength-building workout she had discovered at The Exercise Coach. Leslie was convinced it was probably a scam aimed at getting older people to exercise. So naturally, she signed up for a free introductory session, partly to see what all the fuss was about and, as Leslie tells it, perhaps to expose the scam.

Instead, she was blown away. After her first session, Leslie was surprised. After her second introductory session, she was hooked. But she didn’t just want to become a client. She wanted to become an owner. Leslie decided to purchase a franchise with a long-term goal of opening several Exercise Coach locations throughout the DC area. For her, the business is about more than fitness. She sees the potential to create meaningful employment opportunities for people who may be looking for hands-on, people-focused work rather than a traditional desk job.

Her enthusiasm for The Exercise Coach, however, extends well beyond the workout itself. She’s also fallen in love with Cleveland Park. The neighborhood’s walkability, charming character, strong community, and prime Connecticut Avenue location made it feel like the perfect place to launch her new venture.

Whether you’re a longtime fitness enthusiast, someone looking to build strength, or simply a skeptic who wants to see what the buzz is about, Leslie would love to introduce you to The Exercise Coach.

Leslie Gonzalez

The Exercise Coach (3333 Connecticut Avenue NW)

Sessions are available by appointment only:

  • Monday–Friday: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 6:00 AM–1:00 PM