As a decorated combat veteran and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Shawn Gundrum takes his training routine very seriously. A former CrossFitter who spends at least five days in the gym each week, the Arlington, Virginia, resident has long been fascinated by functional fitness aimed at protecting and preserving the body. So when he learned about the MADabolic concept in 2018, he had to try it. By Jessica Jones

As a decorated combat veteran and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Shawn Gundrum takes his training routine very seriously. A former CrossFitter who spends at least five days in the gym each week, the Arlington, Virginia, resident has long been fascinated by functional fitness aimed at protecting and preserving the body. So when he learned about the MADabolic concept in 2018, he had to try it.

“I loved everything about it from the very first class,” Gundrum said. “The trainer was high-energy, the music was great and the workout was different than anything I had ever done before – entirely focused on momentum, anaerobic and durability. It motivated me from the start and I very quickly saw results.”

Gundrum, a partner and CEO of a consulting firm in northern Virginia, appreciated the variety of time slots and diversity of each class. He said the workouts themselves reminded him of the military mindset.

“At West Point and as an armor officer, you are always encouraged to push yourself further than you think you can go,” Gundrum said. “I feel like the MADabolic trainers motivate in a similar manner – they push you to the limit and then help you go beyond it.”

Founded in 2011 by former professional hockey players Kirk Dewaele and Brandon Cullen, the North Carolina-headquartered fitness franchise focuses on strength-driven interval training designed to torch body fat, increase strength and promote lean muscle. The group fitness setting encourages attendees to push their own limits with challenging work-to-rest ratios, all while channeling their inner athlete.

“You’re surrounded by like-minded people. MADabolic classes are full of athletes who want to go that extra mile,” Gundrum said. “Never once in any of my 400-plus sessions have I ever had a bad experience.”

For information about MADabolic franchising opportunities, visit madabolic.com/own-a-madabolic.

– Jessica Jones