Jack Hauprich and Chris Chacon mapped out their business plan in the gym at the University of Southern Maine in Portland.  The two graduates of Camden Hills Regional High School, had never before met, yet they discovered a mutual passion for strength and conditioning training, and a vision for a career in fitness. That summer, CJ Strength & Conditioning, LLC was born. 

From its humble, damp-basement beginnings, CJSC has made an impression on the Midocast, and now the trainers are excited about moving into larger (heated!) digs on Route 90 in Warren (about 1.5 miles south of the routes 90/17 intersection). 

"The most important thing for me, was not to go into debt,” said Hauprich, in a press release. “We actually met with our banker last year and went so far as to get approved for a large loan for some big equipment items, but after thinking long and hard, we decided against it.  Just too many variables.”

Hauprich, who also does tree work, said: “If I have to cut trees a while longer, I'll cut trees a while longer."

The big test for the trainers was wondering if clients would keep coming back to their less-than-flashy location.  Their training would have to be top-notch. 

"We knew we had to dazzle our clients with results and service, so they wouldn't notice the ice buildup on the windows, " said Chacon.

For two years, Hauprich and Chacon have proceeded with caution — making do, and working other jobs to make their dream a reality: to own a facility where they can work on their mission of "bringing extraordinary fitness to ordinary people." they said. 

They've worked with individuals, high school athletic teams and women's groups.

"Fitness isn't just a nice thing to have," said Hauprich, who is listed as No. 21Crossfit's Fittest Man in Maine. "It's a requirement for a healthier, better life in a lot of measurable ways. But the kind of 'fitness' that's being sold to the public today is a picture of young, lean bodies in expensive clothes on the latest trendy machines. That's intimidating. It's also unrealistic for most of the population.  But being at a healthy weight, and building strength and flexibility from whatever level you're currently at — these are all attainable, and you don't have to buy in to gimmicks and popular culture.  Go back to basics.  Old-school fitness is where it's at."

"I like to compete for fun,” said Hauprich, who added: “And next time I'll be higher on that list." 

Hauprich was a five-sport athlete in high school, and wrestled for Springfield College in 2012.  It was there that he discovered Strong Man competitions, participated in charity fitness events and got a taste for competing. Eventually, he'd like to see Strong Man and other competitions in Maine, and hopes he can be a part of that.

"We realize that 'going to the gym' doesn't appeal to everyone, so we provide alternatives,” said Chacon. “Working with other area fitness professionals, we're now offering dance classes,
yoga, pilates, strength and conditioning classes, women's self-defense classes, and soon we'll offer dance fitness classes - the most diverse offerings in the area." 

And sometimes, they said , clients come for other reasons, like improving coordination or reflexes, or strengthening muscles after an injury.

CJ Strength also operates a membership-based fitness website (cjstrength.com), with hundreds of videos and workouts the duo has written, filmed and edited themselves. 

"We started out targeting people our age," said 24-year-old Chacon, especially young people joining emergency services (Hauprich serves on the Camden Fire Department).  "We realized through feedback from our clients that the theme of the website was too intimidating, exactly the opposite of what we were setting out to do." 

They are currently working with a California firm to revamp the website, and they will have a re-launch in time for the holidays.

"We were told we wouldn't get rich here in Maine," Chacon said. "So that was kind of a bummer.  Everyone likes to think they can get rich someday." 

But the men are driven by something deeper. 

"We could have 10, 20 clients and charge what most personal trainers charge, and do very well, financially,” he said. “But we know that not everyone can afford that.  So we try to keep costs down and work within people's budgets."

Sometimes, being patient gets frustrating. 

"I wish our grand opening could showcase shiny, new equipment," saidHauprich. "But our current inventory works very well.  For now."  

Adequate space is the key.  He recalls teaching an early client how to make weights out of cement poured into laundry soap jugs. 

"That guy was so appreciative," he said.  "We didn't sell him anything, we taught him techniques to exercise where he wouldn't sustain injuries, and checked in with him from time to time.  I think he worked harder because of it." 

That client moved across country to be with family, but they still email from time to time. 

"And that", saidhis trainer, "is what it's all about."

CJ Strength opened at The Pitch on Monday, October 24.  The public is welcome to visit and meet with Jack and Chris, sign up for any of their classes (preregistration also available online -  bit.ly/cjstrengthgym - or call 207-230-4240), and talk about fitness goals. 

Current class schedule:

6 to 7 a.m.: cardio

7 to 8 a.m.: strength and conditioning

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.:  open gym

3 to 4 p.m.: strength and conditioning 

4 to 5 p.m.:  cardio

6 to 7 p.m.:  intro to weightlifting