Who We Are

IMOC Fitness was born in Irvine, CA. Before the gym opened, we created a manifesto — a single sheet of paper that defined what IMOC Fitness stands for.

Mission Statement

To contribute to our community by creating a safe space where members can gain tools to elevate their quality of life.

Philosophy

At IMOC Fitness we believe that in order to gain physical and mental resilience in our day-to-day life we need a perfect balance between safety and stress. Training safely is good, but if fear keeps us from exposing our body in a stressful state, then our body will not know how to react when life hits us.

Core Values

• Intentional Coaching — Our members trust us with their health and livelihoods. We take that seriously.
• Take Responsibility — We own our members' failures and wins alike. When a member doesn't reach their goals, we ask: what could we have done differently?
• Create a Safe Place — Understand past traumas, stress thresholds, and fears. Manufacture challenge without triggering shutdown.
• Creating Buzz — Empower our community to lead the way to health among their peers and small groups.
• It's Their Journey — Be their guide. Create the space where they explore and problem-solve. When they find it, they gain back autonomy over their body and life.
• Optimism — We have seen members bounce back from rock bottom. Share that optimism and help create the vision.

Staff Expectations

The Critical List

These rules are what makes IMOC Fitness different from every other gym. They are a big part of why we constantly grow while others falter.

1. Do What You Say You Will Do.
2. Don't present a problem without a proposed solution.
3. Call back within 4 hours.
4. Celebrate the small stuff.
5. See it from the client's perspective first.
6. If you can't put forth your best effort, don't do it.
7. Create an environment.
8. Know what members of our community do outside of the gym.

Relationship Standards

• Integrity — Do the right thing, always, regardless of who is around or how hard it is.
• 10-Foot Rule — If you are within 10 feet of a member, say hello by first name.
• Know Every Name — Know all members by name. Simple, but more powerful than you can imagine.
• Listen Sincerely — Stop what you are doing and listen. Empathetic listening is key.
• Bird's Eye View — See things from others' perspectives, not just your own.

Dress Code

• Mon–Thu & Sat — IMOC FITNESS uniform gear only (branded performance shirts/polos).
• Fridays — IMOC FITNESS-branded hoodies and t-shirts allowed.
• Bottoms — Plain black, clean, and fitted. Black joggers, slacks, fitted athletic pants, or professional-length black athletic shorts.
• Shoes — Clean, well-maintained athletic shoes. No sandals or open-toed shoes.
• Hats — IMOC FITNESS-branded hats only. Hair must look intentional and presentable underneath.

Punctuality

• Sessions: arrive 30 minutes before start
• Meetings: arrive 5 minutes early
• Workshops: arrive 30 minutes before unless otherwise stated

Cell Phone Policy

No cell phones on the floor unless clearly videoing a movement for coaching purposes. No texting during sessions — ever.

Disciplinary Process

Progressive discipline: Verbal Warning > Written Warning > Performance Improvement Plan (up to 90 days) > Dismissal.

Standard Procedures

New Member Flow

1. Client contacts IMOC Fitness (walk-in, phone, or email)
2. Schedule a No-Sweat Consult
3. During consult: fill out form, discover goals, find Bright Spots, discuss injuries, explain programs, collect payment, set up first session
4. Prescriptive pathway: Semi-Private, Personal Training, or Nutrition Plan (offer all three)

Opening Procedures

1. Unlock gym entryway
2. Turn on front desk light
3. Start music (set the vibe — not carry-over music)
4. Turn on TV, gym lights
5. Walk through gym for messes or displaced equipment
6. Check schedule and be ready for members
7. Have eucalyptus towels ready (at least 30 in fridge)
8. Check and respond to general coach email

Closing Procedures

1. Pick up all cups and trash
2. Plates stacked, dumbbells racked, all equipment put away
3. Turn off iPad, speakers, TV, overhead fans, all lights
4. Lock all entranceway doors (if last to leave)

Semi-Private Session Flow

Walk-ins

1. If you can't approach immediately, wave and signal you'll be right over
2. Safely leave your session as soon as possible and greet the client
3. If prospective member, check them in immediately and contact same day
4. Spend no more than 60 seconds if you're the only coach on duty — then direct to follow up

Drop-ins

1. Introduce yourself immediately
2. Have them fill out a waiver (front and back)
3. Take payment ($70)

Accident Procedures

Key rule: Express sympathy but do not admit fault. Do not say "It is our fault" or "Our insurance will pay for everything."

Level 1 — Minor

Examples: scraped shin, torn hands from pull-ups

Will not hamper athlete's ability to continue. Incident report NOT required.

• Confirm they're okay (check that pride isn't masking real pain)
• If bleeding: use antiseptic wipes and band-aids from first aid kit
• If able to continue: disinfect equipment with Lysol wipes

Level 2 — Moderate

Examples: twisted ankle, pulled muscle, cramping

May hamper ability to continue. Incident report REQUIRED by Coach on Duty.

• Assess pain and bleeding as above
• If cannot continue: identify nature of injury (joint or muscle)
• If swelling: cold pack + ace bandage from first aid kit
• If cannot walk: arrange transportation home

Level 3 — Serious

Examples: muscle tear, dislocation

Not life-threatening but may require medical attention. Incident report REQUIRED. Remove athlete from activity. Notify emergency contact if needed. Advise to seek medical attention.

Level 4 — Life Threatening

Examples: cardiac arrest, head trauma, severe allergic reaction

Call 911 immediately. Begin CPR/AED if trained. Clear area. Designate someone to meet emergency services at the entrance. Do not move the person unless necessary for safety. Notify Director immediately.

IMOC Coaching Manual

The Coaching Manual covers the full scope of what it means to coach at IMOC Fitness — from mindset and communication to session delivery and client development.

Chapter 1 — The IMOC Coach Identity

You are not just a fitness instructor. You are a guide, a motivator, and a standard-setter. Every decision you make in the gym — how you greet a member, how you correct form, how you handle a hard day — reflects the identity of this gym. Own that.

Chapter 2 — Building Relationships

• Learn every member's name within their first week
• Know what they do outside the gym — their job, their family, their stress
• Remember details and reference them. This is what creates loyalty
• Never let a member leave without feeling seen

Chapter 3 — Communication Standards

• Over-communicate expectations at every step of the session
• When correcting, lead with affirmation: "I love what you're doing here — now let's sharpen this one thing"
• Public praise + private corrections for sensitive situations
• Use names loudly and specifically — it anchors attention for the whole room

Chapter 4 — Session Delivery

• The best hour of their day — that is your job description
• Demonstrate every movement before coaching it
• Move around the full room, every round
• Read energy: some days they need to be pushed, some days held
• Never be a clock-watcher — be a room-reader

Chapter 5 — Class-Specific Coaching (BURN / BUILD / FORTIFY)

Chapter 6 — Motivation That Works

Avoid empty phrases. Be specific and purposeful.

Chapter 7 — Progressive Overload & Programming Awareness

• Know what your members lifted last session — reference it
• If the last reps look too clean, they're too light — push the load conversation
• Track notes on unusual form issues or recurring pain reports
• Progression is the proof that coaching is working

Chapter 8 — Handling Difficult Situations

• Member in pain: Stop the set. Assess first, coach second.
• Member frustrated: Listen fully before responding. Never dismiss.
• Member plateaued: Reframe: progress is not always weight on the bar. Reference non-scale wins.
• Conflict between members: Address privately after session. Neutral, never taking sides.

Chapter 9 — Retention Through Coaching

• Members quit gyms when they feel invisible. Your job is to prevent that.
• If a member misses a session, reach out within 48 hours. Not to sell — to connect.
• Celebrate milestones publicly (PRs, attendance streaks, body composition wins)
• The relationship you build is the product they're buying

Chapter 10 — Professional Development

• Monthly coaching assessments conducted by the Director
• Salary and performance review every 6 months
• Be coachable — receive feedback without defensiveness
• Read, study, learn: the best coaches are always students of their craft

Sales Scripts

Netflix Close (Trial to Membership)

Handling the "I need to think about it" Objection

IMOC FITNESS — System Overview

The WES Philosophy

WES is the foundation of how IMOC programs and scales exercise. Every movement in our system is scored on three dimensions:

Each scored 0–3 per category. Total score 0–9.

The Nervous System and Training Stress

IMOC is built on the science of Hormesis — the concept that the right dose of stress creates adaptation. Too little stress = no growth. Too much = breakdown. Our system is designed to find the optimal stress window for each client at their current level.

The WES scoring system exists specifically to manage this. A client on White programming is receiving an appropriate hormetic dose. Moving them to Black too early is not progression — it's injury risk.

Handling Client Hesitancy

Most new clients hesitate for one of these reasons:

• Fear of injury or pain
• Past negative gym experiences
• Intimidation by group environments
• Uncertainty about where to start

Our response is always the same: personalized entry, no judgment, and a clear path forward. The assessment and WES system communicate competence and care before they even take their first class.

The Collaborative Ecosystem

IMOC Fitness is trusted and referred to by physical therapists, chiropractors, and medical practitioners in Orange County. This is not accidental. We program with clinical precision, we communicate like professionals, and we treat every member like a long-term relationship — not a transaction.

Our referral partners trust us because we do not program outside our lane. When a member comes to us post-surgery or post-PT, we honor the work that was already done and build from there.

FAQ — Staff Reference