Whipping His Life Into Shape

Kevin McConville, the owner of Moorpark Fitness, has come a long way over the past 25 years. The former high school star football player hit a rough patch during young adulthood but now is enjoying what he considers the best years of his life.

At one point, McConville felt like he'd hit rock bottom. He met his wife when they were young and down on their luck, both trying to turn their lives around.

It was after moving to Moorpark that McConville saw his chance to channel his  love of sports into the community. It paid off, and today he is a successful businessman.

“This gym has been coming for a long, long time. In fact, it all began when I first moved to Moorpark," McConville said. "I was sitting in the community pool and met a fellow in the gym business. He said, 'You know what? You should be doing what I do.’ "

So he did. He got to know people in the fitness industry and began working for Family Fitness Center, where he quickly found himself soaring to the top.

“I was promoted fastest in the company's history to full partnership,” he said.

Eventually, Family Fitness Center merged with 24 Hour Nautilus to become the well-known 24 Hour Fitness. After helping to open many of the local 24 Hour Fitness locations, McConville left the company to invest in a new type of gym, one he said “sold itself.”

“The problem for a lot of people is, you walk into a gym, and it feels like they’re trying to sell you something," he said. "Our philosophy is, the customers can come in, and I let the club sell itself.

"Everyone who walks in here gets treated the same, and we’ve kept the same monthly dues since we built it,” said McConville.

The focus at Moorpark Fitness is simplicity, he said. “We give you the same size workout floor as other places, the best equipment on the market, and we give it to you month by month,” McConville said. 

By keeping the rest of the setup simple, he’s able to cater to locals who don’t want to pay for services they don’t use. He acknowledged it isn’t for everyone, but at least community members have more options.

As much as McConville enjoys his work and is proud of the services he brings to Moorpark, the father of three is proudest of his family.

“I’m a very lucky man. My wife is incredible. I have as great a marriage as anyone could possibly have," he said. "My kids are great, phenomenal! I’m very blessed to have the family that I have.”

McConville also keeps his spirits up with a book of motivational quotes that he keeps in his gym office. He uses the book to write inspiring messages on his chalkboard in front of the gym.

“I’d like to think I’m one of the most motivating guys you’ll ever meet,” he said with a big grin. “I’ve been sitting in a football huddle my whole life, so it just feels natural at this point.”

McConville mused, “Sometimes I think I should write a book about my life. I’ve seen the bottom, but I know that right now I am exactly where I am supposed to be.”