Global Franchise catches up with three-time NBA Champion and Golden State Warriors forward, Draymond Green, about the recent opening of his first Blink Fitness gym – the first of 20 gyms in his development deal with the NYC-based franchise
Why did you decide to partner with Blink Fitness?
Draymond Green: Opening our first Blink gym in Warren is so important to me, especially when I think back on what it was like in Saginaw when I was growing up. We didn’t have cool, positive places to work out and the gyms that did open were either too expensive or dirty. We’re changing that by creating affordable options for people of all backgrounds to be excited about getting fit with our ‘mood over muscle’ approach.
Why did you select locations in Michigan and Illinois to open branches?
Draymond Green: Michigan is incredibly important to my identity and my experiences there shaped me as a person. It’s where I grew up, played college ball, and a place where I will always come home to. It’s also incredibly important to impact areas that are similar to Saginaw, where I was raised. Opening the Blink Fitness gyms in my home state is something that I never thought could be possible. I look forward to continuing to expand in Michigan and Illinois, by opening businesses that impact a community and create jobs.
What are your hopes and goals in terms of expansion or future plans with Blink Fitness?
Draymond Green: I’m proud to be part of the Blink family and look forward to opening all of our new locations in Michigan and Illinois. Our goal is creating a gym experience that people enjoy and want to be a part of. That will lead to a healthy, active lifestyle. And if we accomplish that, we’ll continue to expand and provide more opportunities for people to get fit.
What’s your exercise routine like? How do you keep yourself healthy and fit, and what motivates you to do so?
Draymond Green: I like to mix up my exercise routine, doing different kinds of cardio like a stationary bike at SoulCycle or the Stairmaster. It’s important to hit the weights and make sure I’m getting stronger. What motivates me is being the best I can be and putting in that extra work. It’s not only for my performance on the court but ensuring that I’m living a healthy lifestyle.
How do you feel about Blink Fitness’s campaign, “Every Body Happy”, which celebrating body positivity, and how does it plays well with your beliefs?
Draymond Green: My belief is that everyone is different, from the way they look, to the way they work out, to what drives them, to what keeps them in the gym. That’s what has drawn me to Blink. We’re all about making sure that people enjoy their time in the gym.
How do you squeeze workouts in when you’re busy or traveling?
Draymond Green: The key to squeezing in workouts is understanding that you don’t need to spend all day in the gym. If I can spend 20 focused minutes in the gym, I will have accomplished something. Sometimes we feel that the time commitment is a deterrent, but it should be about getting the heart rate up, burning a few calories, and being focused with the time that you have.
