Meet Michel Umphrey

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michel Umphrey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michel, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Health, wellness, and fitness services are not just beneficial — they are essential to the vitality of individuals and the strength of entire communities. A “healthy” individual — one who feels well, functions well, and is free from chronic emotional, mental, or physical barriers — is better equipped to contribute meaningfully to all areas of life.

At our studio, we provide more than just workouts. We offer a space for transformation — where people can feel better, move better, and sleep better, laying the foundation for improvements that ripple out into their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

Real People. Real Impact.
Scenario A: A 37-year-old female struggles with low energy, chronic aches, and withdrawal from social activities due to fatigue. After joining HOTWORX and committing to three sessions weekly, she experiences remarkable results in 30 days — improved sleep, fewer aches and pains, increased energy, and a more positive mood. Her work productivity improves, she reconnects socially, volunteers at her child’s school, and becomes part of a supportive studio community.
➡️ Result: Improved workplace outcomes, increased engagement in the community, and local economic impact through increased activity and spending.

Scenario B: A 50-year-old teacher facing burnout and stress-related medical issues receives a complimentary week at HOTWORX, gifted by Scenario A. She quickly discovers how easily fitness can fit into her busy life with 24/7 access. Within a month, her stress is down, her health is improving, and her teaching reflects renewed energy.
➡️ Result: A better classroom experience for students, personal health improvements, and reduced out-of-pocket medical spending.

Scenario C: A 44-year-old former golfer dealing with chronic pain, weight gain, and pre-diabetes joins after hearing about HOTWORX from a colleague. After three months of consistent effort, he’s lost 20 lbs, reversed his pre-diabetes, and is enjoying active social outings again — reconnecting with friends and bonding with his children on the golf course.
➡️ Result: A healthier individual, more engaged parent, and improved social connections that build community.

The Bigger Picture
These are just three examples — but the impact is exponential. When individuals become healthier, they contribute more fully to society. They spend more time with their families, perform better at work, and engage more actively in civic life. This creates real economic and social value:

Increased productivity for employers

More discretionary income spent in local businesses

Lower dependence on healthcare systems due to improved preventive health

Greater civic engagement and volunteerism

Improved relationships at home and in the workplace

As our studio continues to grow, so does our ability to give back — donating to local nonprofits, supporting school initiatives, and partnering with organizations that uplift others.

Fitness is not just about looking better. It’s about building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

The ripple effect of consistent, supportive wellness experiences is powerful — from the inside out, our members are changing their lives and helping to shape a stronger, more vibrant world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m in the business of people. I love having a small, sometimes invisible role in someone’s journey toward reaching their full potential. I thrive behind the scenes — quietly but purposefully helping others look better, feel stronger, and move more freely.

Most of my professional career has been in the health and wellness space, — it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s a challenging field, often misunderstood. Too many people still view fitness through the narrow lens of vanity, in reality, fitness is fundamental — it’s a vital pursuit that touches every part of life: mental clarity, emotional resilience, physical vitality, and longevity.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the best. Early in my career, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside Dr. Kenneth Cooper, MD, and Brent Darden at the Cooper Aerobics Center.

From Dr. Cooper, I learned the power of conviction — the importance of staying true to your beliefs, even when it feels like the world is doubting or dismissing you. His integrity and perseverance left a lasting imprint on me.

From Brent, I learned how to lead — not with bravado, but with compassion and high expectations. Brent exemplifies professionalism in the fitness industry. His leadership philosophy taught me that to be truly impactful, you must be prepared: do your research, understand your audience, and most importantly, meet or exceed what’s expected of you.

Success doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the outcome of commitment, consistency, and owning your role every single day. Owning a business is not for everyone — it demands resilience, accountability, and a willingness to take risks. I’m a risk-taker, — but a calculated one. I’ll jump out of a plane, but not before I’ve vetted the pilot and the person packing my parachute. That’s how I approach business: bold, but informed.

There’s no straight line in entrepreneurship. Like the stock market, it’s full of ups and downs. My greatest lessons haven’t come from my wins — they’ve come from the missteps and failures. Failure is a teacher. Just don’t repeat the same lesson twice. In business and in fitness, it’s the small things — the overlooked details — that often make the biggest difference.

The fitness industry is constantly evolving. What we believed ten years ago may no longer align with current science and research. That’s why I embrace a fluid, open-minded approach. Fitness isn’t about how you look — it’s about how you live. Can you perform daily activities with ease? Can you do what you love without pain, strain, or hesitation?

That’s where HOTWORX comes in. It’s not just a workout — it’s the intersection of movement and recovery. Fitness doesn’t happen during the workout — that’s the breakdown. Real transformation occurs during the recovery, the rebuild. Without recovery, we risk injury, burnout, and frustration.

HOTWORX harnesses the power of infrared heat to support active recovery while you push yourself. It allows you to train smarter, not harder and longer and to truly feel the benefits from the inside out.

If you’re ready to feel better, move better, and perform better, come experience for yourself how good infrared can feel — and discover what your body is truly capable of.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a sports fan and an activity seeker. DFW has so many opportunities to take enjoy sporting events from recreational to professional.

We’d start the week in true Ft. Worth style @ Joe T Garcia’s; it’s the best of outside and Ft. Worth. We would spend sometime in a sauna daily to give us energy to keep exploring and recover from the fun and activity. You should never come to the metroplex without some designated shopping time. If it’s spring time we will be enjoying a Rangers game and stuffing ourselves with the amazing BBQ nachos. Pickle Ball will be on the agenda and we will end the week with a fabulous steak and martini at Town Hearth.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My staff and community are what has provided me the opportunity to be an engaged community partner. Small business life is busy, stressful and @ time overwhelming. Having members who frequently share their stories of success and enjoyment feeds my heart and gives me the strength and motivation to keep doing. No one ever succeeds alone. My staff works alongside me to create an atmosphere of inclusion and encouragement to ensure that everyone who walks in has the opportunity to succeed & grow. My husband, who supports my crazy schedule by making sure I take time to eat and to enjoy life.

Website: https://hotworx.net/studio/burleson

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