Strength, Setbacks & the Climb Up: The Amp’d Fitness Journey with Max Gomez
In a standout episode of Grit Won’t Quit, Tom sits down with Max Gomez, the passionate and determined founder of Amp’d Fitness, a strength training gym with locations across the Jersey Shore. What starts as a conversation about entrepreneurship quickly unfolds into a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and relentless drive.
From Motocross to Mindset Shift
Max’s story begins far from the world of fitness studios. A lifelong motocross enthusiast, Max was just 18 years old when a serious racing accident led to the amputation of his leg. What could have been a life-altering setback instead became a turning point. With the support of his parents and an unshakable mindset, Max started to rebuild—physically and emotionally.
He recalls, “I had to make the decision to amputate… and from there, it was just one step at a time.” That mindset, grounded in daily progress and mental toughness, would later shape not just his recovery, but his business philosophy.
Why “Amp’d”? A Name with Meaning
The name Amp’d Fitness is more than catchy branding. It’s personal. It reflects Max’s journey as an amputee (“amp’d”) and the energy and drive he brings to fitness. It also speaks to the atmosphere in his gyms—positive, electric, and full of movement.
As Max puts it: “You get hyped up, but it’s also a nod to the amputee aspect of my story.”
Building a Business from Scratch
When the pandemic disrupted his initial plans to manage a gym, Max pivoted fast. He started training clients in their backyards and driveways, charging $10 per session and focusing on delivering results. That hustle turned into a grassroots following.
By January 2021, he opened the first Amp’d location—on the third floor of a small building in Manasquan—with minimal equipment and zero long-term guarantees. “I just looked at the steps in front of me,” Max says. “If I could get 50 members, I’d make it work.”
And it did work. From that humble beginning, Amp’d Fitness has grown to include thriving locations in Brielle, Belmar, and most recently, Ocean Township.
Lessons in Growth: Leadership & Letting Go
Max credits much of his growth to learning how to lead and delegate. “You wear a new hat with every new location,” he jokes. From being a personal trainer to managing a team, to now planning a franchise-style expansion, Max is constantly learning—and doing it while staying true to his mission.
He also knows when to act despite fear. “There’s such a thing as too much preparation,” Max says. “If I waited until I was 100% ready, I never would’ve opened the doors.”
This calculated risk-taking has helped him push past analysis paralysis and keep momentum—even when things are uncomfortable.
A Bigger Vision: What’s Next for Amp’d?
With three locations and nearly 400 members, Max is now eyeing larger goals. A franchise model may be on the horizon. “How cool would it be,” he says, “to have an Amp’d in California and someone asks, ‘Why is it called that?’ And the answer is—because the guy who started it has one leg and never gave up.”
The path hasn’t been easy, but Max’s story is proof that grit, faith, and persistence can fuel something
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
