Balancing an entrepreneur life with your personal life can be one of the most challenging parts of running a business—especially as a gym owner. The fitness business, if not done correctly, can be extremely taxing on an owners personal relationships, especially a partner or spouse. 

Everyone knows Vince Gabriele, he’s the face of Gabriele Fitness and the mentor and coach of Fitness Business University. But his wife, Vanessa Gabriele holds her own weight and deserves credit in the fitness industry as a pilates instructor to NFL Hall of Famers.

As a wife of a successful entrepreneur Vanessa understands that gym owners are naturally driven, idea focused and constantly thinking about the business–even when you think you’re having a poignant conversation with them.  

When you’re married to an entrepreneur, you have to realize you’re also married to the business and sometimes the business will come first. She highly recommends the book, “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.  It has helped Vanessa to learn how not to take things so personal. 

Communication is key. Without trust and communication with your partner, nothing will be okay. Creating your must-haves and needs throughout the entrepreneur process (because they will change) is one of the most important things you can learn in marriage.  It’s not always perfect and happy, just like business but when things are good (at home), your business is usually good too. 

Reducing stress in one place, will reduce stress in the other.  Business and marriage go hand in hand. Taking care of one will most definitely take care of the other.