Hocevar Performance a different gym experience

For Luka Hocevar it has always been about getting stronger, faster and bigger.

Born in Slovenia (Yugoslavia at the time), Hocevar has played just about every sport out there. From judo to professional basketball.

Now the 27-year-old has brought that experience and expertise to a gym in Renton. His Hocevar Performance has opened on Burnett Avenue.

Upon stepping inside, it’s apparent that this isn’t a regular gym. Instead of elliptical machines, there are huge tires. Kettle bells, punching bags, chains and ropes are littered about. The gym’s creed is spelled out on the wall for all to see, “Stronger. He who gains victory over other men is strong. But he who gains a victory over himself is stronger.”

So how did this vision of a gym come about? Hocevar moved around Europe growing up and eventually made his way to Seattle. LA Fitness was his first landing place for a job in the Seattle area, but it didn’t quite feel right.

“It was too corporate,” he said. “It wasn’t the vision of what I wanted to create.”

Hocevar has built his gym while working full-time at Vision Quest Sports and Fitness. He also offers the Renton Results Boot Camp every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Hocevar. The program is designed to burn fat in short and intense sessions built around circuit training.

He wanted something that catered more toward athletes. In order to market a program to athletes, he needed to gain their trust. Athletes need to have faith that the person instructing them has something real to offer, he said.

“Athletes have to have respect for the person running the programs,” he said. “I’ve been there, done that. I’ve gone through all of the levels and been through all of the mistakes.”

Hocevar often works in semi-private groups of four to eight people. He brings the clients in, assesses their level of fitness, then creates a personalized program for them depending on what results they want.

Hocevar believes the group atmosphere enhances the results for athletes in particular because they are usually so competitive.

“They will always push each other,” he said. “In that setting, one plus one is three.”

Despite focusing somewhat on athletes, Hocevar doesn’t limit his programs. Anyone with the willingness to work hard is welcome.

“If you have the dedication to take your body to the next level, I don’t care who you are,” Hocevar said. “I’ve got clients who are 45 or 50 and they bring it every single time. I’m not going to turn anybody away that has that commitment.”

Hocevar’s vision is to create a complete system for members. Eventually, he wants to move into a bigger gym, hire more trainers who have the same passion he does for physical fitness and make Hocevar Performance into something of a lifestyle, or “a big web.”

More info:

Hocevar Performance is located at 101 Burnett Avenue in Renton.

Contact Renton Reporter Sports Reporter Adam McFadden at amcfadden@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5054.

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