Former Chesapeake Football Star Opens D1 Training Facility with Community Focus

D1 Training, a fitness enrichment concept utilizing the five core tenets of athletic-based training, recently opened a new location in East Chesapeake at 1011 Eden Way North on July 14. The facility employs a sports-science backed training regimen led by certified trainers to help people of all ages achieve their sport and fitness goals. Marvin Brown, a former Chesapeake football standout, joins a roster of impressive existing franchisees that includes professional athletes like Kylie Fitts and Jordan Gay, with additional D1 partners including NBA star Chris Paul and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.

Brown attended Hickory High School before playing tight end at James Madison University from 2003 to 2008, where he was part of the 2004 national championship team and will be inducted into JMU's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024. After a 15-year career in healthcare leadership, Brown sought to pursue his passions for athletics and family, which led him to D1 Training. He and his wife Ardaith have three children who are eager to help build a strong community around D1 Training East Chesapeake.

Brown is partnering with his brother Donnell Brown, head football coach at Hickory High School, and longtime friend and Hickory High teammate Leland Cleland, who will open a second location in West Chesapeake in late 2025 or early 2026. Together, they'll operate under one brand: 'D1 Chesapeake'. The collaboration represents a significant commitment to the local sports community, bringing together experienced athletes and coaches to provide comprehensive training programs.

D1 Training offers four age-based programs including Rookie (ages 7-11), Developmental (ages 12-14), Prep (ages 15-18) and D1 Adult. Each fitness program is based on the five athletic-based tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning, and cool down. Outside of group workouts, D1 Training offers group, semi-private, and one-on-one training with world-class coaches. The goal is to continue to train athletes who are dedicated to their sport or fitness goals, regardless of age or athletic background.

D1 stands out because it's more than just a gym, it's a training ground that builds character, discipline, and confidence, said Brown. D1 Training is known as The Place of Athlete but we want D1 Chesapeake to be known as the Home of the Athlete where they can grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. The Browns and Clelland are the ideal candidates to bring the D1 Training experience to Chesapeake, said the brand's Chief Operating Officer Dan Murphy. We're thrilled to welcome them to the D1 family and are confident in their ability to show the East Chesapeake area what they've been missing out on.

Strategically expanding across the nation through franchising, D1 Training has more than 150 facilities open with over 100 additional locations in various stages of development. Founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew and based in Nashville, D1 Training is positively impacting the lives of 30,000 athletes of all ages. The brand is currently seeking financially qualified business builders, former athletes, and entrepreneurs who share a passion for fitness and youth sports and are ready to make a positive impact on their community. For more information on franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.d1franchise.com/.