Search Indiana news...

Discover something new in Indiana every week. Join the newsletter.

Discover something new in Indiana every week. Join the newsletter.

How Genesis Sports Performance Became Indiana’s Go-To Gym for Elite Athletes

Discover how Graham Wilkerson built Genesis Sports Performance into a powerhouse training facility in Indiana, helping athletes reach their full potential.

How Genesis Sports Performance Became Indiana’s Go-To Gym for Elite Athletes
How Genesis Sports Performance Became Indiana’s Go-To Gym for Elite Athletes

How Genesis Sports Performance Became Indiana’s Go-To Gym for Elite Athletes

Discover how Graham Wilkerson built Genesis Sports Performance into a powerhouse training facility in Indiana, helping athletes reach their full potential.

How Genesis Sports Performance Became Indiana’s Go-To Gym for Elite Athletes

Inside Genesis Sports Performance: Indiana’s Elite Training Hub

If you’re an athlete in Indiana, chances are you’ve heard of Genesis Sports Performance. But how did this powerhouse gym grow from a 1,500-square-foot law office into a nationally recognized training hub? It all started with a 24-year-old’s leap of faith.

The Genesis Backstory: From Med Sales to the Grit Factory

Graham Wilkerson, founder of Genesis Sports Performance, walked away from a stable career in medical device sales to chase his passion for strength and conditioning. In 2014, he signed a three-year lease on a rundown space in Indianapolis, armed with nothing but a few weights, a couple friends as clients, and a relentless work ethic.

Genesis’ first home? A former law office on Tacoma Avenue. It was carpeted, dimly lit, and rough around the edges. But it was here that Graham started building the DNA of Genesis: grit, hustle, and community.

Building a Community of Athletes

What started as a place for high school football players has grown into a training ground for:

  • NFL athletes like Zach Martin and Ted Karras

  • Multi-sport high school athletes chasing college scholarships

  • Young kids learning speed and agility fundamentals

Genesis built its name on measurable results. Whether it’s improving a 40-yard dash time or adding inches to a vertical jump, Graham’s training system guarantees real performance gains.

From 6 Clients to Multi-State Impact

Genesis didn’t grow overnight. Graham spent years coaching nearly every session himself, grinding through 60-hour weeks, and learning the hard way about seasonality in the sports training business. But as the gym’s reputation grew, so did its impact:

  • Now operating two locations in Central Indiana (65th St. & Northwest Indy)

  • Consulting with and licensing systems to gyms across the U.S. and Canada

  • Preparing to launch a full franchise model for sports performance gyms

The team has grown too. Coaches who once swept floors for minimum wage are now full-time trainers, general managers, and even business partners.

Speed is the Game-Changer

Today, Genesis has made speed training its signature. They offer a "mile-per-hour guarantee," helping athletes improve their sprint speed through force plate testing, sprint lasers, and individualized training plans.

Athletes of all ages train at Genesis, from seven-year-olds learning the basics of movement to pros fine-tuning their offseason programs.

The Entrepreneurship Journey: Trials and Growth

Like any small business, Genesis faced growing pains. From experimenting with general fitness to launching (and closing) an out-of-town gym in Madison, Graham embraced the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

The COVID-19 shutdown forced Genesis to systemize its business, support staff through uncertain times, and double down on community engagement.

What’s Next for Genesis Sports Performance?

Graham envisions Genesis as a five-location powerhouse across Central Indiana. Beyond that, his licensing and upcoming franchise model aim to help gym owners nationwide turn their passion for coaching into sustainable careers.

Check Out the Podcast Episode

Want to hear Graham's full story in his own words? Listen to our Get IN Podcast episode with Graham Wilkerson where we dive deep into his journey, the growth of Genesis, and what’s next for the business.

Quick Q&A: Genesis Sports Performance

What makes Genesis Sports Performance unique?

Their science-backed speed training program, tight-knit community, and a proven track record of helping athletes earn scholarships and pro contracts.

Can beginners train at Genesis?

Absolutely. They offer youth training programs for kids as young as 7, with a focus on proper form and athletic fundamentals.

Check Out the Get IN Newsletter

Want more Indiana business success stories and sports spotlights? Subscribe to the Get IN newsletter for fresh episodes and local insights each month.

You're reading

You're reading

How Genesis Sports Performance Became Indiana’s Go-To Gym for Elite Athletes

How Genesis Sports Performance Became Indiana’s Go-To Gym for Elite Athletes

get indiana newsletter

Be the first to know about trending events and new attractions.

Free. Straight to your inbox. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays.

get indiana newsletter

Be the first to know about trending events and new attractions.

Free. Straight to your inbox. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays.

Jarred Porter

Sports

Sunday, July 13, 2025

This article was drafted by an AI model based on human-provided inputs and sources, and then verified, edited, and finalized by a human editor.

How Genesis Sports Performance Became Indiana’s Go-To Gym for Elite Athletes

Stay IN the Know.

Get Indiana’s best stories — small towns, hidden gems, food, sports, and events — delivered weekly to your inbox.

How Genesis Sports Performance Became Indiana’s Go-To Gym for Elite Athletes

Stay IN the Know.

Get Indiana’s best stories — small towns, hidden gems, food, sports, and events — delivered weekly to your inbox.

How Genesis Sports Performance Became Indiana’s Go-To Gym for Elite Athletes

Stay IN the Know.

Get Indiana’s best stories — small towns, hidden gems, food, sports, and events — delivered weekly to your inbox.

How Genesis Sports Performance Became Indiana’s Go-To Gym for Elite Athletes

Stay IN the Know.

Get Indiana’s best stories — small towns, hidden gems, food, sports, and events — delivered weekly to your inbox.

Shelby Zellmer & Cheyne Reiter

Sports

|

5

minute read

Shelby Zellmer & Cheyne Reiter

Sports

|

5

minute read

Shelby Zellmer & Cheyne Reiter

Sports

|

5

minute read