Who we are, what we believe in, and our vision for a stronger, more active future
It all started with a name.
We get asked all the time where the name “Telos” came from. I love this question because the name of our gym is so much more than that – it’s what we believe in and what we strive to do every single day in our Tucson community:
Shaun and Karen Hazelton launched Telos Strength & Conditioning in 2017 with a mission rooted in purpose, passion, and personal history. They wanted their gym’s name to mean something—not just to them, but to every client who walked through the doors. The word “telos” comes from the Greek word meaning “end,” “purpose,” or “goal.” It’s about the ultimate aim, the culmination of a process—and that philosophy drives everything they do.
At Telos, our approach is simple but powerful: identify what clients want to achieve, map out a plan with tangible actionable steps, and coach our clients every day with intention. It’s not just about getting better in the gym; it’s about helping people live with intention.
“Telos” also carries a deep personal significance. It was the name of Shaun’s late father’s boat — a father who was more than just a parent, but a mentor, a role model, and the person who introduced Shaun to the weight room. In the weight room, they spent countless hours together where Shaun learned the fundamentals of lifting and more importantly, the direct correlation between effort and success. Those lessons shaped his career and his drive to coach others.
Coaching isn’t just about sets, reps, or training programs—it’s about creating a culture. A culture where members feel confident in the training environment. A culture where fitness isn’t just about the gym but about the attributes you take with you: hard work, have fun, and move well.
Ultimately, the Hazelton’s believe in our mission, our team, our community, and most importantly, our members.
It is not lost on me how lucky we are to get to do such meaningful work in our city that impacts people’s lives in such a positive way. Our staff at Telos is just as hardworking and committed as we are, and love making a difference in our member’s lives, too.
And then, we are surrounded by a hardworking group of members who are coachable, devoted to their training, and dedicated to making positive, lifelong lifestyle changes to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
To us, this is much MUCH more than *just* a gym. It is a way of life and we LOVE what we do.
So today, I am taking a bit of a different approach to our weekly blog. I will share the really important ways we work hard each day to intentionally help our members live strong and healthy lives; how cultivating and maintaining our culture is one of the most important aspects of what we do; right after our obsession with programming and coaching at the highest level possible!
Our Telos Vision and Values
Our Vision
To be the premier strength and conditioning gym for busy professionals and their families, empowering them to live active, healthy lives by focusing on high-quality fundamentals, exceptional coaching, supportive community, and a multi-generational approach to lifelong well-being.
Our Core Values
PROCESS * EFFORT * TEAM
We trust the process
We put in consistently high effort
We do what is best for the good of the team
How we work intentionally to help our members live strong and healthy lives
We understand and embrace the fact that fulfilling our vision and living by our core values is not going to be easy. We realize that we have to take an active approach in making sure we truly make the positive impact we strive for in our Tucson community and beyond.
The following outlines exactly what we are doing on a daily basis to make sure we create and sustain a strong culture of progress, effort, and teamwork to help us reach our vision.
Vision-Driven with Shared Values
We operate with a clear vision and a set of core values that guide every decision and action. This transparency fosters a sense of unity and purpose, ensuring everyone is working towards a common objective. The emphasis on shared values strengthens the bonds between team members and creates a cohesive and supportive environment.
Growth Through Learning and Collaboration
We embrace a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Problems are tackled collaboratively, fostering a sense of shared ownership and resilience. This approach ensures that we are able to constantly evolve to meet challenges in a changing world and provide the best possible experience for our members.
Respect, Care, and Belonging
One of the most important aspects of our gym family is that we prioritize treating both our team members and clients with respect and care. It is incredibly important for us to sustain a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated. This genuine connection fosters a strong sense of belonging, making Telos a place where people feel valued and supported. We strive to send consistent messages of “safe and connected,” reinforcing this sense of community and trust.
Open Communication and High Expectations
We believe in clear and consistent communication. When combined with a belief in our team’s ability to rise to high expectations, this creates a culture of accountability and excellence. Team members receive regular performance feedback and coaching, demonstrating a commitment to growth and development. This directly translates to our coaches seeing consistent improvement in how they deliver instruction in personal training sessions and classes.
Authenticity, Fun, and Support
We embrace a culture of authenticity, encouraging genuine connection between team members and members. We value fun and avoid taking ourselves too seriously, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. This approach ensures that Telos is not just a place to work out, but a community where people feel supported, encouraged, and empowered.
This isn’t easy and it’s worth every bit of effort and focus we pour into our work.
Want to see what we are all about? Book a free intro HERE.