Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. John Beall has served as president of Rise Bodyworks for 15 years. His Alameda chiropractor practice fulfills diverse client needs for rehabilitation and spine and body recovery and strengthening. Dr. John Beall emphasizes the integrated use of techniques such as dynamic neuromuscular stabilization and active release/physiotherapy.
In addition to his chiropractor practice, Dr. Beall oversees a Rise Bodyworks wellness center that offers massage/bodywork, acupuncture, Pilates, personal training, and group fitness. The on-site gym is equipped with a full range of strength and cardio equipment, from cardio machines to kettle balls. Through guided effort, clients attain lasting recovery from imbalances related to repetitive stress, poor posture, and injuries. Dr. Beal emphasizes a positive attitude and the power of the mind as essential components in attaining the “impossible.”
Dr. Beall also contributes to the growth of a startup construction business. He serves as vice president of BLVd Design Build, where he oversees projects that include new construction, renovation, remodeling, and interior and exterior design. An avid skier and snowboarder, he has also completed in triathlon events.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts strong with a personal workout, which grounds me in the same principles I teach my clients. I then conduct a planning session to prioritize key tasks and check in with my staff to ensure our clinic operations run smoothly. This structured approach allows me to dedicate focused time to both client-focused treatments and the strategic growth of Rise Bodyworks.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I begin by capturing every idea without judgment, ensuring no potential innovation is lost. I then rigorously validate these concepts through research and client feedback before investing significant resources. Finally, I develop a strategic plan and move into a focused execution phase, turning the most viable ideas into tangible services or systems for Rise Bodyworks.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m particularly excited by the growing trend of prioritizing recovery and longevity wellness, as it aligns perfectly with the proactive philosophy at Rise Bodyworks. This shift means clients are now seeking comprehensive strategies to not only resolve pain but also to enhance their long-term health and physical resilience. It allows us to move beyond reactive care and into a more rewarding, educational partnership focused on sustainable well-being.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
The one habit that is foundational to my productivity is actively working to keep my head clear, primarily through consistent morning exercise and meditation. This practice allows me to eliminate mental clutter and approach the day’s challenges with focus and intentionality. By starting with a clear mind, I can make better decisions for my clients and lead my team at Rise Bodyworks more effectively.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to maintain a relentless focus on the core principles of movement and strength, avoiding the distraction of every new fitness fad. Stay driven by the profound impact that proper physical therapy and conditioning can have on a person’s quality of life, not just short-term goals. This disciplined passion is what ultimately builds a meaningful and impactful practice like Rise Bodyworks.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I believe that in the fitness and wellness industry, an over-reliance on intellectual theory can sometimes make you the “dummy” when it comes to practical, real-world results. Many highly educated individuals can quote studies, yet fail to successfully apply that knowledge to effectively help a client move or feel better. True expertise, in my view, comes from the seamless integration of academic knowledge with hands-on, empirical experience.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I consistently practice and universally recommend a balanced trifecta of lifting weights, dedicated mobility work, and cardiovascular exercise. This combination is non-negotiable because it builds resilient strength, maintains functional movement to prevent pain, and supports long-term heart health. It’s the foundational philosophy at Rise Bodyworks for achieving not just fitness, but lasting vitality and injury-free longevity.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When feeling overwhelmed, my immediate action is to regulate my nervous system through deliberate deep breathing exercises. This simple technique is a powerful tool to downshift the body’s stress response, which instantly clears mental clutter and restores a sense of calm control. By first calming the physiology, I can then re-engage with the task at hand at Rise Bodyworks with significantly improved focus and clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
The single most impactful strategy has been applying relentless consistency in both my daily operations and my commitment to client outcomes. This means showing up with the same high standard of care every single day, which has built a reputation for reliability and trust that fuels referrals and client retention. This disciplined approach, applied to both hands-on treatment and business systems, is what has created the steady, sustainable growth of Rise Bodyworks.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
An early failure was the mindset that I had “arrived” as an expert, which limited my growth. I overcame this by adopting a philosophy of “win some, learn some,” treating every outcome, especially the setbacks, as a critical learning opportunity. The lesson is that mastery is a continuous journey; there is always something new to learn from clients, research, and even unsuccessful techniques, which keeps my practice at Rise Bodyworks evolving and effective.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A compelling business opportunity would be to open a dedicated barre studio in Alameda, as market data shows it’s the most searched-for fitness term in the area with no current local providers. This untapped demand presents a clear chance to capture a ready-made market. By offering this specialized service, an entrepreneur could quickly establish a dominant presence and meet a specific, unmet need.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
The essential piece of software for my productivity is Mindbody Online, which serves as the central nervous system for my practice at Rise Bodyworks. I use it to efficiently manage all client scheduling, which streamlines my calendar and eliminates administrative back-and-forth. Furthermore, it handles all payment processing securely, allowing me to focus my energy on client care and business growth instead of manual tasks.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I recently spent was on a new pair of Brooks Ghost running shoes. This investment directly supports my own recovery and longevity by providing superior cushioning and support for my daily runs. As a practitioner who advocates for sustainable wellness, it’s crucial that I practice what I preach and protect my own body from the impact of high-intensity training.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite book is Stop Letting Everything Affect You by Daniel Chidiac, as it provides an incredibly practical breakdown of the mechanics behind a sensitive and reactive mind. The value comes from its actionable framework for building emotional resilience, which is essential for managing the daily stresses of running a business and working closely with clients. Implementing its principles has been fundamental to maintaining my focus and leading my team effectively at Rise Bodyworks.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed the series The Last Kingdom for its compelling and gritty depiction of the history between England and the Vikings. The show’s exploration of leadership, cultural clash, and building a legacy against overwhelming odds is particularly fascinating. It’s a powerful narrative about resilience and identity, themes that resonate deeply with the challenges and triumphs of building a business.
Key learnings
- Prioritize a structured morning routine that incorporates personal well-being and strategic planning to establish focus and intentionality for the day.
- Systematically bring ideas to life by capturing all concepts, rigorously validating them, and then moving into disciplined execution.
- Actively regulate the nervous system through techniques like deep breathing to manage stress, maintain clarity, and improve decision-making under pressure.
- Apply relentless consistency in both daily operations and long-term goals, as sustained effort is fundamental to achieving meaningful growth.