Warrior Fitness & Martial Arts — Attraction in Columbia

Listen, I am not a crossfit-er or exercise enthusiast by any means, but Workhorse Fitness and Heather have literally changed my life. Here's a little background - in 2008 I weighed in at 308lbs. I was eating poorly (DUH!) and my work really prevented me from finding a schedule where I could be more active. Over the course of the next 2 years, I dropped weight...a lot of it. About 120lbs. Even through the Atkins Diet, transition to Weight Watchers, and typical classes at my local gym in Orangeburg, something was still missing. I used to be depressed about my weight and wearing size 48 pants. Then, I became depressed about the excess skin that I had developed. It was one thing after another. Then it went back to poor habits, where I would still binge eat a whole pizza if I felt like it, and I didn't care to step foot into a gym again. I also developed other unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking too much. Even after all of the weight loss and somewhat healthier lifestyle, I developed familial hypertension and high cholesterol. I didn't have either when I was the "Large and in Charge; Chunky yet Funky" Phil.

Fast forward to about a year ago, I met Heather and began working with her professionally on another project. I had still maintained the majority of my weight loss - give or take 10lbs. She invited me to come to the gym and workout with her, but, again, I still liked pizza and didn't want to stop eating it.

So, after about 10 months of light suggestions from her (seriously...not pushy at all or I would have dipped out), I joined her one Wednesday evening with my new workout outfit. Looking good is just a part of feeling good, ya know?! Anyway, she PUT ME THROUGH IT! But something clicked. There was no yelling like my undergrad days at The Citadel. There was no disappointment if I couldn't complete something. She and Workhorse Fitness were just motivating. They motivated me to do better than I had been doing. They motivated me to push my body further than I thought it could go. They motivated me so I knew that I could do more than what I thought I could do. On the next Saturday, Heather took me to Publix on Rosewood and shopped with me. She pointed me in the right direction and fully explained why certain types of berries were better than others. Things that I never knew that I needed (or wanted) to know. They also explained: if you want pizza - have pizza. Don't deprive yourself.

I feel like she's really changed my life: in fitness, as a friend, but, most importantly, in self-belief. I thought I had it, but she brought me to a whole new level. Last night was a milestone for me. I ran my first timed 5k on my own. It wasn't the best time, but I never thought that I'd wake up and want to run another one the next morning. It's officially happened. ;) I've recruited my mom as a client of Heather's and tell everyone I know about her and Workhorse Fitness.

I couldn't thank Workhorse Fitness and Heather enough for believing in me and putting a deeper belief of ability within myself. I'd recommend this place to anyone - no matter their ability. They can get the right program for you. What are you waiting for?! Become...

This place is very misleading and dishonest. I made an appointment through a Facebook advertisement I had seen. The post would lead you to believe that you are trying to be a part of a 6 week program for free in return for using you as advertisement. Being that I have a super limited budget due to recent open heart surgery then blood clot surgery, and being out of work all summer recovering, I figured this was the answer I was looking for in getting back on track. So I set up the appointment.

So I arrived to my appointment about 40 minutes early because I didn't know how bad traffic would be, and was greeted by Heather. She seemed nice, but didn't try to make conversation at all. She just pulled out a clipboard and had me put my name and phone number on a chart and got me to get on the scale. Then told me to have a seat. I sat waiting and no one tried to talk to me at all or get to know me or find out what I was even looking for.

Finally a little after 6p (the appointment was scheduled for 6p) we started the meeting. It was another couple and me there to hear about the program. So once she went over everything that the program comes with and all she tells us that this "free" 6 week program actually cost money. We have to sign up for a year contract and the first dues are due on the first day of the "free" program. The membership cost was $99 twice a month, so basically $200 a month. I'm still confused on what is free. Everything that is part of the 6 week free program is exactly what you get with your membership. So it's not anything extra, plus your paying for it, and your year starts the first day of your "free" program. Personally with all the medical debt I'm in from my open heart surgeries and follow up care (so much so my wages are being garnished 25% for an EMS bill) I couldn't afford the membership. When I told her all of this she seemed annoyed and proceeded to tell me that if it was truly important to me I would find a way. Every time I would try to give her insight on my situation she would just come back with the same line. If I was motivated enough and cared about my health enough I would find a way to make it work. Super unsympathetic.

I left feeling horrible, I was so angry and upset about everything I just cried. I was genuinely excited to finally get the guidance to reach my goals. I've put on 30 pounds since my surgery in May and I'm so lost on my diet due to my restrictions of Vitamin K because of the blood thinner I have to take for my mechanical valve. I'm motivated and have the drive, but that doesn't mean that I can just make the money appear and to shame someone and make them feel bad is super shameful.

I just wish they'd be truthful in their advertisements and not continue to try to con people and...

In February I bumped into a friend who had a major weight loss and looked amazing. When I asked her what she did, she said she joined Workhorse Fitness and did a 6 week challenge. I made all of the normal excuses and put it off until late May when I called her for the name of the gym. Imagine my surprise when I called the gym and they told me the next challenge started the following Monday. So, June 5, I arrived at Workhorse Fitness to begin my journey. In 4 weeks, I lost 7 pounds and 8 inches, felt better and had a better understanding of proper eating. I have never looked back! Now, I’m an addict! The staff (Ib, Heather, and Gene) are absolutely amazing and they really do care about all of us – our body and our mind. They work together seamlessly to make us well rounded, healthy individuals. They tailor the workouts to you and encourage you to try your hardest. When I think I can’t, they show me I can and I find that I am stronger than I give myself credit for. I have made a lot of new friends – people who encourage me as much as I encourage them! I’m really going to miss this gym, the trainers and my fellow beast members...