The Refinery — Local services in Atlanta

Interested in a beautiful new world class facility with state of the art equipment, a professional team and a work out environment that fosters care, concern and designs programs for your needs? The Refinery is for you! Nineteen years ago, after many years of being a business road warrior, at age 50 I found myself sadly out of shape, feeling unhealthy and looking older than my years. A good friend had started going to the gym and using a personal trainer. When he introduced me to Neal Garner, my life changed. At 6’ 5”, I was a basketball player in high school, played racquetball several times a week, did the Peachtree Road Race multiple times, but still carried extra pounds that I knew were unhealthy at “middle age”. I won’t lie, the first few weeks of training with Neal were brutal. My body wasn’t used to the routines, and programs he was running me through. But I was encouraged by my friend and the complete body transformation he was going through. Neal, a professional trainer with more certifications than I had ever seen, was patient, encouraging and designed a program for ME. A program that started off slowly and gradually ramped up as my body got stronger. Within several months I had dropped over 25 pounds, had boundless energy, and looked better physically but more importantly felt like a different person. And I looked forward to my sessions and actually felt bad physically, if for business reasons I had to miss a week or two. For 19 years now I have continued to train with Neal Garner. Not only has he inspired me to take better care of myself but he has become a good friend. And over the years, as I have aged , recovered from shoulder surgeries and bad knees, he has adapted my training regimen to accommodate my age as well as my previous injuries. And during that time my goals have changed. At 69, I not looking to do as much weight as a younger man, but want to concentrate on flexibility and overall strength. Neal has (and continues to ) train many professional athletes and young men and women involved in college sports. His knowledge of exercise physiology continues to amaze me. He continues to further his knowledge with updated training and certifications. If you are looking for a professional to help you on your journey of “total body fitness”, I can’t think of a more qualified and capable person than Neal Garner. A consummate professional and genuinely nice guy. Neal will be happy to design a program that is perfectly suited for you. As he would say, “Come get you some”!

Ken...

My name is Kris Benson (Baseball): Consensus National Collegiate Player of the Year, #1 overall pick in the 1996 MLB draft, Olympic bronze medalist, and 13 year professional baseball player (10+ in the Majors). My trainer for the entirety of my professional career and after is Neal Garner! Not only is Neal my personal trainer, he’s also a close member of our family. I trusted him with my career and making sure I could compete at the highest level for over a decade. I also entrusted both my kids training with him - my son (Baseball and now Marines) and daughter (Track and Field).

Needless to say, I got the most out of my body until my arm had enough - but, much longer than most. I thank Neal for guiding and pushing me every day I came into the gym. Being able to throw baseballs at the highest level until I was 35 years old took a lot of dedication in the gym, hard work, and discipline to make it and make it that long. Neal was with me the entire way, making sure we trained, pushing me to my limits, and always looking to make me better each and every session we had (and still have)- day or night. Crawling in and out of the leg sled in between sets, pushing me to do more, and getting those last reps when you thought you couldn’t go any further, that’s the only way we knew how to train and what makes Neal unique at what he does! Pushing your limits to reach your true potential or goals...

For over 20 years, Neal has been my trainer and close friend. I played on many teams over those years, all with their own assigned trainers, so I know what’s out there and I understand the quality of training provided at the highest level. I can honestly say, because he takes his job extremely serious and has a passion for what he does and his clients experience, always trying to learn what’s new and can make his clients better, Neal knows how and can get anyone better. He knows exactly what it takes when it comes to getting your body in shape and in top condition, from middle schoolers to professionals to retirees to someone looking to simply look and feel good. If you’re serious about getting better, getting the most out of your potential through total body fitness, or you want your child to do the same and build his or her self-confidence, you need to look no further! As Neal will always say, “Don’t be scared, come...

The staff at the refinery helped turn my life around, to say anything less would be a disservice. I’ve always struggled with my weight; coupled with injuries I’ve accrued having spent years as a college and professional athlete. My wife, who is also a physical therapist, found the refinery and was impressed by how the trainers biographies opened with their credentials; one the most professionally qualified training staffs in the metro area. She pushed me to go there, and since I started the trainers have always worked with me and helped me work past my limitations providing me individualized options even in large group settings. The staff is professional and kind, no one ever makes me feel less than for all my short comings and every class, no matter who is coaching, is taught by someone who loves to be there and loves to see their clients motivate and work hard. Even when I was stuck in a rut the staff there always encouraged me to see a doctor, to find the best, most healthy solution and to keep training and pushing forward. It didn’t matter if I was struggling with my diet, with injuries, or just struggling the staff at the refinery always is there every time I come to class to give their support and superior work ethic; I truly believe in my heart they care for their clients and if you are looking to get fit in a clean and caring environment there is no better choice in the Atlanta metro area than...