Active Life Fitness Personal Training — Local services in Garwood

My wife and I were invited to a HBO movie premier at Lincoln Center in NYC in 2022. However, since I had let myself get completely out of shape and overweight during COVID, I could not fit into my dress suits. It was humiliating to need to shop for bigger clothes. I turned to Active Life Fitness (ALF) for help.

When I joined ALF, I was out of shape and overweight, but was determined to make changes. The staff at ALF took into account everything I had been doing and made practical lifestyle and nutritional suggestions. Between August, 2022 and November, 2022, I lost over thirty pounds, changed my body composition from flabby to lean muscle, and did it with the safety of dedicated personal trainers and pre-planned workouts.

I will admit that my results are atypical, because I worked my butt off. I started out one-on-one training with the owner, Marty. I was at a "rehabilitation" level of fitness and needed a lot of ground work. Marty walked me through every exercise, tailored both the weights and the exercises to my prior injuries and abilities, and got me up and moving safely. I did a lot of cardio. A LOT of cardio.

After a month of personal training, I transitioned to the regular classes. ALF is unlike any gym I've been to. If the words "group class" or "group fitness" make you blanch, you're not alone. I was skeptical. But these classes are not like other gyms where the instructor is at the front of the class with a mic and bumping techno beats while you try to keep up and not embarrass yourself. At ALF, each person in the class is given their OWN set of instructions that matches their progress, with a full outline of what exercises to do, all supervised by the personal trainers who oversee everything from setting up your weights on the big bars or trap bars to offering encouragement at the end of each workout. They offer minor corrections on your form, but otherwise you are working out on your own -- but with a few other people in the building (class sizes are small and capped) who are going through the same regimen, like you're all suffering together and supporting each other, comparing which exercises you like or don't like, making jokes, carrying on. It is literally a community gym, and the personal attention and constant care via text or email let me know that I am supported by admin and trainer staff at all times.

In addition to regular workouts, ALF offers occasional fitness challenges to reorient my goals, and make the workouts actually mean something in a personal, visceral way. ALF is always challenging me to challenge myself. When I first joined, Marty asked me if I ever wondered why some folks age poorly and others seem fit into their 70s or beyond. The investment I am making in myself today has lasting benefits, and I don't want to be the old man in the recliner under a blanket wondering how I became so feeble. I am building a fortress against aging, one brick at a time, and...

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be apart of a medical mission in Northern Haiti. It was a lifelong dream of mine to do this. My experience was incredible. The people that I worked with and cared for were all inspiring and gracious. It was hard and fulfilling work. The last day of our trip was a "free day."we took an excursion to the Citadel which is a fortress on top of mountain outside the city of Cap Haitien. It is the highest point in Haiti. We drove halfway of mountain then hiked the remaining 3000 feet to the top. It was a very steep hike.... We started out as a group and a few steps into it one of the doctors with us was talked into using a horse to take her to the top.... So off she went ahead of us...we kept climbing and climbing.... There were other groups around us and all of us had the option of bowing out at anytime and getting on a horse for $10 to take us to the top. I had no intention of taking a horse. I wanted to do it myself.... Besides what would Kim think if she knew I had given up? Uh uh... No way. I'm climbing.I am drenched in sweat. The sun is beating down upon me. I no longer see my group ahead of me, they have gone ahead of me. I am struggling but know I have to keep going. I start to feel bad thinking of everyone waiting for me at the top to begin the tour of the citadel... The young 30 year old residents bounding to the top, I felt like a jerk, but I kept on climbing and never stopped. There were horses available for me to hire the whole way up, and I really almost did. I turned the corner and there was Doctor Pogany, the lady that had taken the horse and she yelled you WIN!!! You're the first one up! I didn't believe her... But she was right. The rest of the group came around the bend 10 minutes later!!! I had beat everyone one to the top!! All I thought about was WOW! Wait until I tell Kim!! I was really proud. Kim has inspired me to push myself and be fit inside and out. I am so greatful. I BELIEVE IN ACTIVE...

Active Life Fitness has been a game-changer in my life. After a severe back diagnosis that necessitates surgery, I was terrified of returning to exercise. The fear of re-injury was overwhelming, and I desperately needed a place that would understand my limitations and provide individualized care.

From the moment I stepped into Active Life Fitness, I was greeted by the warm owners and compassionate team that have consistently exceeded my expectations. They monitor my form with gentle corrections, never pushing me beyond my body’s capabilities.

What truly sets Active Life Fitness apart is how they’ve transformed my anxiety and panic about exercising again into confidence. They truly understand that recovery is a journey, not a race, and they’ve made me feel supportive with their nurturing approach.

In just two weeks, they’ve made me feel supported every step of the way. The welcoming and friendly community at Active Life Fitness has added to the overall positive experience.

If you’re seeking a fitness community that combines professional expertise with heart, look no further than Active Life Fitness. It’s been a blessing in my recovery journey, and I’m incredibly grateful to have found them..

I highly recommend Active Life Fitness to anyone, especially those dealing with injuries, recovery, or anyone looking to get back in shape without judgement. They truly deserve the praise they...