The Edge Fitness Clubs — Local services in Stratford

I've been a member of The Edge Fitness Clubs Stratford for 14 years and up until now have had a great experience there. I teach karate at a local community center and have brought in numerous students who bought memberships over the years, where I had the freedom to give them a workout routine and show them how to do it, as well as train them however I needed to.

I was going through a workout with two of my students who are competing in an upcoming tournament, showing them how to train, and was confronted by the new, very young and inexperienced manager last week. She was accusing me of "training". "Well yes, I'm a Sensei, that's what I do." I responded. I told her "I don't get paid for it, I'm not competing with your personal trainers, and these students are here because I brought you their memberships, among many others." She proceeded to tell me that I was not allowed to advise them and this is "strike 1. 3 strikes and you're out". Then she asked, "Do we have a problem?" My response was, "Yes, actually we do". Her approach was rude, hostile, sophomoric, and inappropriate. For a manager, she has very poor business sense.

Since this club has been under new management over the past month or so, employees walk around policing members and intruding on workouts. I understand the need for safety, but I've been doing this longer than she and most of her trainers have been alive and so have most of the regular gym-goers there. Micromanagement in this environment is counterproductive to say the least.

The thing that irked me the most was that I would NOT be allowed to bring my 13 year old daughter who has Down Syndrome to the gym (she loves it and asks to go) and teach her how to lift weights. That was the last straw and after 14 years, I cancelled my membership. She also lost 5 additional memberships from students and family members, not to mention future memberships that I would have referred from my class.

I'm excited to start working out at a nearby gym which is far nicer, much less busy, has ample parking, has a pool where I can bring my daughter, and train my students...

I began personal training with Ted Lipp at the Stratford Edge in January, 2023. Previous to joining The Edge, I had done several bootcamp style workouts, as well as running and fitness videos at home. Having Ted as my personal trainer has been a total game changer! When I first started, I was a total beginner, and was very intimidated by the gym environment. I didn't know how to work most of the machines, and would not have known where to start if I was on my own. One of the things I most appreciated about Ted was that he took the time to assess my ability and developed a strength training program that was appropriate for me. If I didn't know an exercise or how to use a piece of equipment, he took the time to teach me. As someone who tends to ask a lot of questions, I found that Ted was always very knowledgeable, and could answer any question I threw at him. He could easily show me the correct way to do any exercise, and explain how it was working the various muscles, or what benefit it was having for me. He's a stickler for form and making sure you are performing the exercise correctly - to ensure you don't injure yourself. He's always paying attention, gives good, immediate feedback, and is a natural teacher. Working with him has built my confidence with strength training and in the gym in general, and I've seen amazing results in a short period of time. Every time I work with Ted, it is obvious he loves what he does and that he really enjoys helping others accomplish their goals. He always celebrates my wins, and is truly invested in helping me accomplish my goals. Ted also appropriately challenges me, and I've been able to accomplish way more than I thought possible thanks to his encouragement. Ted brings a fun and positive energy to our sessions and although I didn't know how long I'd stay with a personal trainer when I began, I can now say it's something I can see myself sticking with for years to come. I'm so grateful to Ted and all he's helped me accomplish! I highly recommend him...

I have been a member of The Edge Fitness for over three years. Though my membership allows me to workout at any Edge Fitness, my go to is the Stratford location. The fitness club is very spacious and clean. I also enjoy the private smaller fitness room as well, and the cardio cinema. They also have a sauna, massage beds/chairs, and tanning booths. If you have time, you can create your own spa day. The staff always greets me with a smile, and are there to assist me with any questions when needed. I also train there several times a week with Courtney M. This is NOT just a trainer going through the motions to earn a paycheck. Courtney cares about your emotional well being, as well as your physical health. Lets face it! They're both connected. After all, you can't out-exercise what you eat. Courtney takes time to talk about emotional eating, mindless eating, and makes a plan. My journey to a better me...better wellness, has been a roller coaster. Courtney has been by my side, cheering me on from the sidelines. She will always ask how I feel before we workout. What aches, if anything. How did I sleep? She will always have a workout planned before I arrive...BUT, she is always prepared, and more than well versed in her craft, that she can modify your workout instantly to suit the situation.

Recently, I was diagnosed with a slipped disc. Major back pain. I'm a positive person, but this was depressing. I went from dead-lifting, kettle bell swings, and leg pressing a fairly large amount of weight, to just using body weight for a while. Even a plank hurt my back. Courtney immediately consulted with me about what my physical therapist recommended, and completely changed my workout. She kept my body mobile and flexible, but safely. There were many days when I was down during my workout...my new workout to protect my back. Courtney did not give up, when I clearly wanted to. We are now, slowly and cautiously, back to using weights. Thank you Courtney...I...