Testimonals

Jesse Cartrette

"If your New Year's resolution is to lose weight or to get in shape, then I hope you will join my friends at the Fitness Forum in downtown Florence. Their motto is "Committed to you from start to fitness" and, believe me, to them you are more than just a name or a client. Your goals are important to them and they genuinely want to help you achieve them. Don't be fooled by cheap tanning salons disguised as gyms, come to Fitness Forum with me today!" Member Since March 2010

Lesley Kirby

Terrie Snowden

Karen: I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying being a member at the Fitness Forum. I got a flyer from another facility in today's mail and it made me remember to write you. There is such a huge difference in what I am getting at the Fitness Forum and what I got at that other facility. It is such a pleasure to come and exercise in a relaxed atmosphere. I love coming and am always greeted with a smile and how are you today. The classes are great and I really love the Group Synergy. The Fitness Forum is just a great place to work out and is so convenient. Just wanted you to know that you all are doing a great job. Terrie Member Since April 2010

Will Lightfoot

"I appreciate the array of classes offered by the Fitness Forum, and the staff's dedication to its members. Also, the instructors are in great shape, which inspires and motivates me."
Will Lightfoot Member Since 1997

Nicholas Paramore- Citadel Cadet

I first started working out with Byrant when I had been accepted into The Citadel. I was thirty pounds overweight and needed to cut down 5 inches off my waist to be able to attend school there. I was accepted in June and found out in late July I had one month to lose the inches. I started working out with him mid-late July. Bryant was very kind and allowed me to work out with him three times a day six days a week. He knew exactly how to start me with training. He focused on upper body and cardio workouts which was exactly what I needed to be successful in making it to the Citadel. Workouts were intense and running in the South Carolina heat was very exhausting. There were times when I would get down but Bryant’s enthusiasm and motivation helped me to push myself and accomplish the task he set for me. As time went by and the workouts continued, I could tell a huge difference in myself. I was starting to gain upper body strength and stamina. Bryant’s encouragement and motivational phrase “ Your doin it!” were key in helping me reach my goal. After the first week of July I had accomplished my goal of losing the inches that I needed to attend the Citadel. While at school I have become even better at physical training. At the start of my training I was 215 pounds and had a 44 inch waist. Coming home for Thanksgiving I weigh in at 180 and have a 34 inch waist. Bryant’s encouragement, motivation, knowledge of physical training and how to work with someone helped me reach my goal of becoming a physically fit person. He is not only a trainer but a good friend whom I still keep in touch with and workout with today.

Lee Huggins

My name is Lee Huggins. I had been a volunteer firefighter but being a career firefighter was my dream. One of the challenges I had to meet was passing the Cooper Test. I am only 20 but was in no shape to pass the test. I had never been to a gym and was not excited about it but at this point I had no option. I had 6 weeks and I worked out 3 days/week with Bryant Smith, Personal Trainer. The other 3 days he gave the workout to follow. My schedule made it difficult sometimes but Bryant always found a way to make it work for the both of us. There were days I didn't think I would make it and neither did Bryant but together we pushed through it. Then the day came..my last chance to pass the test. I was so nervous but I made it and my dream came through. I am a firefighter for the City of Florence. I know without a doubt I could not have passed had it not been for the Fitness Forum and Bryant Smith. I cannot express my appreciation enough. I even found I actually like working out. I highly encourage anyone looking for a place to train to go to the Fitness Forum. It was a positive experience and a great environment for me and I know it will be for you also.
Lee Huggins Personal Training Client 2010

Ben Moore

"I want you to know how much I am honored by and appreciate the July Member of the Month Award. Aside from golf, I have never had many other kinds of athletic honors, and while I know I am neither the swiftest nor the strongest at the Fitness Forum, I most grateful that ya'll recognize the effort to stick with it. Robin Parker is the prime reason for this. She is a rare combination of drill sargeant and cheerleader, which have helped to both drive and motivate me. I promise that this is one member who will use this to push to do more and more."
Ben Moore Member Since 2007

Allie P. Walker

"It was hard to condense what the Fitness forum has meant to me and my good health over the years but hear goes:
I have been a member of the Fitness Forum for over 25 years. During all these years I have appreciated the individual attention to my personal fitness goals and the emphasis they place on overall good health. They continue to offer new classes that keep me interested, challenged, and motivated. I have especially benefited from the computer based nutritional program, Vitabot, and the Women on Weights class. Karen Leatherman, Robin Parker, and the entire staff make themselves available to answer your questions and to give you that extra encouragement just when you need it. Finally, it always makes you feel at home and welcomed when you walk into the Fitness Forum and everybody knows your name."
Allie P. Walker Charter Member Since 1984

Phillip Lookadoo

"I began working out regularly at the Fitness Forum in January. I am now 30 pounds lighter and am in better shape than I have ever been in my life. I attend Group Power and Group Ride regularly, make full use of the cardio and free weight section. There is so much variety that my workouts never get monotonous. The Fitness Forum is also very conveniently located right in the heart of downtown. I firmly believe convenience and variety are key to maintaining a regular workout schedule and maintaining a regular workout regimen is key to a fit and healthy life."
Phillip Lookadoo Joined February 2008

Peggy Porter

Three years ago I was in Dr. Elvington's office to discuss knee replacement. I told him that it hurt only every other day. In response, he told me to do whatever I was doing on the "good" day every day. I did as he suggested and rode the recumbent bike at the Fitness Forum every day. Over the next 2 years, my knee began to feel better. My knee is now pain free. The saying if "You Don't Use It, You Lose It" appears to hold true for me. By the way I am well over 70!
Peggy Porter Member since Dec 1993