Earlier this year my doctor made it clear it was time for me to lose some weight. I was making poor…read morefood choices and not exercising enough. In June of this year I signed up for personal training at Pinnacle Fitness in Smyrna. I have tried gyms and personal trainers in the past, but they ignored me or worked me too hard. I have been working with Rae at Pinnacle for about six months now. We have a meal plan and exercise plan that works for me. I work out twice per week and eat right. I have lost 44 pounds since June. I am feeling much better and my doctor is pleased!

Pinnacle Fitness is Amazing. Over the past 20 years other gyms have been unable to keep me…read moreinterested in my workout routine and often left me not wanting to go to the gym. Pinnacle Fitness has always kept me enthusiastic about my training. The trainers are all great and very knowledgeable. My favorite part about going to Pinnacle Fitness is the positive energy that the trainers have, which always keeps me motivated to push harder. Going to Pinnacle Fitness is truly a great experience. Mary H

I'm a BLAST OG, meaning I joined BLAST back in 2013/14 when it used to be called "Blast 900" in…read moreAthens. I've since moved out of the area, but was back in town scoping neighborhoods for when I return to ATL. I decided to stop at the Blast Buckhead location for old time's sake. Unfortunately, my experience didn't live up to my memories. The class that I attended was a 5 min block class which I never cared for in the past and didn't care for this time bc there's not enough time to work up a good sweat at each station before transitioning since the clock keeps running during transitions. This location also has zero COVID safety protocols: because of the constant switching, there is no time to wipe off the shared equipment and wipes aren't even provided on the floor. My biggest gripe, though, was the instructor and his music. I enjoy boutique fitness classes and the playlists usually get me pumped for a great workout. This instructor played LOTS of pop and rock and a handful of 80s/90s R&B songs. By the time there were 20 mins left in the class I hadn't heard a single hip hop song so I asked if he would mind playing some. His response? "Umm... we have to play stuff for everybody." I responded "yes I know. I just haven't heard any [hip hop] so that's why I asked." His response rly annoyed me. I am not a fitness class newbie. OBVIOUSLY most instructors play a variety of music for "everybody" but completely excluding one genre of music doesn't seem like you're playing music for "everybody." Am I not a part of that number? Also, I've been to countless studios-- OTF, Solid Core, Barry's-- and the instructors there ALWAYS welcome requests from participants bc we are the ones working out! I don't plan on joining when I move back. Ugh what a bummer.

I am big into fitness. I have tried a few different gyms and group fitness classes, but Blast is…read moreby far one of the best. I arrived a few minutes early for my first class and was warmly greeted by the front desk. She checked me in and gave me a tour of the space. The restrooms and shower area was fully stocked with goodies in case you left something at home. Good to note if you are headed to work after a workout. I dropped my keys into a locker and waited for class to begin. The instructor, Denae, called me into class a little early and showed me the equipment and treadmills and how everything would flow during the workout. These treadmills go up to 30 incline, woah! Cold water bottles and towels are provided too, so amazing! Class began and we warmed up. I was already breaking a sweat and feeling good when the first block began. The class is broken into smaller blocks of floor and cardio work. After the intervals on the treadmill, it was time to swap to the floor. A super intense workout with long and short resistance bands were killer. I needed to change my band for a 'beginner' band, which the instructor noticed and assisted me so I didn't have to move from my station- Thank you! Fast forward 60 minutes and we were finished, cooling down with some stretches and lite ab work. I left feeling awesome, it was a great experience.

I've been working out here with my teenagers since COVID hit. We found the training to be…read morecustomized to all of or various fitness levels. We loved having the safety and cleanliness of a private studio. Great way to stay in shape, reduce stress and spend time together as a family.

Robert, the owner of Fit Family, is a pleasure to train with. He's very knowledgeable about…read morefitness techniques from a long career as a personal trainer, but he's also so cheerful, uplifting and genuinely happy to be helping you that you leave each session with bigger muscles and a smile to match. The cool thing about Fit Family that's different from other training studios is that you can bring your family to work out with you at no extra charge. And even better, your trainer customizes the workout for each family member according to each person's ability, from beginner to advanced. It's such a great concept! I love working out with my wife there, we have such a fun time!

The absolute BEST trainer. I started in June/July of this year at 152lbs and I'm down to 143 as of…read morethis week. Terry works so hard to make sure your goals are met and you tone/lose weight in a healthy way. I have chronic back/hip problems and Terry has modified workouts on days my pain flares up. She has also recommended chiropractic and message therapists to help with the pain. She checks in on her clients on days we don't meet and is so involved from the beginning. 10/10 would recommend her to anyone wanting to get fit! I cannot recommend her enough!!!

I recently completed a 6-month, 2X a week session (July '21- Jan '22) with Kariim. When I started…read morein July, I told him that I didn't have a lot of weight to lose, but I wanted to feel comfortable in a bathing suit for my 50th birthday in October. My first weigh-in I was at 196.1 and at 5'9", I told him I'd be happy if I could be at 180 lbs. on my birthday. He said calmly, "I think we can get down to 175 lbs." And I remember not giving that statement that much energy because I just wanted to be 180 lbs. But along the way, with his encouragement, advice, guidance, and tough and targeted workouts, I WANTED to get to 175 lbs. and on the day before my birthday, I weighed in at 174.4 lbs. On my last day at the gym, I weighed in at 174.8 lbs. and yesterday I weighed in at home at 173 lbs. Altogether, I lost a total of 21.3 lbs., 3.5% of body fat, and 35.5 total inches all over my body. I have actually gotten down to 172.6 lbs., but I still haven't mastered the eating plan that Kariim encourages, which is why my body fat percentage did not drop as much as I wanted. Kariim is not the type of trainer who yells at you like a drill sergeant, yet his quiet, stern presence makes you want to give it your all (at least that's how I felt). He's personable and shared a wealth of knowledge about the difference between being "fit" and being "healthy". He not only helped transformed my body, more importantly, he helped transform my mind and how I feel about fitness & exercise. I'm determined to make it a part of my life now, like brushing my teeth. I actually work out when I *don't* want to, which is proof for me, that I'm determined to make exercise a regular part of my life and hold myself accountable. Now that I'm happy with the number on the scale, my main focus is fitness and building muscle. I still have a long way to go, but I realize that slow and steady wins the race. I bought some resistance bands to assist with this part of my journey and because of my sessions with Kariim, I'm no longer intimidated by gym machines (as I was before), so if I wanted to go back to a commercial gym again, I could with confidence this time. Someone asked me on New Year's Eve what was the best thing I did for myself in 2021. And besides graduating with my master's degree in May, I would absolutely have to say that working out with Kariim was the best thing I did for myself. He absolutely gave me what I needed, and I'll be forever grateful. (You know that little indention/definition at the top of your arm, near your shoulder? I always wanted that, lol! And sometimes when I pass myself in the mirror, I can finally see it coming in! )

When you've been unemployed and quarantined for 12 months straight weight just sneaks up on you…read more This waistline didn't stand a chance in 2020. I signed up with Kariim a few weeks and I can already feel myself getting stronger. Kariim offers training sessions from 1 to 5 days a week at several different times. Right now I only train two days a week at the facility but Kariim has given me a high-intensity interval training plan to do on my off days along with meal ideas. Kariim is knowledgeable and knows what exercises you need to do to reach your desired goals. He'll push your limits but you'll thank him for it in the end. While I'm still early in my process I'm excited about what's to come.

Karen has been a joy to work with and very sensitive to my situation, as it can be intimidating to…read morestart a fitness routine when you are very overweight. I have been visiting Karen for personal training for over a year now and I never miss my sessions with her! She is my "reset" button every week to check in and make sure I'm on track for my fitness goals. Combined with a diet I selected and additional exercises throughout the week, Karen helped me lose 45lbs last year. I started at 308lbs. I still have a ways to go, but I'm looking forward to see what I can do in year 2. It really helps to have a person there every week who is cheering you on (especially when you've had an off week!), and someone to provide new ideas when you need the boost. How many times in my life have I taken a "break" from going to the gym only to find a week turns into several months? Having my weekly appointment has saved me from falling back into sedentary mode. If she has a spot open for you, grab it before it gets away!

For most of my life, I was a person who hated working out. I would exercise in waves of a few…read moremonths at a time and then stop. Going to Karen's classes was part of those waves, but it wasn't until I was in my forties and had two kids that I decided I needed to make exercise a regular part of my life. I was looking for strength and stamina and started out with small-group training with Karen. I've been doing the same group training for two years now. Karen is amazing at what she does. Not only does she create challenging, varied, and--yes!--FUN workouts, but she gets to know each person in her class so well that she knows when to motivate you, when to give you modifications, and when to push you. She is always researching and trying new exercises and teaching you how they benefit you. Perhaps most of all, I love the camaraderie, support, and genuine care I feel in her classes. We work hard together, encourage each other, and laugh a lot. I can't imagine working out anywhere else, and I hope I never have to! If you're looking for a trainer who will support you, motivate you, and care about your health, and for classes with awesome people, I highly recommend Karen Schrier Fitness!

I've had an incredible experience with Corey at Body Design! I joined because after 11 years of…read moremotherhood and letting my own needs take a backseat, I knew I needed to prioritize my health. I wanted to increase my overall strength and improve cardiovascular endurance, but I had no idea how to begin. Now, after 6 weeks with Corey and Body Design, I have lost 5.2% body fat and gained 5lbs in muscle. My heart rate after the endurance test dropped from 168bpm to 151bpm and I went from being able to do 0 push ups to doing 4 push ups. And my blood pressure dropped too! But most importantly, I feel more confident in knowing that I can do tough workouts and I can do them well! I have learned to make fitness a part of my daily routine. I've built the habits that will keep me healthy and strong. And another added bonus is that my migraine headaches have drastically reduced since starting the program. I really appreciate the clear cut program that Body Design offers. Thanks to the workout and nutrition plans, I know exactly what I need to do and eat each day. (PROTEIN!!) And thanks to the monthly testing incorporated into the program, I can clearly see the data that shows my efforts are making a difference. It gives such a boost to my motivation! I appreciated Corey's professionalism and knowledge. I learned so much from him about fitness, nutrition, and how to maximize my results. I had never worked with a trainer before and I was intimidated by the thought of it, but Corey was so supportive, my nerves faded after the first week. Class sizes were always 3 or fewer people, so I had lots of individual feedback and support. I could tell that Corey makes adjustments to meet every client at their level. So whether you are a seasoned pro, or brand new to strength training like I was, I highly recommend working with Body Design!

Very friendly and professional. They take our health very seriously with customized meal plans and…read morestate of the art machines that report fat and muscle mass, which eliminates any doubts you may have about not reaching your goals. Everything they have to offer is worth every penny! Personal training doesn't get any better than this!

Tamekia White at TFC is nothing short of a miracle worker! In just a month and a half, with only 3…read morevisits a week, I lost almost 10 pounds, shed 7% of my body fat and gained so much more energy I felt like a new person. She worked around my crazy work schedule and helped me with a customized nutrition plan. It was so fun being in her gym with other women of all shapes and sizes. She has an amazing ability to make you feel like you are getting a personal trainer in a positive group environment with affordable prices. She herself has boundless energy, infectious positivity and contagious joy. I was only in town for a couple of months last year but I still think about the incredible experience of getting to work with Tamekia at Total Fitness Control. I was trying to lose some of the baby weight from having my son in 2015 and she was 7 months pregnant when she trained me! Such a positive experience. I wish I lived in Atlanta so I could go to this gym every week. Tamekia is an incredible person and top-notch trainer.