This is probably the best gym in morganton. The upstairs has tread mills, weight equipment and the…read more"normal" gym environment. I say normal because most industry gyms have gone to having smoothie bars, TVs, and group class exercises... the down stairs however - where I hung out during my stay - has a crossfit feel. They have functional fitness classes and most everything there to do a crossfit type workout (they don't yet have climbing ropes). But all that isn't what makes this hometown gym so great. What makes it great are the people everyone is friendly, kind, and professional at what they do. The staff also work with their customers to match them with the right plan for them. So, if you are looking for a hometown friendly customer first type of gym APL is the place to go.

From the owner: Largest Gym in Morganton, NC with 24 Hour Access, Meal Plans, Functional Fitness Classes, Kids…read moreClasses, Personal Training, Sports Specific training and More!

I have known Crystal both as a friend and a professional for several years. I can honestly say that…read moreI have not met a more genuine and caring individual. Crystal helped me meet, and exceed, several of my fitness goals during my time training with her. She is an exceptional motivator! Crystal shows so much enthusiasm in her work; she has built up my confidence in the gym and definitely on the running track! I absolutely recommend working with Crystal! Jesse M

Crystal is a very personable trainer. She does a good job of coming up with exercises and workouts…read moreon the fly. She will talk you through your workout and make sure that you understand every move. She isn't shy to correct form or misconceptions on what you need to do to improve yourself, no one wants a push over trainer. Continuously is studying so that she can grow her knowledge of the human body, and ways that she can assist both those that need rehab and those that know their way around the gym.

The gym is easy to find and conveniently located downtown. The owner/ trainer is super nice and I…read morewill go back when I am in town. The gym is small but clean and the equipment is new. It was a great work out.

Awesome coaching, supportive people, and just a nice box!read more

I moved to the Black Mountain, NC area 4 years ago (2016). I had been working with a personal…read moretrainer in Atlanta, and I was anxious to find a gym near my new home. I visited a few "big box" gyms in Asheville and Black Mountain, then Ascending Fitness. I was immediately drawn to the small group cross training classes there (think physically safe, not like some other cross training places where injuries abound), but I doubted I could get as good a workout in a group vs. individually. Boy, was I wrong! After attending the group classes over a period of time, I realized I'd NEVER been stronger and in better shape (I'm a 62 yr. old woman, BTW), and the social aspect of a small group was fun and kept me motivated. I've been working out there 3 times a week ever since. The workouts are full body, including strength, balance, and aerobic. It's amazing how much Jim can work into 45 minutes. He also has a great library of online videos that use body weight and all kinds of household and hotel items to workout - very handy while we were all housebound due to Covid. If you're just starting out with a program, Jim also offers classes in balance and stability and "bridge" classes to transition from balance and stability to the full circuit training class. I can't say enough about the positive effects working out at Ascending Fitness brought/brings to me. All the creaky, sore joints and back are pain free now. 100% recommend this place!

I love working out at Ascending Fitness! The group exercise is small-limited to 8 people. Jim Frith…read moreis by far the best trainer I've ever worked with. He's extremely careful about injury prevention and knows how to train all ages and fitness capabilities. I got tired of packed gyms where I would lift weights and hope for the best. I did not want shoulder surgery like many of my friends were needing after their workout injuries. I've missed Jim and his wonderful clients during COVID. If you want a better quality of life, sign up now to have Jim assess you! You won't regret it!

Still no reimbursement for 3 months of being overcharged at Hitone fitness. I was able to talk to a…read moremanager about it in the 1st week of this month. He assured me 'the main office' would follow through with the money owed me but I still haven't recieved any thing.

Working out with Nelson has been a great experience! I have lost 30 lbs since I started working out…read morewith Nelson a few months ago. He is patient, friendly, and encouraging. He helps me push past my limits and realize that I am capable of much more. He is a well rounded, experienced, and educated trainer. He answers all my questions and explains everything with scientific evidence. He creates personal workout plans for my goals and holds me accountable to them. He checks in on my weight weekly and makes sure that I stay on track with my weight loss. Nelson is an overall excellent trainer, I would recommend him to anyone looking to make a change or reach a certain fitness goal.

Excellent trainers! Personalized attention, challenging, and great hours and very affordable.read more

Carroll Dawkins is an amazing personal trainer! His discernment of what you need and how to help…read moreyou apply it towards your overall health. The gym has a close knit bond between all of the people which makes for not just friends but family. It never smells like a locker room because he and his staff make sure it is sanitized keeping everyone healthy. Carroll cares about everyone he meets and always has a smile ready for you!

I've been working with Michael at Shape Up for roughly a year and a half and I can't speak highly…read moreenough of my experience. When I came to him I was still dealing with pain from a shoulder surgery, I hadn't regularly worked out in over a year, and I had some bad habits from my time in the Army. From the start I was impressed. He took great care to remind me that doing things properly and painlessly was the goal, regardless of how much (or how little) weight was being moved. The workout plan during our sessions and outside of them has allowed me to be far more consistent and make the most of my schedule. His studio is outstanding, and the constant addition of new equipment and tools to help his clients always impresses me. The results are evident in the strength I've gained, and I'm in the best shape I've been in a very long time. Thank you Michael!

Shape Up Fitness & Wellness Consulting is a best kept fitness secret in Charlotte. They offer…read moretraditional and nontraditional ways to get fit in a still-expanding studio on Park Rd. I have received a wellness consultation there and participated in their bootcamp classes. You also have the option of one-on-one personal training where the attention is all on you and your fitness goals or you can opt for the bootcamp classes (what I did!) which are small groups between 5-10 individuals, where you will will feel like you are in basic training for the Army.:) My experience with bootcamp and trainers: The bootcamp exercises vary...sprints, jumping rope, circuits, abs, squats and more. It's truly one of those feelings where it hurts but feels good. You know what I mean? You know you are working hard but it helps get results. You can burn 700+ calories in just one session! The owner Michael (who also trains) and one of the trainers Tyson (she really works you out!!) really care about your fitness goals and they do not yell at you like in real basic training! In addition to training, Shape Up gives you nutritional tips and also has their own newsletter that includes articles based around fitness/nutrition, as well as a healthy recipe that helps you to stay the course. I know when I get it in my inbox, it helps me to stay on track! The prices are in line with other studios but the personal attention they give goes far beyond many fitness places.