When we [my wife Becca and I] found Cumming Strength and Fitness, we just had a few goals for our next gym. One was to find a place that was welcoming — we didn’t want to just show up to a gym and no one talk to us, so that obviously wasn’t the case here — everyone was very welcoming. Second was that we wanted to be tested and given good direction in our lifts and workouts. We were a little bit experienced — we had already been working out a gym in Huntsville, AL for two years so we still wanted some coaching, but we also wanted to be able to be pushed to the next step in our fitness level and CS&F has been a place that has actually given us all of these and we are happy to be here right now.

It’s great because we can encourage each other. We usually come in the evenings after work and usually after work you don’t feel like doing anything but sitting down on the couch and watching TV but we encourage each other and help each other to get moving and get to the class on time. Without having each other there to encourage – I’m afraid I would miss a lot more classes.

This is something we can do together.

I’ve gained more confidence for everyday life. Things that I wouldn’t normally try to engage in do come a little easier to me.

Couples that workout together stay together.

I was a former professional baseball player. After I was done playing minor league baseball, I was just going to the gym, walking on the treadmill, lift a pump weights and go home. Little by little, my weight changed — I got bigger and bigger. My overall fitness standpoint changed. My cardio level changed. I was dealing with high blood pressure from being over-weight. I decided I needed to make some changes in my life. So after my wife joined CS&F, I decided to join with her.

My biggest advice for anyone coming in would be to pace yourself. Don’t try to keep up with others who have been here for a while, just do what your body can do, but also learn to push yourself as well.

In July 2014 I decided to try Cumming Strength and Fitness. It was hard. I hurt in places I didn’t know even existed; however, I instantly loved the people, the trainers, the variety and the challenge. It was exactly what I needed. I have “worked out” for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid my dad would ask us at dinner what we did today that was physically active. Early on it was ingrained in me that being active was important. I played volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, ran track and played rugby. I loved being part of a team and being active. As an adult I ran a marathon, ½ marathon, lifted weights and tried every aerobics class and workout video possible. Despite all my time and effort I was bored, stressed, anxious and NOT fit or happy with my body. CS&F has given me more than the ability to get strong. It has given me unbelievable friendships. It given me 3 hours a week where I can completely check out and not worry or think about anything else except how I am going to survive. It has given me direction on how to eat healthy and be healthy. It has challenged me. It has equipped me to accomplish things I never thought would be possible like pull ups, climbing a rope and lifting really heavy weights. I look forward to CS&F each week.

So… am I happy with my physical results? Absolutely. I am quickly approaching 40 and am the most fit I have ever been. However, what I love more is the way it makes me feel. I feel strong. I feel healthy. I feel capable. I feel cared for.

CS&F has also changed my quality of life. I have suffered from migraines for the last 12 years. I would average about 4 a week. It was debilitating and depressing. I tried medicine, diet, doctor after doctor, pretty much everything. In the last 10 months I can count the number of migraines I have had on one hand. I finally am free…my life doesn’t revolve around my migraines anymore. It is amazing. I truly believe this is due to CS&F.

Cumming Strength and Fitness has changed my life for the better.

My son encouraged me to get off the couch and join a gym. I joined Cumming Strength & Fitness in March 2015. I am a different person physically thanks to my coach Rachel Holden and the encouragement from all the CS&F members. I feel better. I have more energy, strength and stamina. I’ve gone from a 34 inch waist to a 28 waist, and I’ve toned my physique and lost 20 pounds. Most of all I feel better. Everyone’s encouragement at CS&F is a motivator.

Joining CS&F was a great decision for our family. We have something we can relate to and do together as a couple – we don’t have to talk about diapers, and daycare and bills all the time. Plus, we’re super competitive so a lot of times at dinner we’re comparing scores and talking about the day’s workout. We are both working through the nutrition program with Rachel and have seen awesome results! We love using our functional fitness to hike on the weekends and play with the kids.

I started my fitness journey in Tampa. In October 2016, I moved back to GA from Tampa and I went to another functional fitness gym in the Cumming area based off of someone I knew whose husband worked there. After less than 2 months I realized I never felt at home and was missing the programming, coaching and family feel of my old gym [in Tampa]. Well, someone recommended CS&F and so I called Hunter and came in for my one on one session and knew right away that CS&F has a great feel and a good community just from the warm reception I got when came in that day. Since joining the CS&F family my expectations are continuously blown away by the coaching, programming and also the CS&F Community. You can tell the owners, Jill and Hunter Thornton, pour their heart and souls into this box and it has trickled down to the awesome coaches as well. Besides the great coaches, the CS&F Family is truly something special and those are the reasons I am here!

My experience thus far has been truly exceeded by not only the coaches but the community, as the atmosphere is something special. We are truly a family at CS&F. The CS&F community is not something you find every day. It is something special and I feel blessed to be apart of it.

As someone who played sports growing up and spent a ton of time in the gym lifting, I had my doubts about Functional Fitness. I would tell them that no matter what age, skill level, or goals you want to accomplish CS&F is the place to do it at as with the coaching and community we have they are in great hands and will love it. They will also love Functional Fitness as it’s a ton of fun. It really has changed my life personally not only here at CS&F but outside the gym when facing everyday life challenges.

Brent Johnston, you’re one of my favorite people right about now! A few days ago I was really bummed out because since I took the POSE run clinic I haven’t been able to run more than a half mile, so I took a few days off from running. I just went to the park this evening and when I started to run the form came much more naturally and I was able to get a comfortable pace quickly. I just got finished running three miles straight! It’s been 5+ years since I’ve done that! And it was EASY!!! And I don’t hurt!! I feel like I could’ve run a couple more miles but I didn’t want to push a good thing Thank you for the help!!

I celebrated my 41st birthday yesterday. And, as I sit here and reflect back on the last year, I am reminded of all of the great things I am grateful for – my family, my job, my home, and my health. One of my biggest accomplishments in the last year was becoming the fittest I have ever been in my life. It all started one Saturday last June when I walked in the door at Cumming Strength and Fitness after I made the decision that I needed to do something to combat stress, get into shape, and feel better mentally and physically.

When I arrived, I was greeted by Jill and Hunter and a few other members. Jill helped me through my first session. I even disappeared on her through the back door as I “felt like I needed some fresh air.” Despite the difficulty of that first session and my lack of fitness, I was hooked. I returned that next Monday and never looked back. I immediately realized that this was a lot more fun than running outside and going to a globo gym. It was social, challenging, and exactly what I needed to get in shape and deal with stress. For an hour out of my day, the only thing I think about is what is on the whiteboard and it is amazing what it has done for my body and my mind.

One year later, I am down 3 sizes and have had to replace my entire wardrobe – a good problem to have if you ask me. I can run a mile without having to stop to catch my breath. My strength is amazing. My endurance is even better. I am managing my stress without any problems. My mind is clear, my body feels great, and I have learned tons. I have made some great friends too as CS&F has a great community of fabulous, fun, encouraging and supportive people!