Situated at Colvin Run and Walker Road, Elite Fitness Concepts has applied personalized training approaches to its members since the doors first opened in 1998. The gym prides itself on knowing each member by name and coaching entire families in living healthy lifestyles.
“It’s not common to have a client for more than 10 years,” said Casey Filippone, co-owner of the gym. “We’ll have a family where the dad will show his son how to exercise and then the older sibling is teaching the younger sibling.”
Currently, statistics show that the senior citizens are the largest population starting a fitness program, and at Elite Fitness Concepts, the gym's size often means less competition for equipment from a younger population. But even with a reputation such as theirs at Elite Fitness, they have to pay attention to what is occurring across the industry.
“Five years ago we were the only ones here,” said Jason Stavish, co-owner of the gym who has worked there for 12 years. “You have to constantly make sure you’re relevant and know the changes in the fitness world.”
The gym adheres to fitness fundamentals in order to stay relevant, including teaching and encouraging members how to eat healthy and exercise properly. The gym popularity has grown through word-of-mouth publicity.
“I’ve been here for over two years,” said Elizabeth Ramage Hoffinger. “I first started coming because of my daughter.” Ramage Hoffinger’s daughter, Kate, was looking for a gym when she returned home from college.
“I like it a lot,” said her daughter. “I’ve never been to another gym."
In the words of another member, Dr. Jeanette Coutin-Gentry, “It’s good to have someone who tells you the right things to do … ”
Elite Fitness Concepts is open Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.