BodyFitz Certified Personal Training is a small gym owned and run by Dan FitzSimons and his wife, Tracy. Located in the heart of Sandy Springs, Georgia, this personal training business is “home” for a multitude of young, middle-aged and senior athletes and athlete wannabes who over the years have become part of the FitzSimons’ family. Along with Brinkley, their 3-month-old boxer puppy, clients hit the gym before dawn and flow in and out throughout the day until well after dark most days. And if you didn’t get enough workouts in during the week, there are training sessions and “Boot Camp Fat Burning” sessions on Saturdays and Sundays. Dan and his trainers…all have an uncanny ability to make you smile and laugh at yourself while they put every muscle in your body through the paces during 30, 45 and 60-minute workouts. This is truly a place where “everybody knows your name.” Clients not only encourage each other through the moans, groans and sweat that are part of each session, we encourage each other through ups and downs, illness and recovery, job loss and job hunting, life and death. BodyFitz is no ordinary gym. It is filled with a spirit and a purpose and a true sense of community; whether you’ve been there seven years, as I have, or seven days. The moment you walk in the door, you feel welcomed, despite whatever trepidations you might have about size, weight or committing to a regular exercise routine. Before finding BodyFitz, I had purchased (and abandoned) a number of health club memberships. This is not a “health club.” It’s a true, loving and supportive community where athletes and athlete wannabes come together to encourage each other in finding and maintaining some semblance of health, fitness and “de-stressedness” in their lives.
Kathryn Stoddard
“Clients come here for all the right reasons.”
Rodger Johnson
“For personalized, expert training, I have never found a facility as good as BodyFitz. The staff, the facility and the quality of the personal training is heads above what I have experienced at other facilities in the past. I have been a client for a few years now and I have found the service to be life-changing.”
Phil Kranz
“BodyFitz has it all! A friendly, non-threatening atmosphere that is super- challenging at the same time. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable trainers provide uniquely individualized support and inspiration. Working out here is like working out with your family – They don’t let you get away with anything, but you always feel at home!”
Jeanne Strickler
“I started working out at BodyFitz in June 2009 about 3 months after major back surgery. My goal was to get back into running. I should have been cross training more before my back started bothering me, but I just liked to run – only run. I knew that to recover fully from surgery that I needed to cross train and build my core body strength and flexibility. I had attended one yoga class elsewhere, the week before but my brother-in-law, who is also a runner, encouraged me to try BodyFitz, which is conveniently on my way home from work, so I decided that I would give it a try. I initially met with Dan Fitzsimons and he gave me some basic information about what to expect and how to get the most of my workout sessions. His advice has been helpful throughout my time at BodyFitz. I signed up for 30-minute sessions two times a week. Even from my first initial visit to BodyFitz – every trainer at BodyFitz has been friendly, warm and welcoming towards me. Everyone is always glad to see me when I arrive at the gym. Each of my sessions individually focuses on my needs and on me. I have worked with a few different trainers during this time and each has been encouraging, supportive and given me feedback on how to improve my form. Over the last year I have improved my upper body strength and core strength, which has improved my running also. I am very happy with my progress. I now run on the days that I do not work out with a trainer and have increased my mileage and feel great. I have lost 40 lbs. in the last 4 months by adhering to a diet that I am convinced that I have been able to follow because of my exercise regimen. BodyFitz has really helped me achieve my goals! I feel very fortunate to have found BodyFitz in my neighborhood!”
Karen Keenum
“First, all the trainers are wonderful (especially mine!). Of course, they are certified, with lots of experience, but they’re also supportive, encouraging, and creative, and are just nice people anyone would be glad to know. They get the best out of their clients. The owners, Dan and Tracy, have created a wonderful environment. They have created the highest standards for group classes and personal training. The gym looks great and is so clean.
For the first time in my life, I have been consistent with exercise. I’m stronger than I have ever been. I’ve made friends at BodyFitz. The clientele are as friendly as the staff.
I live in Buckhead, and my friends ask me why I drive all the way to Sandy Springs to work out. My response is that although it’s really less than 15 minutes away, and I would drive twice as far to get there if I had to!”
Kay Alvelda