One of my priorities when I moved to Seattle 3 years ago was to find a great gym with a solid community. From day 1 Lionel and his team were all exceptional with helping me reach my fitness goals as well as providing helpful health and wellness tips. Love the workouts and the atmosphere at Academy Athletics and I would highly recommend the gym to anyone who is looking to get in shape (or maintain their fitness) while breaking a sweat alongside really good people. Keep up the great work Lionel and team!

Academy Athletics is the ideal boutique gym experience!Clean, modern, great trainers, great atmosphere, and fun workouts.I m moving and am so sad to leave this group of people and location.Classes are fun and fast paced, which makes it motivating to go and get it done. The staff/trainers feel like friends and always remember your name!The adjustments and protocols for COVID have always made it feel clean and safe.The rotating structure of muscle groups and Saturday full body makes sure all you need to do is show up. I also love that Academy is closed on Sundays, because it reminds me its good to rest guilt free.Flexible schedules and no contracts give you every reason to join this gym. I recommend this gym to anyone, regardless of where you are in your health and fitness journey. Youll feel at home.

This is an extraordinary fitness community with personable coaches and an effective program. The facilities are clean and well equipped. The classes are adjustable to any level of fitness and the coaches are great at their jobs! The owner, Lionel, is an amazing and compassionate person who remembers every face and will help you reach your goals no matter what they may be.Try this gym! You will not regret it!

So I just finished the 6 week challenge and it was the exact thing I needed to re-kickstart my wellness/health journey. After a major surgery, and then COVID-19 shutdowns, I had lost so much strength, flexibility, etc. In 6 weeks with awesome support from Lionel, and GREAT workouts with both Lionel & Monica, I lost 15 lbs, 4 inches off my waist, 3 inches off my hips and I am down 4% body fat. I dont have nearly the same amount of knee pain (from previous surgeries/injuries) and the workouts are fast, hard and fun.Being a middle age, out of shape lady I was worried about being cool enough or athletic enough to come to this gym, but it turns out I had nothing to worry about. They are welcoming, positive, and focused on helping you hit your goals and push you to be your best. Folks in the classes are great too, nice people all doing their best.Another shoutout is necessary to Lionel for managing a clean, safe facility for us to workout in with the spacing limitations called for due to COVID-19. We each have a section (weights/mat, etc.) and we dont come in contact with others. Our temperatures are taken at the door, and masks are available for anyone that forgets their own. Kudos for managing a hard time and STILL making the gym a place I look forward to coming too.TL/DR: Clean gym, AWESOME coaches, hard workouts, great place. Highly recommend.

Academy Athletics has been my home for the last 3.5 years. I have enjoyed my workouts every time I was there; the instructors are really attentive and working out is fun in general. Highly recommended. I am moving away so I will really miss the atmosphere and the friends I have made through the comfortable atmosphere that Lionel and all the instructors have created. I am looking forward to seeing the success of this beautiful gym!

Seriously the best gym ever! If you’re looking for an awesome and fun workout, stellar trainers and a really supportive community, this is your place! I can’t recommend Lionel, Monica and the rest of the AA team enough.

Lionel and his team at Academy Athletics are incredible! The workouts always have an interesting element every week and the trainers are very positive. This is the longest I’ve stayed consistent with my workouts, thanks to the team for their constant motivation! :)

I recently participated in Lionel’s 6 week program. And let me tell you it’s a great way to budge that stubborn fat. I feel fit and have made changes to my lifestyle I thought I would never change!Lionel and his team are professional, motivating and there for you through all of it! Lionel would send me messages of encouragement and answered questions of course throughout the process.I definitely recommend getting in a routine that will jump start your healthy habits! Programs are always a challenge at first but they become so much easier once you “just start”!Thank you, Lionel for your guidance and this awesome program!!💪😎You didnt gain it overnight... So it will not disappear overnight. Trust and enjoy the process! You will see results!

Hey if you’re looking for a gym that will help get you into a much more healthy lifestyle, then Academy Athletics is the place to go! I was able to lose 30.6 lbs, 5% body fat, 3 inches off the hips, and 4.5 inches off the waist. All in 6 weeks at Academy Athletics! My favorite part was the camaraderie felt among all the members during the work out classes, the constant support that I felt by Lionel along the way, and how they literally lay it all for you. You just have to commit, and push yourself!

If you align yourself with Academy Athletics, you are aligning yourself with people who are committed to making sure you reach your goals of getting in shape and staying fit. AA holds all their clients accountable for the amount of exercise they do and the type of food they eat. Only enlist the services of Academy Athletics if you are looking for supportive people committed to helping you change your life for the better!

Amazing place! First gym i went to and it really set the expectations high. First, the gym itself is really, really clean. They wipe down after every session & do thorough cleaning. Second, the coaches (especially Lionel!) is so encouraging and constantly motivates you throughout the week to do better! Third, the system itself is so organized it was easy to follow. I lost over 20 pounds in 6 weeks! I am definitely gonna take a lot I learned from this experience through lifetime!

I participated in and successfully completed the 6 week challenge. This is an amazing program. I lost 25 lbs and 4.4% body fat simply by following directions. I lost so much that I had to put 2 more holes into my belt. Ha ha!Classes are in a group setting and honestly are a lot of fun. Lionel really cares about the individual and their progress.I highly recommend this program to everyone.

Having just lost 21.2 lbs and 7.6% body fat, I am OVER THE MOON happy with the results I’ve gotten during my 6 week gym challenge. Lionel’s program really works almost as hard as he does for his clients. I got my own custom meal plan, stuck with each workout schedule, and saw real results in both my physical and psychological self!!! The space, the coaches, and the fellow classmates all help to set a positive pace and mindset overall and I think that is one of the special attributes about the program. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking to truly stick to their New Year’s Resolutions and make an impactful change to their life on multiple levels.

Most incredible place to Workout I was looking for a academy 6 weeks before, that could provide me with quality teachers and especially a method of helping me lose weight. Until I found the Academy Athletics and directly talked to Lionel, who was super patient. I did my 6 weeks challenge, arriving at the incredible result of losing more than 32 pounds of weight. I discovered that the Academy Athletics is much more than a gym for you to do the work out, on the contrary, more like a big family. all help each other, the team of teachers and Lionel are extremely qualified people and motivate you to each workout. This place transformed my life completely. not only losing weight, I learn a new method how to enjoy my life. Today I feel a good person with my body, thank you Academy Athletics for all your commitment and dedication with every member of the academy. Thank you instructors by Academy Athletics, you guys are awesome. Thank you for all the motivation. Specially for Cody and Mary, always giving me a motivation to improve my workout and achieve my goals. Thanks Lionel to study hard and make a method with a specific meal plan which helped me a lot.

All I can say is THANK YOU to Lionel and his staff. This gym was a catalyst for regular exercise and workout consistency. It has changed my life. As someone that has tried the all of the fitness options, from Cross-Fit to Water Aerobics, there is something about this method that sticks. My theory, it eliminates excuses. Everyone has 45 minutes to devote to their health and wellness. You quickly get addicted to the results. Lionel and his staff, genuinely care about your fitness journey.

Academy Athletics is the best fitness facility I ever attended! Not only the space and the gear is super clean and easy to use but the training sessions are really super efficient, intense and short, you never get bored and you’re working hard without even noticing it! Lionel is a great coach, supportive and motivating. I did the 6 weeks challenge and lost more than 20 pounds it is just amazing! I feel great and I couldn’t have done it without Lionel’s support!!

Academy Athletics has been great place to start my fitness journey. The classes are great and keep you motivated week after week. Im always surprised the next week when I lift a little more or up my cardio. I have been able to lose weight while gaining some strength. Lionel and the rest of the coaches are so knowledgeable. They make the classes go by fast and make them fun!

This really works!!! I lost 22 lbs (from 188 to 166) in 6 weeks which was near to impossible for me to imagine. The given diet plan was feasible to follow, workout was intensive and fun, and the major factor was motivation and guidance from Lionel. That 6 weeks changed my lifestyle where I became more aware of what workout I am doing and what diet I am following. BIG THANK! Going to continue with Academy Athletics...

Lionel is such an amazing trainer! So positive, so encouraging! The gym is filled with great people, new and exciting workouts each week to keep you stimulated and working towards that goal and an amazing community that comes together for 5K runs, Warrior Dashes, weekend hikes and personal celebrations. Definitely check out Academy Athletics if you want a challenging and timely workout that easily fits in your schedule and kicks your butt!

If you want a change in your life as far as fitness goes, Id recommend this place.I lost 23 pounds in 6 weeks, 4.5% body fat and 7.5 inches on my stomach. I mean, its definitely worth it. You have nothing to lose but those pounds! It works, stick to the meal plan, and workout hard.Its fun and energetic, and you dont feel like just a number, the owner knows each and every members name, that alone is impressive. Go for a free class or 2, you will like it.

This is an incredible gym in Belltown that has really changed my attitude about group fitness classes. The coaches are inspiring, the owner is passionate and works with everyone to their own ability.Great work outs for anyone, quick and effective and paired dietary and nutrition plans.

Joining was by far the best thing I have ever done! Lionel and his team of trainers made such an impact on my life! This is the type of gym where the owner knows your name, checks in with you, and truly helps you hit your personal goals. I did the 6 week challenge and lost 23 pounds, and 9.75 inches off my waist going to three 45 min workouts a week and following their awesome meal plan suggestion. If youre looking for an incredible gym that kicks your butt, give this place 6 weeks. You will be hooked!

Academy Athletics 6-weeks challenge works like magic, like time-travel. The program helped me lose 5 inches around my waist and 25 pounds of body weight in 6 weeks, making me look ten years younger. I worked out 3 to 4 times with the club and followed the meal plan - no tricks. The classes are high intensity, varied, and fun. I recommend it to everybody who wants to transform their body or be fit. Big fan!

Very pleased with the results after my 6 weeks challenge! Lionel designed effective workouts and easy-to-follow meal plans, so youre guaranteed to lose body fat %, gain lean muscles, and drop those pounds if you follow his plan throughout. Would highly recommend to anyone who needs a more structured workout plan and enjoys meeting new friends along the way.

I enjoyed every day of my 6 weeks challenge here. It was my first time that I started working out in my life here. The coaches here are very friendly and cooperative. They helped me with great meal plans and correct forms of exercises. It really helped me in saving a lot of time. I gaines 10 lbs of muscle within 6 weeks of time which boosted my confidence. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking forward for true motivation.

I have been struggling with start-stop workout plans and yo-yo dieting for a long time. Having been an athlete throughout high school and most of college, when I started working full time I didnt prioritize my physical wellbeing. I finally decided I needed to get serious about consistently working out, for my long term health (physically and mentally). Ive struggled with knee and back issues so Ive had time finding a workout program that is right for me.I say all this because I walked in Academy Athletics this past Monday, not expecting to find such a welcoming and positive environment. Lionel is friendly and engaging, and understood my non-scale oriented goals and that I had so injuries I needed to be mindful of. I did a trial class and was immediately hooked. Lionel makes the workouts fun and challenging, while making sure youre getting the support you need (whether thats modifications or just a reminder that you can keep going on the circuit). The facilities at Academy Athletics are top notch, there is great music and every single person Ive worked out with has been really nice and everyone encourages one another (even if we are all at varying skill/fitness levels). Ive worked out 4 times this week because I genuinely wanted to, I even thought about not going one day because I was tired, and then realized how cranky I was and how I hadnt been in such a bad mood on the day I worked out. When I got to the studio for my workout, Lionel had new signs outside that say Youre only one workout away from a good mood, and I couldnt agree more!Excited to see how the 6 week challenge can help me instill healthy habits into my everyday routine! Visit academy athletics for a trial workout if you want a fun and supportive environment while finding your inner strength!

The entire crew at Academy Athletics is AMAZING. Lionel especially is such an incredible coach who truly cares about his members and it shows. The 6 week program seems too good to be true BUT IT ISN’T.I just finished my 6 week challenge/program and I could not believe the results. With hard work and Lionel keeping me on track I was able to lose 18.2 pounds in 6 weeks! Additionally I lost 7 inches off my stomach and 3.75 inches off my hips, and an unbelievable 7.3% BODY FAT (building that muscle!!)! All in just six weeks! I feel so much happier with not only the way my clothes fit, but how I feel. Working out has become a lot more fun and rewarding and I can’t wait to continue my progress.For anyone looking to kickstart an amazing lifestyle change and see results talk to Lionel and the team over at Academy Athletics...you won’t be disappointed!

Working out has been a great experience for the last 6 months. They have consistently changed their routine to keep it interesting and organized very nice social events such as hiking, Spartan race, Night Race and the one year anniversary party. The workouts have gotten me great results so far. I’m very happy to be a member at the Academy Athletics. Looking forward to trying out the 6 week challenge to improve our nutrition.

This is the best gym I have ever been to. I was able to loose 70 lbs by going to this gym 4 days of the week in about 6 months as well as following Lionels meal plan. Not to mention Lionel is the sweetest owner in the world. I hope he opens up more gyms in the area. Not only that but this gym has the nicest people. Everyone is so welcoming and it isnt awkward if you have to go by yourself cause there is always a sense of community in each class.This is hands down the best gym in Seattle.

Can I give it 10 Stars? I can honestly say Academy Athletics provides the best workouts I have ever had! I do not live near the gym but during the COVID-19 lockdown, I got an opportunity to try their online classes from home. The workouts are amazing and extremely effective but there are two things that really struck me about this business. The first thing I noticed was how incredibly friendly, professional, and supportive the trainers are. They have created a program that gives support in ways other than just workouts too (accountability, facebook groups, etc…) They call themselves coaches and they call us their teammates. By creating a team atmosphere, it really helped to motivate me and made me want to work harder. Secondly, I noticed how quickly I got results. Not only did I see physical changes within weeks, I noticed a huge mood/mental boost as well. The beginning of lockdown was very tough for me and I was in a bad mental space. These workouts were 110% the game changer for me. I noticed I had more energy and I felt WAY happier, feelings that lasted long after the workout. Today I am feeling stronger than ever, both mentally and physically, and I credit Academy Athletics for helping me to feel like myself again. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work out with these amazing people and be a part of their wonderful fitness community. I absolutely recommend these folks and can’t thank them enough for their help! Thank you Academy Athletics! Y’all are the best!

Such an amazing gym, the coaches are so motivating. Sometimes walking into a workout can be intimidating but not at Academy Athletics everyone is so welcoming and always there to cheer you on. If I wasn’t moving I would definitely stay. Thank you guys 😊

I joined Academy Athletics almost three weeks ago and absolutely love it. The trainers make the workouts super fun and they are only 45 minutes so they fly by. They also have a recommended healthy meal plan that is easy to follow and really delicious. In the short time that Ive been, Ive already lost weight, have so much more energy and my overall mood has improved. I can not recommend Academy enough!

I started at Academy Athletics about 8 weeks ago and I am loving it! I have definitely noticed a difference in the tone and shape of my legs and arms. I cant wait to get tan and wear shorts again! I am just about there. I have a neck injury and Lionel has been fabulous by helping me find alternative exercises that do not exacerbate the problem. I have tried countless gyms before and Lionels classes are second to none! I attend class everyday and classes are always fun and really hard! I dont have much weight to lose, just trying to tighten and tone but I did lose 6 pounds in just a couple weeks. Try it out. You will love these classes. :)

Academy Athletics has an awesome workout program with an amazing meal plan to go along with it. I love that the workouts are short and sweet (45min) which doesnt take too much time up out of my crazy schedule. The owner, Lionel, is so genuine and supportive as well as the rest of the staff. This is a great place to go to find awesome results and an awesome community!

I never thought a 45 minute workout could be so fun! The atmosphere is fun and challenging. I always feel motivated once I get in the gym and never regret getting a workout in before work or at lunch. The trainers are really great at making every workout challenging and fun. They also make sure you have proper form and can give alternatives if your body can’t perform that exercise. The community is so supportive of everyone’s fitness goals and challenge each each to bring their A game to each workout.

Joining this gym has been such a great decision for me. The classes are done in 45 minutes, and I always leave feeling like I really got a great work out in. The work outs are different every day, so I never feel the monotony that Ive felt with other gyms. Lionel and the other trainers are super supportive and helpful throughout the workouts and my fellow classmates are always very kind. Love this place!

Really just a great HIIT focused group workout gym that has a very well thought out and impactful six week challenge incorporating diet and lifestyle changes to promote health and wellness goals. Lionel, the owner is passionate, enthusiastic and involved - very keen on supporting your goals, helping you with form and modifications, supporting injury risks and more. He genuinely cares about your personal journey and wants to see you meet your goals, whatever they might be. Definitely worth a go if you want to make a lifestyle change or just need a really good workout to push yourself - these HIIT classes can go to the max limit for even the most athletic people, and the bike/row/treadmill sprints he incorporates ensures you get muscle gains and cardio leaning in the same program.

I met the team here in a high-level-performance mastermind group, and theyre in a class of excellence. Highly recommended. All of us benefit from high-level coaching, like theirs. You can save time by starting here and letting the coaching team guide your entire path with fitness, nutrition, and accountability.

Academy Athletics has been a blessing for both my wife and myself. Lionel and his crew are superb and so motivating while pushing you through intense workouts all the while making sure you are doing everything the right way..... this combined with an amazing meal plan has given us amazing results.

What can I say???In 6 weeks I lost 20.2 lbs and 6 in across my waist.The workouts aren’t boring because he changes them up there’s a fun atmosphere in every class you take.I challenged myself physically and mentally and it’s awesome seeing the progress you can accomplish if you set your mind to it.I dont come from a fit background at all. But so many things I took away from the gym. Thank you Lionel for your help and helping me with my lifestyle.

Saw an ad on Instagram about a challenge where you could lose 20 lbs in six weeks. It sounded too good to be true but I set up a meeting anyway to learn more. I took the challenge and succeeded! Lost 21.2 lbs and 5.9% bodyfat in six weeks. Lionel is a great guy who really cares about his clients. Great gym atmosphere, always found easy parking, short but intense workouts that are fun. The meal plan works even if have some skip days. Lionel definitely had to deal with some hangry complaining the first few weeks, but if you commit to it you can get results! If youre frustrated at being stuck and not achieving the weight loss goals you are seeking I highly recommend the fitness challenge as a great jump start!

Lionel and the fit fam were a huge help in getting me back on my feet, fitness-wise. I honestly was skeptical, at first that I could reach either 6-week challenge goal, but I did in spades! Weekly encouragement, check-ins and helpful answers to some of my questions were a HUGE help for me, personally as I tend to have a hard time with motivation and accountability. A BIG thanks to Academy Athletics!

Academy athletics is one of the first gyms Ive experienced that makes you make a better you. I feel direction-less at most solo gym, but not with the group led classes here. Its something else, cant beat the time either w/ short workouts.

Academy Athletics is absolutely phenomenal. I can’t speak highly enough of the owner, Lionel, and his dedication to making fitness, exercise, and health easy, attainable, fun, and inclusive in a beautiful facility right next to Olympic Sculpture Park. The HIIT group exercises are designed to be 45 minutes from warm up to cool down and all you have to do is show up and put in your effort; Lionel does all of the leg work for you. I am in week four of the six week exercise and meal plan and I’ve had results like never before: over 8% body weight lost, increased energy, vastly improved endurance and performance in my other sports, and a broader sense of community and support that’s been crucial to sticking with the program. If you’ve been frustrated with your results in the past or are looking for a fun, quick, effective exercise routine to work into your week, check out Academy Athletics.

I joined Academy Athletics, initially, for the six-week challenge because I believe a workout and nutrition should go hand in hand. The gym became far more than that in just a week because of the support, enthusiasm, energy, community, and encouragement that I got both in and outside of workouts.Since ending my college athletic program, I have struggled with weight-gain and finding a sustainable workout plan. I had trouble completing workouts due to the “I used to be able to do…” syndrome. Lionel’s program completely changed that. The format of 35 seconds on, 10 seconds off, doesn’t leave you room to think and allows you to push yourself to the max on every set. Encouragement from Lionel and your teammates will allow you to do more than you ever thought.If you’re worried about an injury, tell Lionel! He’ll work with you to adjust exercises and make sure that you’re being safe. He also has an amazing memory and will continue to check in with you throughout your time at Academy Athletics.Half way through my six-week challenge, I hit a plateau (also known as Thanksgiving), where my numbers weren’t going down. Lionel worked with me to adjust the workouts and the diet so that I could hit my numbers. In six weeks, I lost 22 pounds, but more than that, I gained a set of healthy, sustainable, life-changing practices that I continue even though I have moved away.Thank you, Lionel and the Academy Athletics Fit Fam!

This is a great gym! I lost 11.5 pounds and 5% body fat during my six week challenge. For context, I worked out at orange theory fitness for about 1 year before I started the 6 week challenge. I weighed about 145 pounds and didnt think I had too much to lose in the way of weight but definitely had a few inches of fat to lose around the tummy but to a non discerning eye I looked in pretty good shape. So, for someone like me to lose 5 percent body fat and over 10 pounds in 6 weeks amazed me and the people around me. The meal plan Lionel provides is definetely key to transformation. Now that my six week challenge is done, Im pretty confident of staying in shape because of the tools Lionel equips you with in terms of clean eating, macro proportions and portion control. This is a lifestyle change and Lionel holds your hand all along this journey, he checks in with you frequently over the week to keep a tab on the progress. The other instructors at the gym, Mary and Nio are really nice to! They constantly monitor and correct your form to ensure you get the maximum out of each workout and stay injury free. Lastly, there is a great community feeling within the gym which is hard to find in a constantly evolving town like Seattle. Lionel literally greets every member who walks in the gym everyday using their name. Ive been going to OTF for a year before this, and no one ever greeted me with my name. In a nutshell, dont think twice before starting the 6 week challenge or joining this gym. Its a gem.

Brand new Belltown area gym focused on HIIT training classes. Their group classes are intense, but each person gets to push to their own limit. Its a great option for those already fit, or those that want to work toward being so. They also do meal planning and fitness challenges.The owner, Lionel, makes this place shine though. Tons of positive energy from that guy. He truly cares about the people he trains. Supporting their goals, helping them stay motivated, and considering each persons needs as they progress through sessions.I highly recommend you make Academy Athletics a core part of your fitness regime.

Always a fun time and great workouts! Everyone is positive and works hard! Lionel is a great guy and couldnt recommend this place enough!

Should be a 10 star option. Lionel and his trainers are a passionate group. Its like the Cheers of gyms. Where everybody knows your name.

Best gym ever! It only takes 45 minutes. Very efficient, challenging and fun. Every day we do something different, which makes it even more interesting. This is the only workout routine you will ever need to get in shape.

Excellent workouts and great trainers. Very friendly; drop in to check out a class and youll like it. A good combo of weights and cardio to get a sweat going but still get swole

The workouts are challenging, but also designed to fit each own individuals level of fitness. So whether you are in great shape already or looking to get back into, this is the place for you.

Hands down one of the best gyms Ive been to in years. Lionel and his staff have a laser focus on all the details and take every effort to ensure you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. Definitely check this place out.

I joined this gym while I was in Seattle this summer for a two month internship and I had a great experience! The workouts are only 45 minutes, so its easy to fit in before or after work. I always burned a ton of calories, got a good mix of cardio and weights, and was very challenged. Also the price is awesome for the quality of workout and personal attention that you receive. All the staff is super friendly and invested in getting to know their clients and helping them succeed. Would definitely recommend to anyone in the Belltown area.

I honestly cant say enough good things about Academy Athletics.Lionel (the owner) is incredibly passionate about what he does and one of the nicest people youll ever meet. His passion and positivity really make you want to work harder even when you are exhausted.The classes themselves are short but tough. Theres usually 5 minutes of warm up, 35 minutes of HIIT, and then 5 minutes of cool down and stretching. The HIIT workout usually consists of 6-9 stations with two workouts at each that you do multiple sets of for 35-45 seconds. The workouts also tend to focus on certain areas of the body.The price is great and the studio is brand new! Id recommend this studio to anyone.

Academy Athletics is the holy grail of weight loss programs. I really needed a boost to help get me on a path to a healthier lifestyle. I followed an online ad for this six week program (which i never do) but it seemed legit. I met with Lionel for a consultation and he was very trusting and convincing so I decided to put my faith into his program. It wasn’t easy but it was definitely doable. Basically, the challenge is to lose 20 lbs in six weeks. You have unlimited access to the gym, a customized meal plan, AND Lionel personally checks in with you weekly. This was more than a weight loss program, but an actual lifestyle change. I was attending the gym 5x a week. The workouts are only 45 min so it was easy to fit into my busy work schedule. At the end I lost 18.2 lbs and 5% body fat. Although i didn’t quite lose the full 20, i’m super happy with my results. I definitely recommend giving this place a shot. If you’re willing to work hard and commit to the program, six weeks really doesn’t feel that long. I actually decided to continue my stay at Academy Athletics after my six week challenge was over. I’ve always hated working out and have never committed to any of my gym memberships in the past, but the HIIT program they’ve developed here has proven to me to show results. *Also they have a killer staff!* Imagine Average Joe’s from the movie Dodgeball and being part of a “fit fam” vibe. The people alone make this place worth coming back for, the weight loss is just an added bonus.

I decided to check out Academy Athletics on a whim after seeing a Facebook ad for a free fitness challenge. They have regular memberships (there are many options/levels), or a 6 week challenge where your goal is to lose either 20lb or 6% body fat.Initially I was skeptical. Im not the type of person to pay for these types of things, ever, I thought losing 20lb in 6weeks was an impossibility. After meeting Lionel (the owner of the gym), however, I took the plunge and went for it. Lionel is honestly such a warm and positive individual, and you can tell he obviously cares a lot about the gym and the people. In the end, Im really glad that I decided to do it. It wasnt easy, but I completed my challenge and lost about 25lb, 5% body fat, and several inches off of my waist and hips.WorkoutsThe workouts are 45 minutes HIIT classes. Muliple times a day M-F, and a couple of weekend times. When I was in the program (Jan/Feb), certain days of the week were focused on different parts of the body, but I think that Lionel has been making some adjustments to the program so Im not sure how exactly the classes work now. The structure of each class is typically multiple stations of exercises, and you do timed intervals at each station. I was always challenged by the workouts and found them to be very effective, plus you are in/out in under 1hour.Meal PlanThis includes a list of ingredients/foods you are supposed to stick to during the 6 weeks, as well as portions tailored to each person and a meal schedule. Recipes and tips are available as well. Generally, its a lean protein, moderate fat, and low carb diet. While restrictive, the meal plan definitely made things much easier. I also enjoyed trying to get creative and work with the ingredients in creating interesting recipes. To clarify - no actual food is provided.FacilitiesThe gym is super clean. There are 2 bathrooms, lockers for storage, and a filtered water fountain/bottle station. No shower, but I appreciated the other amenities - mouthwash, tampons, hair bands, dry shampoo, spray deodorant, wipes, etc. Parking is street parking, but rates are low in this neighborhood and usually easy to find.How I met my goal*Exercise - I worked out at Academy Athletics 3x a week, and also attended bootcamp classes at my work 2x a week. So, overall, I was doing about 5 high intensity classes a week. Occasionally Id try to go for a jog or long walk with the dogs on the weekends, but that didnt always happen. In the event that you absolutely cant make the 3 classes a week (due to travel, or in my case a snow storm that prevented me from leaving the house), there are many at-home workout options given to you.*Food - I followed the meal plan more strictly than I expected to. I made a few adjustments to the portion sizes (smaller than recommended, actually), and also had a couple of *fun* days in there where I indulged (holiday parties, valentines dinner, etc), but I tried to keep careful track of my calories to make sure I was staying in the right ballpark for the week.Overall, I was really happy with Academy. The workouts are tough, but what sets this gym apart from others is Lionel himself and the environment hes created here. Its not a macho or bro-y type of place at all, but its just a welcoming and positive place where everyone is supportive. Not to be cheesy, but it puts the fam in fit fam. I also liked classes taught by Lionel the most. Hes motivational, fun and really brings up the energy in the class, but he also pushes you to try your best (for example - hell call you out if you appear to be slacking with lighter weight/resistance/speed than you can handle). He makes a point of making a personal connection to everyone at the gym which helps with engagement and accountability.

Lionel is great! Im not so great, physically. Im getting to great with Lionels training. Lionels Academy Athletics is pure value. Unlimited guided workouts? Different each day? Strength and cardio? Weekly themes? Online scheduling and payment? Brand-new gear, equipment and space? HELLO! Through Lionels workouts Ive continually staved off the very real threat of being pre-diabetic (yay!) AND Ive punched a new hole in my belt. Not. Bad. Academy Athletics is for everybody: walk by and look in if you dont believe me. All shapes and sizes and fitness levels are welcomed. Trust.

This place, and its team, elevates the gym to a new level. As a nurse practitioner and holistic health coach, Im well versed in health and wellness topics. Everything, from their high intensity interval training (HITT) classes to the food plan to Lionels (the owners) trainer tips during class is built to get you results. After doing the 6 week challenge, I feel stronger and have an increased endurance. My core is stronger every day.Each week I know Ive gotten a total body strength work out along w/ great cardio with the HIIT. I love that we take time to stretch together after the work out as well. They are all about preventing injuries and proper technique. Plus the whole thing only takes 45min out of my day so I know I almost always have time for it. The times of the classes worked great for my schedule.I chose to eat the meat in the food plan but appreciated that Lionel explained a vegetarian option as well. I actually had more energy on this food plan than Ive had in quite a while! It incorporates plenty of the health foods that Ive come to love using myself and for clients (morning mojo, coconut oil, hemp and chia seed, lots of veggies, healthy meats) in a way thats easily accessible. Not only that, but it also discusses other lifestyle tips re: sleep and stress reduction which are also integral to health.I appreciate that I saw women of various shapes, sizes, and ages in the gym. I always felt comfortable. Never has an issue finding parking. The other members are great inspiration at every class - and Lionel and the other trainers get the best work out out of me every time. The place was always spotless and bonus points for all the great extra amenities like tampons or hair ties when needed. Highly recommended!

Extremely friendly staff who encourages you to work out hard. It was very enjoyable that even a person like me who hates working out went in at least 3 times a week.

I lost 24 pounds in 6 weeks!

Love it!