Testimonials
Learn about our members journey
Want to share your story? Email us at Jordan@phoenixfitnessfl.com with photos and a brief description of your journey!
ERIK MORGAN
In 2021, I was tired of getting out of breath by doing simple activities, such as, getting dressed. Due to complications of obesity, my mother had passed away from several health problems at the age of 58. When I turned 40, I asked myself “Does this mean I only have 20 more years left to live?” At that moment, I decided to change my habits. First thing I had done was quit smoking cigarettes and then shortly after, sold all of my gaming systems, TV service and IPad. To start my fitness journey, I started cooking healthier food and implemented walking in my everyday routine. I went from 300lbs to 190lbs in less than a year.
Elizabeth Goodman
Most of my life I have been extremely overweight, I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t. At my heaviest, I peaked over 600lbs. I could barely handle walking on a normal day. Going to work required all my strength accompanied by handfuls of Ibuprofen and Tylenol. In the fall of 2017, I decided to see my doctor for help with losing weight, hovering around the 550/580 lb range. She then set me on a food and exercise plan, while simultaneously pursuing bariatric surgery. Before reaching my surgery date in June of 2018, I had lost 100 lds. Partaking in this surgery saved my life, and with that, I have no doubt.
Post surgery, I continued doing what I was taught for exercising. Between swimming and using the elliptical machines, I also would try to use a few of the assisted machines located in the cardio room. As my mindset changed from wanting to lose weight to wanting to build up strength, I knew I would need more help and guidance to do so.
After a friend had recommended a trainer at Phoenix Fitness, in 2019, I decided to try out this Boutique gym. I was terrified at first; so many really fit people and tons of machines I didn’t understand how to use. After years of focusing on being invisible, now I was standing in an open concept gym with no where to hide. My trainer was so kind and patient with me. She encouraged me, challenged me, and showed me that I was capable of more than I knew. I worked with her for the next few years. October 2022, I participated in the Battle of the Beach, my first ever fitness event. I benched pressed and didn’t quite understand the pausing aspects, so I was only able to clear 105.
In December of 2022, I had skin removal surgery to take off about 13 pounds of skin. Having some major complications, particularly my legs, followed by a bad car accident which caused even more complications, it took me almost a year to recover from everything. In April/May of 2024 I started back at the gym and have slowly been working my way back to full strength. Some days are still painful, and I don’t want to go, but I am determined to gain my strength back plus some. Who knows, maybe I will try this years Battle at the Beach and see what I can do!
Alexa Arvanitis
Lost: 40 pounds. 22 inches. 10% body fat
Gained: Muscle. Discipline. Healthy Lifestyle. And some of the Best gym friends ever. Jordan and Phoenix Fitness have been instrumental in my fitness journey. Jordan is a tough love care bear who will push you to your limits because he knows you can do it, even if you don’t know it yet. His genuine care and accountability will help you achieve what you didn’t know was possible. I’m so thankful for my Phoenix Fitness gym home!