Alec & Jen E

This is Alec and Jen Elmore. Alec is 49 years old and works as a consultant. Jen is also 49 years old and works as a preschool director. Jen started with Marino’s Fitness in June 2018, but it took Alec until September 2019 to surrender to his wife’s requests to check us out.

We asked them to share their story as individuals and as a couple of Marino’s Fitness. Check out what they said!

What was your experience at other fitness centers?

Jen: I was overwhelmed at other fitness centers. I didn’t know how to use the equipment and I wasn’t sure which group exercise class might be the best for me. When you walk into a fitness center as a novice exerciser, how are you supposed to know what to do?

Alec: I understood how to use the equipment, but I had no idea how to put an effective program together to meet my goals. I would go into the gym and do a little or this and a little of that, thinking it was enough.

Why did you choose Marino’s?

Jen: I decided to join Marino’s at the urging of our daughter, Brooke, who was a member of the Marino’s Athletic Performance program. She told me I would love it, but I kept putting it off because I was intimidated. She said it wasn’t like any other gym. She told me everything was written specifically for each person and there are coaches available to guide you through your workout. Sometimes a daughter knows best because she was right; I immediately felt like I had found the right fit.

Alec: It took a little more convincing for me to join. After seeing Jen’s results, I knew she and my daughter were right!

How has your experience here differed from other facilities?

Jen: Even though there are other people working out at the same time, you still get the 1:1 attention without the cost. Every client has their own program written for their needs and their goals. There is flexibility in the schedule, so you don’t have to show up at the same time every session. They understand we have busy work/life schedules, so each client books their session time based on what works for them. The biggest difference with Marino’s is they treat you like family. Everyone knows your name and they go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. Most of their clients are like me: busy, working professionals, simply trying to feel and move better. I feel comfortable showing up without makeup or in leggings that look like my grandmother’s wallpaper because I know no one will judge me.

Alec: I noticed a difference during my assessment. Chris identified where I had issues and created a program based on what my body needed. That program changes every 4-weeks to make sure I’m still being challenged. And if I come in for a workout with a new ache or pain, the team is able to make adjustments to my program so I can still get a great workout, without getting hurt. Jen mentioned the family atmosphere, but it goes beyond the general niceties.; they truly care about how you feel and what’s going on in your life.

What can you do now that you weren’t able to do before you joined Marino’s?

Jen: It’s not so much what I can do physically, but how I feel about myself and the decision I make to ensure my workouts are a habit. I have tried different types of exercise programs, but I would always lose interest or burn out. It’s impossible to burn out at Marino’s because the program grows and changes with you.

Alec: This is simple. I have no back pain anymore… years of pain, are gone.

How would you describe us to your friends? What are the 3 most important things they should know about us?

Jen and Alec: If you want “sustainable results,” then Marino’s is for you. You will not feel overwhelmed, alone, or intimidated. It’s a nurturing, supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

1. Commit to Marinos and they will commit back 10x.

2. It’s not one size fits all, they will and want to customize the program to your needs.

3. It is never dull; they keep it fresh and interesting.

Have we exceeded your expectations? If so, how?

Jen and Alec: During the closure, Marino’s pivoted quickly and worked HARD to keep everyone motivated and connected. They provided online programs, fitness tracking and group events. They gave their equipment to clients! In addition, when the gym reopened, Marino’s employed the best practices of safety measures. They spared no expense in making sure clients and staff could work together safely. Their dedication to safety mirrors their dedication to training. They focus on EVERY detail, so we don’t have to.

What has changed in your relationship since you started exercising?

Jen and Alec: We carve out time to workout together. It’s our time to connect even though we each have a different program. We want to live for each other and putting an emphasis on our health was the first step. I (Alec) was pre-diabetic when I started but now my numbers are all within normal limits. Jen wanted to feel fit and strong and be a good example for our three kids. We know we are on the right path.

What would you tell your mom/dad friends about why it’s important to exercise?

Alec: I would use Rachael’s line “gotta be there to walk my daughters down the aisle” someday. Family is everything to me and if I want to be around for them, I need to make time to take care of myself.

Jen: Committing to Marino’s may seem hard…but it’s WAY harder to try to focus on your fitness alone. After we stopped running, I wasted two years trying to figure out how to fit fitness into my work/life balance. Joining Marino’s takes all the guesswork and worry away. It’s a huge gift to yourself to put this aspect of your life into their capable hands.