Cecilia L
My name is Cecilia Loose and I’m in the second half of my life (54 soon to be 55), working as a Chief Financial Officer. I’ve been a member of Marino’s Fitness since January 2, 2012. Prior to Marino’s, the only “gym” experience I had was at a taekwondo/karate dojo where I had trained for my black belt. I also had experience with grappling and sparing as well. However, that all stopped when I had thyroid surgery, which left me enough energy for work and taking care of my family. I did miss the physical and social aspects of exercise, so a friend of mine suggested I try Marino’s Fitness, which was primarily a group fitness studio back then.
I’ve never been to a place like Marino’s, (not that I think there is another place like Marino’s), but I cannot imagine another facility devoting the energy and attention like they have in my programming and instruction. In the past I have had to complete physical therapy for certain injuries. I would say Marino’s programming and services are comparable to that of a physical therapy center. In addition, their services are comprehensive, including therapeutic body work, nutrition and customized programming, specific for each individual.
I have done so many things that before I would have felt were impossible given my age. I completed a sprint triathlon, finished the Philadelphia half marathon, and even ran a mud run with my then teenage daughter. As a woman of a certain age, it is important that I can still do all the activities I love, PAIN FREE. I garden, hike, and swim at my pleasure with little fatigue and certainly no pain or discomfort.
The culture at Marino’s is welcoming and friendly without fail. I never feel I am being judged, compared to any other individual, or belittled. Even more importantly, other clients at Marino’s don’t judge me in any way either. The environment is fun and light although everyone is very dedicated to their work in the gym. Many times, there are comments of encouragement and support from the staff and other clients, sharing of jokes and laughter. My one hour in the gym is the highlight of my day.
Every business had to address their respective operational challenges raised by the global pandemic resulting from COVId-19. It did not take long for Marino’s to implement online programming when PA shutdown orders were issued. It could not have been easy as the staff needed to assess each person’s in-home gym equipment, adapt the individual programs to the equipment they had, set up online access and publish video demonstrations of the exercises. A Herculean task, but it was accomplished in short order and improved as the lockdown continued. Online group classes were adapted to using backpacks, bags of flour, pillows, and bath towels as exercise tools in place of dumb bells, ropes, and tension bands. As PA adjusted its shutdown orders additional challenges were raised and responded to by Marino’s to enable the clients to continue to complete their workouts.
The three things I find unique about Marino’s:
1. They are serious about fitness and personalized programming for each client.
2. They honestly want to help you meet your goals. There is excellent communication from Chris/Rachael to the staff to ensure that any issues or concerns are addressed in each and every session. And if there is an injury or ailment, it’s well communicated and carefully documented and monitored.
3. They are attentive. The staff is acutely aware and able to assess mood on any given day the moment you walk through the door. Everyone has a bad day (perhaps poor sleep, excess stress, etc.) and the staff adjusts seamlessly. They also seem to know when it’s best to challenge and push in a workout. They never criticize but politely readjust or instruct.
Marino’s has exceeded my expectations, but there is one instance that stands out above all. The best example is how Marino’s responded to help my daughter, Kayleigh, recover from hip surgery. She has been a client of Marino’s MAP program from high school through college. After college and the end of her soccer career, she began her professional career as an RN at Hershey Medical Hospital and it was not convenient for her to continue her membership at Marino’s, but she missed it tremendously. When we learned she would need hip surgery and that we would not have the necessary physical therapy support post-surgery, we reached out to Marino’s. Chris and Paul immediately responded with their support including recommending a physical therapist in the area who they knew would work collaboratively with them to ensure the best outcomes. As her return-to-work date approached, we realized she would still need Paul’s support to continue her recovery. She is now participating in an online program with Marino’s where she has direct access to staff, and they can monitor her during workouts in real time. This support has made an invaluable contribution to her recovery and continued mental and physical health.
I am also appreciative of their commitment to continuing education. Focusing on the best practices of physical health from implementing sports therapy massage options, to structuring of individual programming, to providing registered dietary support and services. This takes effort and dedication which is never in short supply at Marino’s. They truly are in the business of helping people feel better so that WE can live our best lives.
