I was 27 years old, 5’9”, 300 lbs. and for my age I had high blood pressure which is steadily heading towards the snowballed effect of heart disease in my family. Getting out of breath during badminton games at family gatherings shouldn’t happen and walking through aisles at the supermarket and movies sometimes felt like an issue.

4 years ago my job delivering mail forced me to be in the best shape of my life. But it’s been three years since I crashed the mail truck and lost any health benefits that I gained from carrying the bag. The opportunity to get back into a healthier routine came when “Strength and Fitness” moved right next door to my current office job.

Previously, I belonged to a more commercialized gym and I immediately began to notice the difference between gym employees and the family owned business that is “Strength and Fitness”. At other gyms you get your standard “Hi, how are you” greeting, but at S&F, if you have the time Doug or his mother, Lynn ask about your weekend, how your workouts are going, and if you need help with anything. They are quick to point out the free classes that are available to their members and if any schedule changes are taking place.

When I first signed up for S&F I was approached about hiring a personal trainer. The important thing to note is that I was approached the one time and that was it. At my previous gym I was constantly asked about a trainer, sometimes 3 or 4 times a week by the same guy. I don’t even think he remembered talking to me and was just going through his sales pitch.

After a month of doing my own routine I took advantage of the free hour with Mike Brown, the head personal trainer. In that hour I learned that I didn’t know what working out really was. I signed up the next day. With Mike I’m learning how to work out to my fullest capacity and how to form a routine that keeps me going. He showed me the difference between having healthy habits and having a healthy lifestyle. Every week we review my eating habits and although it had to change slightly, it’s only because I was eating all the wrong things. Mike explains the importance of protein in your diet and the real secret as to why non-nutritious carbs can be so dangerous.

I joined the gym in April 2008 and its now September. I’ve lost about 50 pounds so far and my blood pressure has dropped considerably. I can run for a good 20-30 minutes straight and have the motivation to push myself to go further every day. With my experience other gyms are looking to make their sales quota, the family at Strength and Fitness are looking to make their members live that healthier lifestyle that we all want.

Thank you Strength and Fitness Club

Mark Baird

Jackson NJ

From the minute that I walk in the door at Strength and Fitness, I feel comfortable.  I have met so many great people at this club starting with the staff who are very friendly and approachable.  Doug Petschow (owner) is on a first name basis with all the members and he treats everyone like family.  The equipment is state of the art and allows me to reach my goals while not becoming stagnant using the same machines everyday.  The personal viewing screen on the cardio makes my workout so much more enjoyable.  I have recommended this club to all my friends and family.

Thank you,

Matt McCabe

Kenilworth, NJ

I’ve been a member of a number of gyms in the past and none of them offer the unique experience and customer service that Strength and Fitness Club does.  Their facility is always kept immaculate and all of their equipment is top of the line.  Whether it’s their impressive weight training apparatus or state of the art cardio equipment, your guaranteed the best possible workout.  In addition, their front desk staff is and has always has been very courteous and attentive and their personal training staff is always very knowledgeable and willing to help whenever asked.  They also offer a number of additional great services, including tanning, massage therapy and a top of the line day care facility.

Since joining, my entire family has followed suit and been equally as pleased with the services offered.  Strength and Fitness Club truly does offer the unique family experience that it promotes.

Most importantly, Strength and Fitness Club has given me impressive results very quickly.  Since joining the club in April of 2008, I’ve lost 50 pounds overall.  Most recently I have begun taking the club’s diet management and personal training program with Mike Brown.  In just 30 days, I’ve managed to lose an additional 7 pounds and shed 5 percent of my overall body fat.  These results haven even exceeded my own expectations.

My family and I are members for life, thank you.

Jim Demyen

Cranford, NJ