How long have you been doing what you do & how did you get to be a Master Group Fitness Motivator?
I’ve been teaching Group Fitness (uh… then it was called “aerobics” – wow, have times changed) since 1995. When I look back to when I first started, the first 3 years of my fitness career were brutal. I prayed that no one would show up to my class so I didn’t actually have to teach. Ha! After all, I was going through my own inner turmoil of self-image & eating issues that I kept secret & hidden for many years. Feeling this way, I then had to get up in front of dozens of people and teach… ugh.
But, something in me needed to master teaching anyway. I spent my 20′s honing my talents as a group fitness instructor. I was determined to be the best damn leader I could be despite the locker room talk about how much my classes sucked. Rather than letting it defeat me, I just learned from it. Before I knew it, I found my own signature teaching style, which I continue to develop today. It’s a blend of my personality, my coaching & motivation tactics, along with creativity and designing classes to be fun and functional that I drew from my trainings as a fitness professional. It took me years, but now, I guarantee you will leave my classes feeling successful & way better than when you first walked in, each & every time.
Who are your clients exactly?
90% of my clients are women. The men who workout with me are very secure in their manhood and appreciate the power & energy of a group class… what they cannot get in their own workouts. (Smart guys!) My clients appreciate and value their health & well-being and in fact, see it as an investment in themselves. It contributes to greater patience when dealing with their kids, or better equips them to handle the pressures of the workplace. RealFit clients see way beyond just the benefits of weight loss and see how “sweating it out” helps them in so many more aspects of their lives than they originally thought. I will also say that quite a few of my clients never saw themselves as gym-goers or would ever entertain the idea of taking a Group Fitness class – & now? They’re hooked!
What happens if you haven’t yet worked with people who are like me?
I’ve been a fitness coach for over half my life, and have had clients of all shapes, sizes & ages. If you are concerned with “fitting in” I’d be happy to talk to you personally about your story to see how I can help.
How are you different from other fitness places?
RealFit studios specializes in transforming bodies and lives through an awesome Group Fitness experience. What makes it “awesome” is that we know every client by name. We make the workouts doable. There are classes that adapt to beginners as well as challenge the competitor within. We also offer a more intimate setting to workout, where you really feel like it’s your 2nd home. We are big enough to feel comfortable in the space, but small enough that you don’t feel lost at all. There is a comfort level and camaraderie with fellow members that helps you feel welcome and part of something great right away!
What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?
I work best with clients who are friendly, down to earth and who are ready to receive help and guidance to improve their form when they workout. My clients are expected to show up. I call this “meeting me half-way.” You show up, then I offer you the program to follow that gets you the results you are looking for.
What type of person is this program NOT going to work for?
RealFit is not for the person who believes their dream body is found in equipment, like a treadmill or dumbbells. You will never learn from equipment. You will however, learn from Fitness Instructors and even fellow members. This program will not work for anyone who doesn’t enjoy the social aspects of a group environment. It works best for those who enjoy being a part of a like-minded community. If you don’t enjoy getting to know new people, or you have a hard time with receiving help from other people, we are probably not a good fit.
What packages do you offer?
We offer our clients 4 Program options:
1. “Get Started” is our 2 class a week program for people who are busy, are looking to take baby steps towards improved health or have a concern about the cost.
2.“Get Moving” is our 3 class a week program for those who are looking to lose weight and start feeling increased energy from the befits of working out more regularly.
3.“Get RealFit” is the option for those who are serious about improving their health, fitness and well-being. “Get RealFit” includes unlimited Group Fitness classes to be sure you are getting fat-burning, strength-building and improvements in flexibility as quickly as possible.
4. Class packages in groups of 5, 10 & 20 allow you to take a class here & there as it suits your schedule.
Does this really work?
YES! Group workouts in a warm, welcoming environment with REAL people just like you, are among the best ways for you to stick with a fitness program for the long haul. That’s only 2nd to working one on one with a trainer (which we offer as well). Our Group Fitness program holds you accountable because you are able to sign up ahead of time & schedule out your week (click here to see class line up). Once you know it’s in your calendar, it’s tougher to bail on yourself or on us! Your instructor (perhaps me) and your fellow members take note & miss you when you are not there. You also bring your energy and give it what you got when someone is watching over you saying “Yes you can do it!” as opposed to working out by yourself, feeling that burn and fatigue set in & then giving up on yourself too soon. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU.
What results can I expect?
The more committed you are and the more you make this a priority in your life, the faster and more dramatic the results. So, this depends on your “readiness” factor and which program you decide to take advantage of. 2 classes a week might get you a bit more active, but 3 classes or more will lead to inch and fat loss. Amp it up to 4 or 5 classes a week & you have yourself one of the fastest ways to fit! Work with our nutritionist and you can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week. Stay on board & you’ll keep the weight off. The key is to stay on board!
How quickly can I expect results?
When it comes to feeling your mood lift and your energy level improve, you will feel a difference within 2 weeks. When it comes to improving your strength, you’ll start to feel tighter and ready to increase how much you’re lifting in about 8-12 weeks. When it comes to weight loss, slow & steady wins the race, but by combining increased activity levels with whole food nutrition (we don’t “diet” around here!), you may feel your clothes fitting differently after even a week! Cutting down on sugar and burning calories helps you immediately shed water excess weight & bloat… One of the first things that will help you feel fitter and thinner, paving the way for more fat loss.
How can I guarantee myself that I will lose weight, become tighter & toned & increase energy in record time?
Schedule it in your week. You MUST make yourself a priority. If you have 2 classes per week, go online & book those 2 classes. If you have the 3-class a week program, then log in & register yourself for 3 classes. Put it in your calendar like you would your kids’ activities or your work obligations. Make it top priority & you will see results in record time.
Will I recover the investment I put into this Fitness program?
Absolutely. Have you ever heard the saying “you either pay for good health or you pay for bad health”? Well, I truly believe this. The secret is to pay for good health NOW, so you minimize the expense that comes with bad health as you get older, which is draining on your bank account, your freedom and your family – maybe even more depending on the ailment that develops. So many illnesses are preventable with exercise! It’s actually quite hopeful & exciting to know that you can take charge of your health and create a healthy future for yourself. Your investment here pays for itself 10-fold! Think about the savings when it comes to thinking clearer and sharper, making smarter financial decisions in your life over-all… & to think it all started with a few workouts a week! (Maybe even quitting the smoking habit once & for all – cha-ching!)
How long are the programs?
We offer ongoing monthly options (see above) that you can upgrade or downgrade anytime (since, let’s face it, working out is a long-term commitment towards optimal health). We also offer these programs in 3-month increments which work well for clients who are in town for the summer, or perhaps workout indoors through the winter months.
Do people re-up?
Yes. We’ve also had clients cancel, then come back (usually with a bit more extra weight). RealFit Studios is truly unique and offers service and an atmosphere you just can’t find anywhere else, so we are always happy to see clients come “home.”
Do you offer any discounts and accept credit cards?
We offer discounts to active military, police and fire fighters. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover & Amex.
Ok, I know what program I want. How do we get started?
Excellent. Best thing to do is come in to see us at the front desk. We’ll have you fill out some paperwork getting to know a bit more about you, then we’ll ring you up for your program of choice and take a credit card to store on file for future billings (if you are going month to month). Next we’ll map out the best classes for you to take & get you registered for a few to help you get started. Within the following 2 weeks, a trainer, our nutritionist, acupuncturist and healer will be in touch with you to book some “get to know you” complimentary appointments that round out the whole health & wellness package, so you are sure to fill in any gaps that you need some help with. Example: Maybe working with the acupuncturist or healer may release some blocks that have been holding you back from losing weight and moving forward in your life.
I’m not sure I’m ready to get started, how can I sample your Fitness Program at a low cost to see if it’s the right solution for me?
Yes, we offer a 10-Day Group Fitness Program for clients who are serious about finding a fitness solution, but feel more comfortable testing the waters before making a decision. Come see us at the front desk to get your 10-day program started. It’s free & there’s no obligation to continue. Come in & get started and we’ll even help you strategize your workout program over those 10 consecutive days. (Taking some days to rest of course!)
I have a family & a busy life. Although I want to lose weight & get healthy badly, I don’t have much time to spare. How much time do I need?
The minimum commitment is our class package where you can drop in here & there, but honestly, this will not get you results if you are looking to lose weight & feel better about yourself. Next to our class package option would be 2 classes per week. So, it’s time to take a look at your busy schedule and consolidate some things so you can get in the time it takes to get here, workout for an hour & get home.
Ok, I’m ready to do this for myself, but I have a couple questions. Can I call you?
Of course – I’d love to chat with you. Give the front desk a call anytime 862.248.0880 & we can schedule a time to talk one on one and get your questions answered.
Interested in learning more about Dana Lee & how this studio came to be?
In 2001 I was working full-time in Graphic Design/Marketing & becoming particularly sensitive to how gyms were marketing to their potential clients. I witnessed our country gaining weight, yet the places I worked for catered to fit people. Why would the modern-day American want to join a gym where they didn’t “fit”?
I decided to be part of changing the direction of the gym industry. It took me over 3 years to research & develop Evolution Health & Fitness. I opened my doors in Haskell, NJ on February 9th of 2008.
Evolution evolved into RealFit Studios as you see it here on this site today. My fitness studio now is in perfect alignment with our online studio, RealFit.tv.
RealFit.tv provides convenient, follow-along, fat-burning workouts for busy professionals & busy moms. Hit “play” at any time, from anywhere there is an internet connection.
With the vision of my intelligent & forward-thinking husband Steve, and the talents of my dynamic & creative sister Amanda, we came up with this amazing new way to reach far more people who needed our help, but found schedules and finances to be getting in their way.
So, RealFit Studios is actually the home of these “reality” workout videos. We currently film about 3-5 workouts a week and they are posted online here in orange. Anyone can be part of our fitness videos as long as you sign up ahead of time.
However, we have over 50 Group Fitness classes (between 3 intimate studios) that are not filmed, and in fact are exactly what makes our warm & welcoming atmosphere so inviting and perfect for those who can’t stand the idea of a gym. Our classes provide a way for you to surround yourself with like-minded people who are on the same path as you! They help inspire you to get healthier, they lift you up and encourage you to become a healthier & happier version of you.
My clients are constantly inspiring me to think outside the box and continue to design ways that help to simplify fitness and get others just like you geared up with the mindset to take your health back. YOU are the designer of your life, I am excited to co-create anything you desire in your life right along with you! Get started with a 10-day no risk pass for you to experience the RealFit difference for yourself. I can’t wait to meet you in class!
