What’s the difference between working out and personal training at Alloy Personal Training?
By Patricia Nugent
Evan Ferwerda opened Alloy Personal Training in Fairlawn this summer to offer people the best-case scenario of modalities: trainer-led workouts with the accountability of small classes in a state-of-the-art facility with advanced equipment.
Once people discover it, after a few classes, they’re hooked.
“I had an idea we would be successful, but I didn’t appreciate the social aspect of community our members have forged,” he says. “People seem to work out within the same small groups, which are capped at six members. They get to know each other and cheer each other on.”
Accountability is elemental to the program, too. Professional trainers with iPads monitor the workouts with detailed notes on the members’ goals, so they get the expertise of a personal trainer, watching and perfecting their form at a fraction of the cost.
The Truth Behind the Numbers
Evan admits he is a “numbers guy.”
It was important to him to invest in an InBody Scanner to chart people’s progress throughout their training journeys.
“Most people say they want to lose weight,” he says. “Our goal as trainers is to make sure through exercise and diet they are losing fat, not muscle. We also discuss their nutrition, topics like the perfect balance of proteins and other macronutrients, to achieve their goals.”
Meet Rosemarie
Until last November, Rosemarie Mosher had never set foot in a gym. At 66, she’d retired from a sedentary job as a police dispatcher, lacked energy and was uncomfortable with her weight.
“I’m a diabetic and my doctor said I had to do something to change my health,” she says. “When I saw an ad for Alloy, it seemed geared to people over 50, so I gave it a try. Though I was afraid people would stare at me or judge me, after my first few workouts I really enjoyed the camaraderie of the people in my class.”
Today, Evan reports her numbers have gone from 227 lbs. to 180 lbs. and her total body fat went from 115 to 73 lbs.
“My doctor was blown away with how the weight loss has affected my blood work. My A1C has dropped two points,” she adds. “And I’m proud of the movements I’m able to do, like pullups, that I never thought I would be able to accomplish. Exercises I used to have to make modifications on I’m doing like a pro now. I have more confidence in everything I do, whether in the studio or at home.”
Can You Handle the Tank?
Evan and his staff have amassed all the latest functional strength training equipment in the boutique studio, including medicine balls, TRX resistance bands, kettle bells, stationary bikes and battle ropes.
“The movements translate to real life activities,” he explains. “One of our favorite pieces of equipment is called The Tank, by Torque. Members push this resistance sled to boost their speed, power and acceleration. Its unique construction, and pulling it backward, in a toe-to-heel rather than heel-to-toe motion, builds the shin and quadriceps muscles.”
Trainers can load weight plates on it to suit each person pushing or pulling The Tank.
“It challenges everyone from a high-performance athlete to weekend warrior to those wanting to improve their balance and avoid falls by strengthening the larger muscles of their legs,” he says.
Designed by exercise physiologists, physical therapists, dieticians and behavioral specialists, Alloy Personal Training is located within Merchants Square at 123 Ghent Road in Fairlawn. Memberships are $299 per month for two weekly sessions and $359 per month for three weekly sessions. Call 330-964-6954 or visit AlloyPersonalTraining.com for more information.