Ahhh, shucks, we’re flattered. However, it just isn’t true.

We hear it almost weekly here at Renfrew, “I’d like to join your gym but it is too intimidating.” We understand why people think this, but the fact of the matter is, it just isn’t true. We understand that the environment here is different than in most gyms. In our gym, you will find lots of strong women and men, many of whom are intense looking at times.  They are lifting very heavy weight and banging it around. We know that giant stones and tires and kegs and oddly-shaped barbells are not the norm at other gyms. We know that the things you are used to seeing at gyms – the things that make other gyms easy to use – do not exist here. We know that our music is often loud and the floor is sometimes covered with chalk dust. We know these are not the normal things for other gyms. At first, these things can seem a little intimidating.  But these are the very things that are going to help you meet your goals at our gym.

Let’s start with the people, our members. Our members are what make our gym and create an amazing atmosphere. Yes, some of them seem inhumanly strong. Some are big and cranky looking and some are very, very intense. We understand this can be intimidating, however I promise you that all of those people will welcome you, encourage you, and provide you with answers to your questions.  These people will show you how to do something new and generally be happy you are there. Our people just want to see you succeed, see you reach your goals, and help you along the way. If you accomplish something new at our gym, I promise the people will notice and congratulate you, even if it seems insignificant compared to others. They know it is not insignificant to you. Strength training may be an individual sport, but at the right gym it is a true team atmosphere.  Even the strongest member started where you are.

Another thing that can seem intimidating at first is the equipment, or in some cases, the lack of it. One of the first things you will notice when you walk into our gym is that much of the equipment you are familiar with is not there. There are no treadmills, no ellipticals, and no stair climbers.  Cable crossovers, Smith machines and other trendy strength stations are nowhere to be seen. What you will see instead are squat racks, barbells, weight plates, benches, dumbbells and lots of weird stuff to pick up, carry, flip, throw and jump onto. Don’t worry, we do have some equipment for cardio too, like bikes and rowers, just nothing that plugs in.  You have to power it all by yourself. We understand that all of this can seem intimidating and overwhelming, and you may have a hard time knowing where to start. This is where you ask one of the amazing members, or an employee. Aside from showing you how to get started, they may even explain how this will make you better, faster. It’s a true atmosphere of support.

Sometimes, people who are used to the atmosphere of a shiny corporate, ‘please don’t be too loud’ gym may be shocked by the actual environment they encounter here. It will be loud.  Weights are banged around, people cheer for others, the music may not be top 40 – it’s all a part of the soundtrack at a true strength and conditioning facility. At first this may seem excessive but once you start to see and learn you will realize that it just comes with the territory. When people lift heavy weights, they make noise.  When people push themselves and discover new limits, they make noise. Cheering and encouragement cannot (or should not) be done quietly. Before you know it, you will be dropping bars loaded with weight and screaming encouragement at your fellow gym members.

OK, so I’ve convinced you that it may not be that bad after all.  Now what? Well, all there is to do now is come give it a try. Start out by doing the things you know – use the dumbbells, the few cable machines we do have, and the other equipment you are familiar with. While you are doing that, watch and ask questions. Watch what other people are doing then ask them about it. Before you know it you’ll be planning out your workouts with this “new” equipment like a pro and smashing all of your goals.  And you will be ready to welcome the new person, just like we are. Welcome.

Here’s what some of our members have to say: