Testimonials
“Working out at WIP is the best part of my day. I love the coaches, my fellow WIPsters, the variety of classes (strength, cardio, core, endurance, yoga – WIP has everything!), and the supportive environment. This is a gym where everyone wants you to succeed in your individual fitness goals whatever they may be.
The experienced coaches challenge me at each and every workout to do my best and improve my skills. When I started at WIP, I couldn’t lift weights over 15 pounds, do a proper push-up, climb a rope, jump on a box, and a myriad of other things. Now I can do all of them...and more! “Come as you are, leave a little stronger” is not just the WIP motto, it’s the truth.
I have been amazed at my progress in my time at WIP. In the beginning, I started doing what I could, encouraged by the coaches who taught me proper form and challenged me with harder moves/heavier weights when I was ready. They also make working out super fun, from playing my favorite song just when I need it to dressing up for a special dodgeball session. We laugh as we sweat together. And your workout partner may just be one of your coaches when they’re not coaching.
I also appreciate the fact that this is a family gym. The coaches welcomed my son when he wanted to get stronger as a teenager. We have a complete blast together.
This is a community that supports each other inside and outside of the gym. My favorite people in West Hartford are the ones I met at WIP. “
-Morgan M.W.
“I’ve been working out at WIP for 8 years. Their motto “come as you are, leave a bit stronger” has been true for me. Working out at WIP has made me more comfortable as a runner but it’s definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone in other ways. I was nervous about working out in a group setting but it’s become one of my favorite things about WIP. The coaches greet you by name and get to know where to push you a little, where to offer modifications, or when to give you tips to thinkabout while doing an exercise. It’s an added bonus that the coaches also work out there so you might get a little added push working out next to one of your coaches! The atmosphere at WIP is always encouraging. Everyone is excited when someone tries something new, attempts a heavier weight, or rings the bell on their first rope climb. I have made some great friends at WIP and sometimes just knowing there will be a friendly face waiting is all the motivation I need to get to an early morning class. (Shout out to the always cheerful 5:45am crew!)
Paul and Julia are passionate about fitness. That’s evident as soon as you walk through the door. The gym is clean, well-organized, and classes start right on time. The programming is purposeful, I like knowing the focus each day of the week. The movements are explained and demonstrated, I learn something new every time. The workouts are challenging, wherever you are at your fitness level you will leave a class feeling stronger than when you walked in.”
-Lauren O.
“I never thought that I would be in such great physical shape in my 40's. I have WIP to thank for that. Working out is fun again. The best part is that I get in, someone tells me what to do, I work hard, and then I go home. There's no standing around waiting for equipment to open up like there is at the traditional gym. The coaches are there to make sure I have correct form, to hold me accountable, and to guide me to level up. It truly is a no pressure, judgement free atmosphere. I love that I can push my limits and try new skills like rope climbing and handstands. And the sense of community is fantastic. We all have different goals, but we are all showing up together to better ourselves.”
-Chris N.
“I have been taking the noon classes with WIP for 3 years now. I live a good 30 minutes away, however WIP is only 1 mile away from where I work. I was looking for a place to split up my work day and WIP filled that void. It is the perfect break from work to clear your mind and get a great workout in. The classes vary to make sure you exercise different muscle groups all the time. They have all the equipment that makes your workouts challenging and fun. You will move from slamming a medicine ball on the floor to using a TRX band to grabbing a sledge hammer to hit a big tire. The atmosphere is family oriented and is alway encouraging.
WIP stands for Work in Progress and yes, we are all as such. When I was younger I really pushed my body to the limit when working out, however in my older age my body can't do that anymore (even though my mind thinks I still can!). The coaches are great, they watch everyone during the classes to make sure everyone has good form. They know people's ability to correct them. They will encourage you when you need it and also slow you down when you need it, so you don't hurt yourself. I also train in Tang Soo Do and WIP is the perfect companion to my karate workouts. WIP has increased my strength and stamina so much that I get compliments during my karate tests that I am out performing teenagers. WIP is a perfect fit for lunchtime workouts, and I always look forward to going.”
-Bill E.
“I have been a member of WIP since 2015. When people ask me about my gym, it’s easy to explain why I go there. So many reasons, everything from the owners, coaches, the members - who have become friends, the variety of classes offered and the excellent and well thought out programming each month.
WIP is not just a gym, but a community. You walk in and always get a hello by name and see familiar and friendly faces. It’s a place where the coaches (and workout partners!) encourage and push you to work hard and be your best.
WIP Coaches always help with modifications when needed, be it ability, an injury, or even understanding that one might not be able to do all the same things that they were able to 9 or 10 years ago.
People have different reasons for why they go to the gym. The beauty of getting older and being with WIP over these years is realizing that WIP is now helping me in ways that I didn’t used to think about. When you get to certain age, goals and priorities change. Even with severe back issues, I do what I can, as best as I can - and thanks to WIP, I know that I am healthy and I am strong. While it may take me a little longer to get up off the floor these days, I’m still here, and still a work in progress!” #keepmoving
-India L.
“When we moved to West Hartford a few years ago, we were interested in rejoining a gym post-covid and post becoming parents. We were hoping to find a place that felt like a second home where we could make new friends in a new town but also rebuild the strength we lost during our time stuck at home. WIP has been just that. As working parents, it is hard to fit a workout in and WIPs schedule, particularly the noon classes, gives us the ability to not only get a great workout in but have the ability to do it together.
Paul, Julia and the coaches at WIP are passionate about what they do. We love that the programming has the same intention weekly but different workouts which helps to keep us motivated to come in and do the workout. The coaches are supportive but also motivate you to work hard and have fun doing it. We are so thankful for the new friends we have made and the welcoming community WIP has to offer.”
