Voted “Best Gym” 2003
– Palo Alto Daily Readers Choice Awards

Starting with the firm belief that there is an “athlete inside everyone,” the three founders of Focused Individual Training {FIT} opened the doors to their facility a mere two years ago, in the midst of one of the worst economic downturns in California history. But history does not dictate individual success and Thom Downing, Tracey Gropper and Jason Fass the founders of FIT are excited that their facility was voted Best Gym by the Readers of the Palo Alto Daily News. “We have been very fortunate with our phenomenal staff, wonderful clients and a great location. This award is a reflection of our commitment to a higher quality of service and to the community”

FIT’s team of professionals have developed a program to best help people reach their fitness goals; whether it is to lose weight and become more active, improve their recreational sports performance or compete at an elite level. The staff is comprised of trainers with certifications varying from NSCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist to Certified Athletic Trainers specializing in injury care and treatment. FIT’s mission is to offer a goal driven, scientifically designed program that puts the needs and desires of the client first. From the start, they set about finding the finest location, the best quality equipment and the most qualified staff available and it has paid off. FIT now has 20 trainers, two massage therapists and two part time physical therapists on staff.

Today, the facility in the Rancho Shopping Center in Los Altos at the corner of Foothill Expressway and Magdalena/Springer Road is buzzing from 5:30 a.m. until 7, five days a week with extended hours by appointment. FIT is the “Cheers Bar” of the fitness world; a place where everyone knows your name and the friendly and supportive atmosphere accompanies the “work hard to achieve your goal” mindset of the clients and staff. An “Outstanding Performer” program serves to reward those clients who have achieved their goals and inspire others.

Beginning with the motto, “Training the Athlete in Everyone™”, everything about FIT is different. Their training techniques are unique in the application of principles used to train athletes, but are modified to suit each individual. Each trainer develops a program for the client that changes systematically in order to avoid plateaus and continues to produce the results the client desires, even if the client’s fitness goals change. Trainers evaluate the beginning fitness level of each new client with appropriate tests to develop a personalized program. These tests include VO2 max, Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), % Bodyfat measurement, and baseline strength measurements. FIT employs these tests to ascertain each client’s unique starting point and to evaluate their success through their program. This focus on measurable and quantifiable results is the first difference a client sees in FIT from their other gyms or recreation programs.FIT’s most popular program is its fitness training, where the client meets with a trainer for an hour two or three times a week by appointment. Clients meet one on one or in small groups with their trainer. An Executive Performance Program, physical therapy and massage therapy are also offered. Strength training is a their primary focus and FIT provides instruction, education and equipment that is vastly superior to most other gyms. The showers and locker rooms offer everything you need to leave the gym ready for your day; hair products, towels, shaving cream and razors and more.

Community involvement and ongoing client education are a priority for the FIT staff. A free and open to the public lecture series focuses on the latest in research and the latest discoveries and techniques in training. The company also contributes to events at local schools and have acted as donors for The Leukemia Society of America,, the Peninsula Center for the Blind and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital..

If you would like to take your fitness to the next level, even if that means working out for the first time, then consider Focused Individual Trainers at 600 Rancho Shopping Center in Los Altos. Call 947-9831 or learn more at www.focusedtrainers.com.