I moved to the Black Mountain, NC area 4 years ago (2016). I had been working with a personal…read moretrainer in Atlanta, and I was anxious to find a gym near my new home. I visited a few "big box" gyms in Asheville and Black Mountain, then Ascending Fitness. I was immediately drawn to the small group cross training classes there (think physically safe, not like some other cross training places where injuries abound), but I doubted I could get as good a workout in a group vs. individually. Boy, was I wrong! After attending the group classes over a period of time, I realized I'd NEVER been stronger and in better shape (I'm a 62 yr. old woman, BTW), and the social aspect of a small group was fun and kept me motivated. I've been working out there 3 times a week ever since. The workouts are full body, including strength, balance, and aerobic. It's amazing how much Jim can work into 45 minutes. He also has a great library of online videos that use body weight and all kinds of household and hotel items to workout - very handy while we were all housebound due to Covid. If you're just starting out with a program, Jim also offers classes in balance and stability and "bridge" classes to transition from balance and stability to the full circuit training class. I can't say enough about the positive effects working out at Ascending Fitness brought/brings to me. All the creaky, sore joints and back are pain free now. 100% recommend this place!

I love working out at Ascending Fitness! The group exercise is small-limited to 8 people. Jim Frith…read moreis by far the best trainer I've ever worked with. He's extremely careful about injury prevention and knows how to train all ages and fitness capabilities. I got tired of packed gyms where I would lift weights and hope for the best. I did not want shoulder surgery like many of my friends were needing after their workout injuries. I've missed Jim and his wonderful clients during COVID. If you want a better quality of life, sign up now to have Jim assess you! You won't regret it!

This is probably the best gym in morganton. The upstairs has tread mills, weight equipment and the…read more"normal" gym environment. I say normal because most industry gyms have gone to having smoothie bars, TVs, and group class exercises... the down stairs however - where I hung out during my stay - has a crossfit feel. They have functional fitness classes and most everything there to do a crossfit type workout (they don't yet have climbing ropes). But all that isn't what makes this hometown gym so great. What makes it great are the people everyone is friendly, kind, and professional at what they do. The staff also work with their customers to match them with the right plan for them. So, if you are looking for a hometown friendly customer first type of gym APL is the place to go.

From the owner: Largest Gym in Morganton, NC with 24 Hour Access, Meal Plans, Functional Fitness Classes, Kids…read moreClasses, Personal Training, Sports Specific training and More!

I have known Crystal both as a friend and a professional for several years. I can honestly say that…read moreI have not met a more genuine and caring individual. Crystal helped me meet, and exceed, several of my fitness goals during my time training with her. She is an exceptional motivator! Crystal shows so much enthusiasm in her work; she has built up my confidence in the gym and definitely on the running track! I absolutely recommend working with Crystal! Jesse M

Crystal is a very personable trainer. She does a good job of coming up with exercises and workouts…read moreon the fly. She will talk you through your workout and make sure that you understand every move. She isn't shy to correct form or misconceptions on what you need to do to improve yourself, no one wants a push over trainer. Continuously is studying so that she can grow her knowledge of the human body, and ways that she can assist both those that need rehab and those that know their way around the gym.

The gym is easy to find and conveniently located downtown. The owner/ trainer is super nice and I…read morewill go back when I am in town. The gym is small but clean and the equipment is new. It was a great work out.

Awesome coaching, supportive people, and just a nice box!read more

This is THE place for exercise if you are over 50 and/or tired of the big box gym. The trainer is…read moreknowledgeable and patient and agile at working around health issues. I love the classes because they provide a social enjoyment while hitting all the balance, power, cardio and strength moves. And the owner/trainer is 66 so he understands my needs.

From the owner: I help folks over 60 build the strength, balance and endurance needed to maintain an active life…read more I've been trained as an Active Aging Specialist and lead small group classes via zoom. There are advantages in having a trainer who understands the needs on an older body.

Excellent trainers! Personalized attention, challenging, and great hours and very affordable.read more

Carroll Dawkins is an amazing personal trainer! His discernment of what you need and how to help…read moreyou apply it towards your overall health. The gym has a close knit bond between all of the people which makes for not just friends but family. It never smells like a locker room because he and his staff make sure it is sanitized keeping everyone healthy. Carroll cares about everyone he meets and always has a smile ready for you!

I'm so glad Tryon Health and Fitness reopened. Tina's yoga classes are great for those who want a…read moregood stretch and are appropriate for any fitness level.

From the owner: Tryon Health & Fitness Club offers affordable prices, a no lock-in contract, professional and…read morecertified personal trainers and instructors, plus top of the line Life Fitness and Magnum training equipment. Give us a call, stop by, or visit our website to learn more!

Great little gym that packs a punch! The gym is very neat and clean and has all the equipment you…read moreneed to hit every body part. Glad I discovered this gym and the owner Rich is a great guy!!

From the owner: Our Business specializes in training people for a better and healthier future. Over 30 piece of…read moreequipment with help at your finger tip and to answer any Questions. Very positive family oriented business with a Smile to greet you. Come in and start your journey in fitness with us today. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram.

I have been working out with Gunz & Bunz for 2.5 years. I love the personal training I get…read more Laurie, the owner is amazing. Every workout is different. I did personal training for a 1.5 and the last 1 year I have changed up my workout to small group workout, yogu, and Barr. In the last 1 year I have lost 27 inches and 20lbs. I've had more compliments on my bunz in the 3 weeks, others see the difference in me and it makes me feel amazing. I love the relationships I have formed with my workout friends. Im wearing shorts for the forst time in 19 years. If your looking for a one on one trainer, or small groups, Gunz & Bunz is your place to come workout. And you'll have an advantage here as well as Laurie is also train in Nutrition.

I've been working with Laurie over a period of 6 years.. she has helped me reset my body after a…read morefew pregnancies. I've loved her humble and kind personality paired with her, "you can do this" attitude. :) I've worked with her for months over the years in her studio and loved working one on one with her. Laurie listens to your goals and assess' them to then create an individual plan that is totally doable and achievable. I've always felt like she has wanted me to succeed in all my fitness goals. My favorite part has been that there have been times where I couldn't be in studio due to my schedule, but still needed to tone up and shred some fat; she was able to successfully create macro plans for me that helped me do just that. I've never worked out with her or had a plan that I worked hard at, that didn't produce results.. and she was there cheering me on the whole way!

Over all I was very Happy with my membership even though I felt it was over priced for a small town…read moregym it was worth it for the pool and bring a friend every visit with the top of the line membership option. Plus free swim for kids on specific days. I don't use the gym a lot but when I do it's usually to use the pool. When I signed up, I specifically asked if there was a bring a friend option because I plan on either bringing my husband or one of my children with me to the gym when I came. It's been almost 2 years and I have not had one issue bringing a second person with me until now. I came with my daughter and was told that the bring a person free is only if it's the persons first time. I have brought my daughter several times with me to the gym not on family or kids swim days and no one has said a thing to me. When I questioned it, I was told that this has always been their policy

They are constantly making Improvements including a new…read moreheavy bag that I use. Very nice staff great value for the money Pretty good lap Lanes the old ladies kind of takeover the pool and can be just a hair obnoxious if you have kids.