Warrior Fitness & Martial Arts

Fantastic experience: Listen, I am not a crossfit-er or exercise enthusiast by any means, but Workhorse Fitness and Heather have literally changed my life. Here's a little background - in 2008 I weighed in at 308lbs. I was eating poorly (DUH!) and my work really prevented me from finding a schedule where I could be more active. Over the course of the next 2 years, I dropped weight...a lot of it. About 120lbs. Even through the Atkins Diet, transition to Weight Watchers, and typical classes at my local gym in Orangeburg, something was still missing. I used to be depressed about my weight and wearing size 48 pants. Then, I became depressed about the excess skin that I had developed. It was one thing after another. Then it went back to poor habits, where I would still binge eat a whole pizza if I felt like it, and I didn't care to step foot into a gym again. I also developed other unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking too much. Even after all of the weight loss and somewhat healthier lifestyle, I developed familial hypertension and high cholesterol. I didn't have either when I was the "Large and in Charge; Chunky yet Funky" Phil. Fast forward to about a year ago, I met Heather and began working with her professionally on another project. I had still maintained the majority of my weight loss - give or take 10lbs. She invited me to come to the gym and workout with her, but, again, I still liked pizza and didn't want to stop eating it. So, after about 10 months of light suggestions from her (seriously...not pushy at all or I would have dipped out), I joined her one Wednesday evening with my new workout outfit. Looking good is just a part of feeling good, ya know?! Anyway, she PUT ME THROUGH IT! But something clicked. There was no yelling like my undergrad days at The Citadel. There was no disappointment if I couldn't complete something. She and Workhorse Fitness were just motivating. They motivated me to do better than I had been doing. They motivated me to push my body further than I thought it could go. They motivated me so I knew that I could do more than what I thought I could do. On the next Saturday, Heather took me to Publix on Rosewood and shopped with me. She pointed me in the right direction and fully explained why certain types of berries were better than others. Things that I never knew that I needed (or wanted) to know. They also explained: if you want pizza - have pizza. Don't deprive yourself. I feel like she's really changed my life: in fitness, as a friend, but, most importantly, in self-belief. I thought I had it, but she brought me to a whole new level. Last night was a milestone for me. I ran my first timed 5k on my own. It wasn't the best time, but I never thought that I'd wake up and want to run another one the next morning. It's officially happened. ;) I've recruited my mom as a client of Heather's and tell everyone I know about her and Workhorse Fitness. I couldn't thank Workhorse Fitness and Heather enough for believing in me and putting a deeper belief of ability within myself. I'd recommend this place to anyone - no matter their ability. They can get the right program for you. What are you waiting for?! Become a Workhorse!

Fantastic experience: Best gym ever! These guys and gals really know their stuff. They will work with you and help ensure you do the workouts correctly to help keep you from injury and to reach your potential. Every workout is different too so you won't get bored.

Fantastic experience: Workhorse Fitness is the place to be if you want to grow and be challenged in all aspects of your fitness journey. The knowledge, teaching and motivation of the coaches, IB, Gene, and David in unbelievable and they all truly care about you and want the best for you every day. The members of the gym encourage each other and it is truly a family atmosphere. Workhorse has plenty of opportunities throughout the day for you to fit a workout into any busy schedule. The gym also has showers for your use after workouts. The gym puts on many events throughout the month to build gym community as well as the Columbia community as a whole. They want a better Columbia not just for their members but for the entire area.

Fantastic experience: In February I bumped into a friend who had a major weight loss and looked amazing. When I asked her what she did, she said she joined Workhorse Fitness and did a 6 week challenge. I made all of the normal excuses and put it off until late May when I called her for the name of the gym. Imagine my surprise when I called the gym and they told me the next challenge started the following Monday. So, June 5, I arrived at Workhorse Fitness to begin my journey. In 4 weeks, I lost 7 pounds and 8 inches, felt better and had a better understanding of proper eating. I have never looked back! Now, I’m an addict! The staff (Ib, Heather, and Gene) are absolutely amazing and they really do care about all of us – our body and our mind. They work together seamlessly to make us well rounded, healthy individuals. They tailor the workouts to you and encourage you to try your hardest. When I think I can’t, they show me I can and I find that I am stronger than I give myself credit for. I have made a lot of new friends – people who encourage me as much as I encourage them! I’m really going to miss this gym, the trainers and my fellow beast members when I move.

Fantastic experience: I started my journey at Workhorse Fitness two months ago when I joined the 6 weeks challenge. I decided to join the challenge because I wanted to loose weight and wanted to get healthy. Prior to joining Workhorse Fitness, I was in and out of gyms and on and off diets. I was never focused and did not have a strong support group. I have a strong support group now and awesome trainers!!! The workouts are challenging and rewarding. I have lost a total of 20 lbs and I am more flexible!!!! I look forward to more challenging workouts and more weight loss! ????????????