2323 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 717-569-5396

Testimonials AT UNIVERSAL

Welcome to our Newest Members!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us...

I feel great; I am seeing results. Universal's "SUCCESS PLAN" set me on the right direction, so I can meet or exceed my weight loss/toning goals! Thank you.
-Nichole Janos

As a new member, I was welcomed by everyone from the front desk staff to the instructors who teach the classes. I am feeling more energetic!
-Marita Doumaux

I am more energetic, feeling better, living healthier life style.
-Andrea Raybuck

I feel much more confident. I always feel welcome and at ease in the club, and have more energy after working out.
-Mary M. Hicks

I am more knowledgeable about the equipment I am working with as well as more motivated to work harder and more consistently. I know that the tools I’ve learned will help me reach my goals.
-Brittany Formica

I feel like I can make continued progress on my own using the tools my Fitness Coach has taught me! I also feel like I can contact her anytime I need help.
-Jeanann Helander

I feel motivated! I am a lot more energetic and willing to come in on a daily basis. George is a great coach!
-Maureen Graham

The fitness coaches were very encouraging and helpful in helping me get started on a plan.
-Denise Kirchoff

I feel great! I am looking forward to continuing my workout.
-Alejandro Amill

I lost some inches and I feel great and healthy!
-Lori Dubininin

I feel a lot better in the 4 weeks since starting the program.
-Stephen Ruth

I feel great! I have so much energy and I am less stressed throughout the day!
Serena Kurtz

I enjoy being here, and feel the plan is great for my health. Kristie was a delightful and very helpful fitness coach.
-Sandy Berstorf

I thought it was nice to talk a Fitness Coach who had good workout ideas, since she had knowledge of my strengths and weaknesses. I look forward to seeing her again.
-Jessica Galen

The coaching process has helped me quell my anxiety about being in a large gym. Now I feel more familiar with routines & equipment. My Fitness Coach was able to work with me at re-learning cardio & nautilus equipment.
- Claudia O’Neil

I am stronger and more flexible. I can walk longer distances and swim laps easier. I got a lot of help from the Universal staff.
-William Chronister

I feel great! Since I’ve been doing exercise I feel different and healthier! If it wasn’t for the support of the trainers, I’d be lost. Thank you so much.
-Elizabeth Ramg

I am prepared to continue on my own, the explanations have been excellent. This program is an excellent investment, could not have asked for a better coach!
-Allen Bernstor

I feel fantastic! My coach Brooke has been very knowledgeable and encouraging to my success plan. All question were answered immediately and suggestions on completing goals. I am a very happy consumer.
-David Romer

I am proud of myself for making my health a priority.
-Jessica Whitmayer

In conjunction with my physical therapist following lower lumbar back fusion surgery, my Fitness Coach devised a fitness plan for me which has resulted in increased movement, flexibility, strength, and toning.  I have had a weight loss of 23 pounds in the last 12 weeks (within 5 pounds of my goal weight!). I am very thankful for Wayne’s commitment to my success, as well as the entire Universal staff!
-Lori Baldwin

I feel much more motivated, stronger and more flexible!
-Glenda Winters

I love the way Universal's "Success Plan" started me on my goal to success!
-Susana Reyes

I fell less stressed at my job, which has made me more personable!
Joseph Sharpe

I feel great; I had plenty of motivation from the fitness coach. I like that they work one-on-one to help me with my personal goal. It feels great to have that extra “boost”.
-Chad Shaub

 
Member Success Stories

"Just Take it One pound at a Time"
- Ron Gardiner - Ron lost 135 pounds here at the club - read his story!

After

 

Before

Kristen Hildreth - A Whole New Outlook on Life

Two winters ago, after the birth of my 2nd child, I was at my wits end with my weight struggle. I was at my highest weight. I felt terrible about myself, and even more so I was concerned about future health issues that could arise. I wanted to be able to keep up with my children and be a positive example for them.

I had “yo yo” dieted for years, and had never found exercise that I had truly enjoyed. I had heard about Zumba, and thought I would like to try it. I had called multiple gyms, but was disheartened when classes were an additional cost to membership; and often had very limited class times.

When I received the Universal Athletic Club Open House flyer in the mail, I was instantly impressed with the variety of class times and options included in a club membership! I had heard of Universal, but was not aware of all that the club had to offer!

I wanted to lose the weight, but I wanted even more to find physical activity that I loved, and could continue. When I joined Universal, I found the staff members were (and still are) amazingly supportive. The fitness coaches are knowledgeable and wonderful. They encourage you to try without any judgment. They answer questions about everything from nutrition, to equipment, to classes!

I jumped in and started going to BODYFLOW right away, and I loved it from the first class. I started taking the class several times a week and I noticed a change in how I felt, both emotionally and physically right away. I gained confidence quickly, and was soon taking BODYPUMP, BODYJAM, CXWORX, and FLOW regularly.

I completely changed my eating habits. I was very strict at first. I had to prove to myself that I did not need to be controlled by food, which is essentially how I felt for many years. I tried recipes for things that I liked and ate healthy all the time for over a year! Now that I have found balance in my life, and I have learned to trust myself, I do treat myself. I feel liberated and healthy!

I have lost 163 pounds from my highest weight! I feel healthy, strong, confident. I still take my classes regularly, and make choices to be more physical at home on the days where time does not allow me to hit the gym. I eat healthy the majority of the time, but I do allow myself to indulge on occasion.

If I had to give some words of encouragement to others, I would say that’s it’s never too late to make a better choice. Believe in yourself... you can do it! 

 

Ezekiel Harnish - Lost over 100 pounds

In the past I tried everything possible to lose weight because I wanted quick results; everything from dieting to practically starving myself. I would always lose weight in the beginning, but I would always gain it back (plus some) when I went back to my old habits. I guess I really never taught myself how to eat and exercise properly.  After joining Universal Athletic Club, everything would change... (read more)

Valerie Good (left) with her sister Jen McGowan: How "buddying up"at Universal helped both of them feel successful with a fitness plan

“At the beginning of 2012, I looked at the scale (and mirror!) in dismay. I knew it was time to make some major lifestyle changes...."  

  Click Here to Read More


Families

The Lopez Family 

“When we were considering joining a fitness club to live a healthier lifestyle, we loved Universal’s facility and the layout of the weight room,” Lina said. “You didn’t have to wait around to work out on any one piece of equipment because there were many alternatives on the floor. Also, all the group fitness classes included in a membership were definitely a plus!” (Read More) 

The Atteberry Family 

"We have three generations of family members coming to Universal Athletic Club!  My husband and I can get a fabulous workout while our children are well taken care of and happy in the Kidz Klub.  My mom and sister are members here, too, and we all love the atmosphere. Your staff members are so friendly and helpful!"

 

  Click Here to Read More

 

Personal Training

“Mike Sabol: A true fighter”

Universal member Mike Sabol is a true fighter.  Mike and his wife, Ginna, (known as “Ginny” to most) took a devastating blow in October 2008 when they found out that Mike had cancer -- Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma  -- in his stomach. (Read More)

 

“Your Post Rehab program got me on track with exercises to improve my range of motion in my injured shoulder.”

- Dave Lackman

  Click Here to Read More 


Martial Arts Program

The Flaiz Family

"As a family, we’ve learned coordination, focus and a respect for being physically active through the Tae Kwon Do program at Universal. While learning skills individually, it’s great go through the experience together.  

We like the class structure, clear instructions and well-defined expectations. Getting a workout is an added bonus! We also appreciate the discipline of Tae Kwon Do, in addition to learning self-defense techniques.  Plus, the program is practical and economical ...  and the
 instructors really enjoy teaching and helping their students grow."

 

 

 


Nutrition & Wellness Center

Donna Brosbe

My name is Donna Brosbe. I am 56 years old. I am a wife, a mother of three grown children, and a busy pediatrician. I am also overweight. I have struggled with obesity for many years. In fact the “baby weight” is still there… and my “baby” is 21!  Several times I have tried and lost weight successfully, but the extra pounds always came back. (Read More)

Wade Smith

Determined to Make a Change for Good...

Last summer, I finally felt ready to do something about my health. I had gained weight steadily over the last several years and was starting to experience many medical issues as the result (high blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels; sleep apnea and problems with liver function). My wife had been encouraging me to get in better shape, and the owner of the company I work for also mentioned his concern for my health.

I finally said 'enough is enough' and decided to do something about it...

  Click Here to Read More 


Group Fitness

 

A FRIENDSHIP IS MADE...through Group Fitness at Universal

They were a little timid to take classes at first, and really didn’t know many people at the club when they tried their very first Group Fitness class.... (read more)

Ellen Morse

I’ve been a member about 8-9 years. I have enjoyed Universal for several reasons.

The Group Fitness classes are fantastic. I have met really neat people and the instructors are always upbeat and fun. Fellow classmates were friendly and supportive.

In April 2012 I was diagnosed as diabetic. Jenn Reed, Universal’s nutritionist, said that I could bring the blood sugar numbers down by making lifestyle changes.

Thus, Universal helped. Along with keeping food “logs,” I attended various fitness classes. These classes included Zumba, dance cardio and BODYVIVE.

  Click Here to Read More 


Pilates 

Nannette Denlinger

"I had my first Pilates demo with Deb Nehlig in October 2010. I asked for the demo because I had had surgery on my knee for a meniscus tear. My knee wasn't bending all the way and there was a lot of stiffness. After my demo, I noticed that it felt better so I decided I would give the Pilates lessons a try for 10 weeks.

(Read More)

“I'm also always amazed that Pilates and yoga can give me such a challenging a workout. I've learned that having good balance, and a strong core and back support the rest of the body for other activities and contribute to better health overall.  I can feel it the next day, which shows me I’ve worked hard.” 

- Joi Monacci


Universal's Sports Performance Center
featuring Parisi Speed School

Brandi Hurst

Brandi Hurst is a mother of two young boys and has been a Universal member for several years. She began powerlifting with Parisi Speed School Trainer/Coach Russ McDonnell over a year ago. She competed in her first Powerlifting competition hosted by Parisi Speed School in February 2012! She continues to train with Russ in small groups several nights a week. Brandi shares her experience with us. (read more) 

“Universal’s Parisi Speed School has made me more explosive and improved my conditioning and overall technique.  The sessions got me into great shape and challenged me.”

- Dean Melchionni

  Click Here to Read More


The Day Spa at Universal

      

“I finally visited the Day Spa at Universal after TWO YEARS of my mother prompting me to get a massage.  I had put off the idea because I thought that it was just too much of a hassle. Well, let me tell you… Emily gave me a moisturizing massage and Ashley did some waxing and a facial. Oh, my! I cannot tell you how happy I was with ALL of my services. They were both professional and most helpful in instructing me on the maintenance of my youthful appearance. I cannot wait to return for some more pampering!  Thank you so much for helping me feel good about myself.”

 -Cathy Geiger        


Aqua-Fitness & Swim Lessons

 

BETSY DEBORD

“I began exercising in the water in 2005 when I joined Universal. For several years, I was not serious about losing weight, but enjoyed how I felt after exercising.  Then, Universal introduced me to WATERinMOTION®. (read more)

“When Gabriel starting taking swim lessons in Universal’s Aquatics Center this summer, my wife Gemma and I would bring him to the pool to let him practice. We could easily see how much progress he was making and how much he enjoyed the classes.” 

- Ryan Ward

  Click Here to Read More


Childrens' Programs

Kylie Stork

Kylie Stork is 6 years old and will be a first-grader at Brecht Elementary School this fall. Her parents, Rich and Courtney Stork, have been members of Universal Athletic Club for over 10 years.(read more) 

 

Click Here to Read More 


The SilverSneakers Fitness Program

Ron and Carrie James

Ron and Carrie joined Universal over two years ago after Carrie had overcome cancer and Ron had successfully recovered from a stroke. They decided to join in order to “get out of the house” and become more active. (Read More) 

“We joined Universal to become more fit and increase our range of motion, endurance, and vitality.  We love SilverSneakers!”

- Steve & Celeste Rollo

  Click Here to Read More


Cafe U 

“The Cafe U shakes give me protein and the extra boost I need after a strenuous workout”.

- Steve Schulz, Universal member and publisher of Business2Business Magazines


Stretch Therapy 

Karen Arbogast 

“When I saw Universal Athletic Club was offering stretch therapy, I decided to give it a try.  I was pleasantly surprised!  My first session ...  (Read More)