Testimonials
Member Success Stories

"I am so glad to be back. I was not very diligent working out at home. It wasn't very much fun being all alone. I like working out in the club.

I like seeing people and maintaining the friendships I've made. Universal and my trainer have made me stronger than I have ever been. When I started, I had a goal to do 1 pushup and I am happy to say that I can now do 19 pushups and all that comes from training here."

"I have trained at multiple facilities and Universal’s Sports Performance program is the best training I have ever received.

It's helped me to improve my speed and strength on the soccer field. Charley and Matt, push our training and get the best out of us during every session. I also like how they’re perfectionists on form to help prevent injuries. I enjoy the intensity and the completeness of the program, as it is perfect for developing the strength needed in all body parts and the speed needed to go any direction.

"The Sports Performance training sessions have really helped me take my game to the next level!"

I decided to sign up for Universal’s Sports Performance training program because I wanted to become a better athlete. Last year during basketball season, I wasn’t the best defensive player, which made me upset.  My goal was to increase my speed, agility, and overall strength.

After the doing the training sessions at Universal, I instantly saw a difference in my speed, strength, & agility! My legs are moving a lot faster, and I am sliding a lot quicker. On my team this year, I would say I am known as a pretty good defensive player.

The trainers, Matt and Charley, are both supportive coaches who want to see their clients succeed. Both of them are super nice and funny, and they make the training less stressful and more enjoyable.

My advice that I would give to other young athletes is to keep working hard. The results won’t come overnight, but if you don’t give up and you give it your all 100% of the time, the results will be your favor sooner than later!

"My energy level and self-confidence have drastically increased"

Last year I noticed that my energy level and overall health were significantly declining. My family has a history of diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. I struggled with high blood pressure my entire life, and noticed how much it had escalated due to job-related stress. One night after I recorded my highest blood pressure reading of my life, I decided that my health had to become a priority. At a young age of 25, working at a stressful job in Washington D.C. I came to the realization that I was living an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. As my health continued to worsen, I decided that I needed to change course if I wanted to enjoy the rest of my life with my family.

With some encouragement from my family, I joined Universal Athletic Club. From the minute I walked in door, the staff, instructors and Member Services representatives showed a genuine interest in me and my health. UAC has a family atmosphere, and I felt super comfortable right away (which was extremely rare for me, as I tend to become uncomfortable in gym environments due to some insecurities).

When I joined the club my health goal was simply to live a healthier lifestyle in which exercise played a daily role. The obstacles I initially knew I would face would be a lack of energy and an abundance of self-doubt. I couldn’t even get through running one mile, so how was I going to participate in an hour-long group cardio session? Self-doubt was my number one enemy, and I had no idea how to overcome it. I was scared and nervous, but I gathered the courage to walk into my very first group workout class, which happened to be BODYSTEP.

As soon as I turned the corner and stood in the line to enter the studio, a UAC Group Fitness Ambassador walked right over to me and introduced herself. She walked me through the details of the class and what to expect. I really struggled during the first workout and wanted to quit several times, but the group instructor was absolutely amazing and provided constant encouragement. Combined with the exhilarating positive group energy, this pushed me through that workout. As the sweat poured down, I couldn’t help but smile because the class was just absolutely fun! I went home that night with a huge grin on my face. I was so amazed at what I had accomplished. I came back the next night and the next night, and the rest is history! Without UAC and its amazing instructors, I wouldn’t have been able to push through the self-doubt.

After feeling comfortable with BODYSTEP, I began trying other classes such as BODYCOMBAT and BODYPUMP. As I have progressed and gained more confidence, BODYATTACK has become my favorite. There is just something about the energy level in that inspires you to push through the workout. The upbeat music, group interaction, encouragement and moves just do something for me.

Overall, I have accomplished exactly what I initially set out to do by joining UAC; both my energy level and self-confidence have drastically increased. I believe the reason I have seen an increase in these two areas of my life is due to the UAC instructors. They are all so encouraging and uplifting. Even when you have had a bad day, they know how to uplift and motivate you to channel that negative energy and push through the workout.

I have also lost over 100 pounds since I joined the club! Because of the instructors, I am beginning to see the fruits of my labor, and my mental attitude is so much more positive.

UAC is one hundred percent a center of positivity, and you can feel that positive energy as soon as you enter the facility.

I want to encourage others by saying, "You are capable of so much more than you realize!" It is extremely challenging to push through the self-doubt and insecurities, but once you do your life will be forever changed. Whether it is just one more repetition, one more pushup, or one more second of lunging, you’ve got this!

UAC has completely changed my life, and I would recommend joining to anyone!

"We joined Universal over 20 years ago and it’s been one of the best investments we’ve ever made!"

The club offers an all-encompassing solution for our entire family, allowing us to stay active during all stages of our lives.

My husband, Carlos, and I have always enjoyed all types of exercise, whether it be swimming, walking, playing tennis, golf, riding bikes, etc… We’re both in the medical and science fields, so we’re also aware of the benefits of weight-bearing exercises.

We originally joined Universal because we were looking for a way to stay active during the cold months, and the club seemed like a perfect fit. Compared to other gyms, Universal was friendlier, more affordable, and had much more to offer. We thought it was such a great find for us, and BODYPUMP became our favorite class to take together.

Fast forward to us becoming parents of triplets! Catherine, Madeline and Peter have grown up at Universal. When they were little, the Kids Klub was a place where they could let off steam in a supervised area. They were champions at the monkey bars and in climbing, then with basketball. I was impressed with the cleanliness of the maze, and I have always loved how there are no TV’s or video games … just active playtime!

As our children grew, we could start swim lessons, and in the winter in a nice, warm pool… then the children would be ready to swim when summer rolled around. After swim lessons, I would take them upstairs to eat at the café. It felt like an adventure each time, and we all remember it fondly.

Now that Catherine, Madeline and Peter are 14, they have graduated to working out with ‘mom and dad’. They have gone from swim lessons to swimming laps with me. The whole family comes to the pool at least once a week to swim, have fun and relax.

Universal keeps us active, in shape and healthy as a family. I’ve had some health scares over the years, and being in shape has helped speed up my recovery.

Exercise is important, and Universal has something for every age and ability! It continues to provide more and more for our membership, and allows us to live a better life!