If ever there was someone born to lead a revolution in the fitness community, that person is Evan Howard. He's been pushing the envelope for higher standards in the fitness industry since opening Forward Thinking Fitness (FTF) in 2016.
His company is leading the charge to prove there is a safe and sustainable route to optimal health. “We take a lot of time to learn about our clients,” says Howard. “Services are customized to each individual to effectively meet them where they are at in life, instead of taking the typical cookie-cutter approach.” With small group personal training (16 people max), semi-private training (six people max), one-on-one personal training, nutritional counseling, yoga or just individualized remote programming, there's truly something for everyone.
“It's so much more than your typical chain gym or bootcamp workout,” says trainer Ryan Angelini. “Your exercise routine is completely personalized to match your needs and capabilities.”
The programming isn't the only thing unique about FTF, as its aesthetics are something from the future. Instead of a place filled with bright lights, mirrors, machines and a turnstile of traffic, FTF is dimly lit with colorful spots of lighting featuring a low-volume appointment system for a controlled client experience. Music is synced with the lighting to bring a euphoric concert-like session featuring a heart-rate-monitor system to keep clients training in optimal intensity zones for each prescribed workout.
“Imagine a room filled with people who are just trying to better themselves with employees who truly want them to succeed,” says Registered Dietitian Paige Kutler. The benefit of a like-minded community makes all the difference, Jamie Elliott adds, “FTF is often the first time a client has actually stuck with a program and seen results. We provide the right tools and support to consistently get them to meet their goals.”
Published as part of Faces of the Valley in the May 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
