My name is Ryan Condy and I am married with two daughters. I have been in Law Enforcement for over twenty years and hold almost a dozen instructor certifications in that field. I was involved in athletics all through high school as well as college and hold a B.S. degree from Jacksonville State University. In 2015 I obtained my AFFA group fitness instructor certification and in 2016 my personal trainer certification. I frequently participate in OCR events across the southeast as well as running in local races and runs. I enjoy challenging and encouraging others to work for a healthy lifestyle and push them to achieve their fitness goals.
My name is Lauren Holt, and I live in Hokes Bluff with husband, JD, and our three children. I taught high school English for nine years before becoming a stay at home mom. After many years of running and participating in fitness classes at Absolute, I wanted to become more involved. I obtained my group fitness certification in September of 2015, my personal training certification in 2016 and started leading classes. I enjoy sharing my passion for fitness and health with my AF family and am grateful to be part of the TEAM.
Certifications
Zumba
Strong by Zumba
Background
My name is Acura Harvey and I have been a group fitness instructor for three years. I am a single parent and a full time Registered Nurse. I served in the United States Army for eight years and encountered a knee injury that caused me to have surgery. After surgery I gained about 30 pounds and I had to get back in shape. I started my journey at Absolute Fitness about four years ago on a 7 day guest pass with a friend. After the seven days was up I joined the gym as a member. I started out with Zumba with many wonderful instructors and found my love for Zumba. I then tried other classes like spin, APT, yoga and many more. I loved going to the gym because the people were so friendly and willing to help me with my goals. That’s why I had to get certified in Zumba because if stepping into a Zumba class encouraged me to get fit then I knew I could inspire others to get fit to. I am not only certified to teach Zumba but also Strong by Zumba. I love doing what I do and hopefully I will inspire someone to get active to.
My fitness journey began in 1990. I was a young mom of two busy little boys, but my weight zapped my energy. I decided to make a change by eating clean and exercising (easy to say/hard to do!). Over the course of 15 months, I lost 100 lbs and developed a love for fitness that continues to grow. I attained a Group Fitness certification through AFAA, and have since been certified to teach indoor cycling, yoga and Pilates. To me, fitness is exciting! It not only changes us on the outside, but most importantly on the inside.
I’m so thankful to have mentors who encourage and inspire me. My mom (currently 84) was a runner and is still an avid cyclist. Also my amazing running husband, Mark (yep, the guy behind the desk at AF!)
As for my day job, I’m a manager at Gadsden Outfitters. It’s the perfect job for me because I’m a little bit of a runner but I’m an avid road cyclist. Last year I completed my first Century (100 mile) event! I’m mom to three and grandmother to one. I play the piano, enjoy cooking and love being involved at Church of the Highlands.
Join me for a ride in Spin class or strike a pose with me in yoga. We’ll get stronger and have a blast doing it!
Hi my name is Celeste Wright.
I am a Gadsden area resident for more than 20 years. I am the former owner of Crossfit Eleven in Argo. I began my Fitness Career in 2011 after receiving my ISSA personal training certification. During my early years as a personal trainer I was introduced to the sport of Crossfit. I found such a passion in Crossfit, that I decided to obtain my level 1 Crossfit Trainer certification in 2013. I coached at a local gym for a year. In 2014 I opened my own Crossfit Affiliate Gym in Argo, Alabama. During my time at Crossfit Eleven I was head coach for 4 years. I then obtained my Crossfit level 2 Trainer Certification in 2018. I also hold certifications in Crossfit Olympic Weightlifting and Crossfit Movement and Mobility. In my free time, I enjoy relaxing with my family; I also enjoy following my two sons who are heavily involved in basketball throughout the year.
I look forward to seeing you at Absolute Fitness and helping you obtain your fitness goals!
My name is Stacey Garmon and I have been working in the fitness industry since 1985.
I started out as a group fitness instructor and I continue to teach classes to this day in addition to personal training. My personal training journey also began back in 1985 when I assisted members with using weight machines at the fitness center where I worked. I was first certified as a personal trainer with the U.S. Army in their Master Fitness Trainer program while I served in the Tennessee Army National Guard. I am also now certified through NASM/AFAA. I have done multiple certifications and trainings over the years and continue to seek out opportunities to learn and inspire others to make exercise a part of their daily life.
Training Philosophy – I believe it is important to move your body. If you want to live your life with quality and the ability to experience life’s opportunities, you have to keep your body mobile and strong. That involves all the areas of fitness from cardiorespiratory health to muscular strength and endurance to flexibility to body composition. Proper nutrition and rest are extremely important too. Find things you enjoy, make goals, and do what you need to do to make exercise a part of your life, not just a temporary thing. If you want to make improvements, you have to challenge yourself. Don’t get stuck just doing the same things over and over again – variety is key. If you use a trainer, they should be able to tell you why you should do certain exercises – not just how. It helps me to have a fitness goal, and because of that I am proud to have completed a couple of half marathons, a full marathon, a sprint triathlon and a metric century ride. If you become one of my clients, I hope to educate you and inspire you to make the most of what God has given you.
CERTIFICATIONS
PERSONAL FITNESS BACKGROUND
I first began working out in high school because I felt I was too skinny. I wanted to gain more muscle mass. I soon discovered that I truly enjoyed working out and developed a passion for fitness. I became dedicated to physical fitness by going to the gym at least five days per week and began studying to increase my knowledge. I competed in the physique division of a local bodybuilding show and won 2nd place. With over ten years of gym experience, I decided to pursue a career in Personal Training in order to assist other to achieve their goals just as I have.
TRAINING EXPERIENCE
During my time with training, I have learned to work with men, women, and teenagers with different fitness goals. Everyone is different, and so I design workout plans according to my client’s physical and nutritional needs. Assessing each client individually is key to seeing optimal results. I am committed to developing a plan that fits each client’s individual needs and goals, whether that be weight loss, mass gain, or becoming lean and tone.
TRAINING PHILOSPHIES
I believe keeping your body fit and staying active is very important throughout life. Not only will a fit and active lifestyle help to control your weight, but also reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and help to build stronger bones and muscles. Anything you put your mind to can be accomplished with hard work and dedication. It may not always be easy, but with guidance and focus – you will see results!!
Education and Certification
Personal and Fitness Background
I have always been interested in health and fitness. After high school I became a nurse and worked in the healthcare industry. After my second child I began working out at Gold’s Gym and fell in love with exercise and became passionate about fitness. In 2005 I became a certified group fitness instructor. I have taught spin, step, strength, cardio, interval, Pilates, and silver sneakers classes. In 2014 I became a certified personal trainer.
Training Philosophies
My passion is to assist you in reaching you fitness goals in a fun safe and effective manner. I want to motivate you to a healthier and happier life. I will work with you, listen to you, understand you goals and encourage you. Together we will build a program that you can follow for life. My training is based on the individual needs of each client.
Motto
Your body won’t go where you mind doesn’t push it.
Specialties
I am a native of Alabama, and currently reside in Gadsden. I work as a full-time faculty member at Jacksonville State University, teaching courses in composition, American literature, oral communication, and grammar for the English department. I have a passion for helping others learn and grow, which extends into the world of fitness: I coach classes for the Absolute Fitness APT program where I get to apply my knowledge of CrossFit methodology, as well as nutrition.
In 2016, I received my CrossFit Level 1 certification. With my Level 1, I began coaching at several CrossFit affiliates locally, and eventually at Absolute Fitness. Over the last several years, I have learned that being a good coach involves much more than head knowledge. It involves understanding the needs, goals, and motivation of an athlete. It involves caring about people. For me, fitness is a passion that also provides a gateway to serving others. Personally, I love setting challenging goals and working towards fulfilling those goals through consistent effort, but this often takes time and patience. I love helping athletes come to understand that the process itself can be enjoyable because it involves challenging yourself every day to see what your potential may be. Fitness isn’t always about competitions and winning. It’s mostly about the day-to-day grind, and my goal is to help people find joy in the day-to-day processes.
In addition to coaching, I also program the workouts for APT, workouts that hopefully challenge the diverse range of athletes that participate in the APT program. Every week, athletes are challenged to work on their conditioning, strength, and even gymnastics. Everyone from the OCR runner to the powerlifter can find something enjoyable in the program.
Outside the gym, I love to cook! I’m a sucker for trying new and interesting recipes, but I love taking a recipe and trying to make it healthy. I’m an active member of my church, Rainbow Presbyterian. I have an amazing dog, a Goldendoodle named “Sibby.” And, more than anything, I love my family and friends, and I try to spend as much time as possible fostering those relationships.
Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”
Hey guys! My name is Ashley Pitts and I have been a part of the Absolute Fitness family for quite a few years now! I began my journey with Absolute Fitness after a Zumba Fitness Party In Pink fundraiser we had, late October in 2010. I had been teaching classes at a local church, and through the grapevine, Dawn found me and the rest is history!
I have been into athletics and sports from a very young age. I began playing tee ball at the age of 5 and just continued to grow from there. I was a very active student athlete from West End High School, where I played, volleyball, basketball, softball and was also a cheerleader. I continued my knowledge of athletics as the volleyball manager, under Coach Angie Sanders and Coach Connie Clark, for 2 years at GSCC. During my time there, I fell even more in love with the fitness aspect of sports, as well as the coaching aspect. I began coaching club volleyball at the age of 19, for our local volleyball club, GVC. From there, I went on to coach 2 season at Gadsden City High School, and helped out with camps for other surrounding schools.
During all of this, I found the love of my life, at the time… Zumba Fitness! I was completed captivated by the music and rhythm of the beats, that I literally jumped in class one day, and registered to get my license the next! I have been teaching Zumba Fitness, in general, since May 2010, and the love has never faded. You can definitely say the rhythm runs through my veins. During this time at the gym, we were introducing a few new classes and class types, and one of those classes that quickly became a favorite, was RIPPED. I had always been in love with the concept of weightlifting, but this class really sparked the flame, that quickly took over. From RIPPED, I went on to test the waters of Crossfit, which grew my love for weightlifting even more and led me to obtaining my CF-L1 Certification. The concept of coaching Crossfit was that of coaching my teams and that grew my love for the sport. From Crossfit, I journeyed to Olympic Weightlifting, which has now become my passion and favorite form of competition. I am currently training with a coach from Atlanta, GA, to prepare for local meets, that will hopefully lead to a national platform!
During my time away from the gym, I am a full time hairstylist in downtown Gadsden. I love, love, love my job as a stylist, and I feel coaching, adults and children alike, has helped me enjoy my job even more, and has helped me in relation to my clients. Along with the salon, I am still coaching volleyball with GVC and loving every second of it. I have my high school coaches, especially Coach Clark, to thank for a lot of things in life, but most importantly, helping mold the person I am today, because without her guidance and constant push, I don’t think I would have the same drive and work ethic, in my passions and day to day life.
In my off time, which is definitely much needed, I spend time taking short road trips to different festivals, whether it be food or music, with dear friends and occasionally my 2 fur babies, Moxie and Sunny. I am also a concert junkie and will, randomly and spontaneously, purchase tickets last minute and road trip for that, as well! If it has anything to do with food and/or music, you can be certain, I’ll be there!
I love my Absolute Fitness family and I am looking forward to meeting all of our new members and continuing my years with the returning ones. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for myself, and Absolute Fitness, and I would love to grow along with you! I hope to see you guys in a class soon!
Education and Certification
FAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
AFAA Certified Personal Trainer
Yogafit Certified Level 1,2,3 Restorative, Senior, Hot Yoga
STOTT PILATES trained Reformer, Stability Chair, Tower and Mat
Silver Sneakers Classic, Yoga
Star Trac Cycling Certified
American Heart Association CPR & AED certified
B.S./M.A. Special Education degree
Personal and Fitness Background
I have taught fitness classes of all types for over 30 years. My classes have ranged from Step, Yoga, Pilates to Spin classes. I now do training on the Pilates Reformer, Stability Chair, V2Max Reformer with the tower and Pilates Mat classes. I also teach Yoga classes of all types as well. My background in education has helped me design and develop programs and goals today for the individual needs of my clients.
Training Philosophy
Every client is an individual and through proper assessment, programming is developed to fit the individual needs of that client. Through the programs offered through STOTT Pilates, improvement in core strength, posture, coordination and balance can be attained by the training on the Pilates machines and Mat training. Being able to offer yoga sessions in addition adds more in-depth training for individual needs. My aim is to help the individual in his/her journey to total health in every way possible.
Hi! I am Carol Hall, a work in progress. In May 2010, and at a size 24, “Enough was Enough”! I made the decision to get healthy and fit. With my own determination and dedication, plus the supervision and mentoring of some excellent personal trainers, I dropped lots of sizes and traded fat for muscle. At a size 14, I still have a few more pounds and sizes to shed; therefore, staying busy is a requirement. With this in mind, I decided to add more challenges to my ‘get fit/stay fit’ lifestyle. I got my Group Fitness Instructor Certification through AFAA in September 2012 so I could teach PUMP and SPIN. I want to encourage others from my personal experience. If I can do it, you can too! It is an incredible journey!
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” Rumi
I love the functioning of the human body and of the mind-body connection will lead you to a more functional and productive lifestyle.
As a 27 year veteran of teaching Biology, Anatomy, Genetics and Bacteriology for the Gadsden City School System, my love of science and the human body led me to Personal Training in 2000.
After suffering a herniated disc and back surgery, I was led to Pilates to rehab my back.
I trained through the Physical Mind Institute in 2002 and have been teaching Traditional Pilates since then.
I discovered Yoga in 2003 and after training with YogaFit levels 1-2-3, I wanted to dig deeper and was led to my yoga teacher, Carol Stahl, a yoga therapist in 2009.
I completed my 200 hr. Yoga Alliance Certification in 20012, exhaling gratitude to Lynn Jacobs, Springstone Yoga for her loving guidance and to the mentoring of Lawrence Biscontini, in Puerto Rico who helped me “get out of my way” as a teacher.
I have trained with Tias Little- Subtle Body, Matthew Sanford- Adaptive Yoga, Sarah Powers- Yin Yoga, Erich Schiffmann- Movement of energy, Nicholai Bachman- Language of Sanskrit, Rolfe gates- Meditation on the Mat to name a few.
I have been able to make this journey with the love and support of Garry, my husband of 43 yrs.
who has been a constant source of support and encouragement.
Total hours of study and dedication to the complete Yoga lifestyle:
200 hrs. Yoga Alliance completed May 6, 2012
300 hrs. yoga Alliance completed September 22, 2017
600 hrs. Professional Yoga Therapy
Over 4000 Total hrs. Teaching Classes since 2012-2019
Over 4000 Total hrs. Training Private Clients-2012-2019
Over 8000 Teaching/ Training
I invite you to explore your own “mind/Body connection with me in one of the nine classes I teach Monday thru Saturday or schedule private sessions if interested in a deeper study of Yoga.
I am a single mother of two wonderful and handsome sons. I am a 45 year veteran nurse, currently at Gadsden Regional Medical Center who has worked all over Alabama and also as a travel nurse. I have experiences in CVOR, plastics and ENT surgery and now a holding room nurse at GRMC. I am an AFAA certified instructor and have worked at various types of group fitness programs for over 30 years including Les Mills Body Pump. I have a real passion for “Pump” which is what I currently teach at Absolute Fitness. Many members benefit largely from this class, it is not only toning and shaping but also helps strengthen the core, it is also good for those needing rehabilitation. I firmly believe in a strong regimen of fitness in your lifestyle and the type of fitness that will help to keep you young and healthy and maintain a more positive attitude for your overall health. Join me in a class!
Sharon Underwood has worked for the Gadsden City School System for over 18 years as a middle school teacher. She has continued her education at the University of Alabama in Administration Educational Leadership (AEL) with her Ed.S. In the future, Sharon plans to become an aspiring school leader or an academic college advisor as a curriculum instructor assisting new teachers in their profession.
May 2010, Sharon joined the Absolute Fitness team. She is certified through Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), Indoor Cycling Group Coach by Color (ICG), Zumba® Fitness and is licensed to teach: Spin, Zumba® Fitness 1, Zumba® Step1 and 2, Zumba® Senato, and Zumba® Kids+Jrs. She is also an assistant to her best friend the Alabama Zumba Fitness Jammer who creates new choreography and teaches it to other Zumba Instructors at a three hours session. Sharon travels all over Alabama and other states assisting and helping her #alabamajammer friend where needed. She enjoys learning, encouraging and playing diverse music in all of her classes.
Sharon has been teaching group fitness classes for over 20 years and believes fitness and health together are the combination to a healthy lifelong living. In her spare time, she shares her testimony through inspirational speaking to others about her weight-loss journey.
On top of her many positions, she also works member relations at the front desk. This has allowed Sharon to help new members, when signing up. She is able to relate to new members on different physical levels concerning questions new members may have concerning the many variety of classes we offer.
On February 14, 2010, Sharon ran her first (Mercedes) half-marathon at 2:13.23. Her one goal was to run the entire 13.1 miles nonstop and she succeeded beyond her expectations. Sharon enjoys a variety of fitness activities, volunteering, and being active in ministry.
My name is Tammy Gregory. I’m married to my best friend Scott Gregory. I work as a freelance court reporter, but fitness and exercise have always been a passion of mine, as well as volunteering with the Etowah County Humane Society, which I do as often as possible. I love the saying, “I want to be the person my dog thinks I am.” I have two dogs, two cats, five hens, and started beekeeping last summer!! I love the outdoors, working or playing, and always have a wonderful vegetable garden every summer.
I’ve been a group exercise instructor for over half my life and have held certifications in aerobics, step aerobics, train the trainer weight training, Pilates, and yoga. I’m excited to be part of the Absolute Fitness team and look forward to meeting you. Come visit a yoga class with me and let’s de-stress together for an hour.
My name is Phyllis Robertson. I’m married to my husband Mike. We have 2 children Alex and Brad and I have two grandchildren Mazely and Jax. I work at Hokes Bluff Middle School.
I started teaching group fitness at in 1993 and joined the Absolute family in 2015.
I’ve taught Reebok Step, Power Pump, Water Aerobics, Classic Senior Aerobics, Body Sculpt, Zumba, Spin and Spin Fusion.
I am AFAA Primary Group certified, Schwinn & Precision Cycling certified, ICG Cycling certified and Zumba certified.
I teach Spin and Spin Fusion at 5:15a.m. For some people, waking up earlier may be an inconvenience…but it’s also a great way to get a workout in before your day has begun. Early classes were great for me when my kids were playing school sports and it was getting harder to teach the afternoon classes. Now, I just love getting up and teaching…If exercise is important to you…you will find a way even if it’s 5:15a.m.
Come SPIN the morning with us.
Katie Gallman is from Ohatchee, Alabama and is a trained dancer and fitness instructor. She received her B.F.A in Dance in 2013, which laid the foundation for her fitness journey. She is a certified Barre Above instructor and has experience teaching a variety of group fitness classes including Barre, Cardio Barre, Triple Threat, Weight Lifting, and Ballet Conditioning. Katie truly believes we are all capable of so much more than we think, and she loves helping people discover that in their own fitness journeys.
My name is Wade Skaggs and I enjoy being a certified trainer at the best gym in Etowah County. I am married to my wonderful wife Holley and have a 14 year old son, Thomas.
I played sports in school and have continued to enjoy running, cross training, functional training, mountain biking and OCR (Obstacle Course Racing).
I coach APT (Absolute Performance Training) and invite you to challenge yourself in our trainer coached classes each week. If you are preparing for an athletic event, obstacle race or just want to train like an athlete…I encourage you to join us each week.
Fitness Director
Tiffany Jacobs, AFAA certified personal trainer and fitness director at Absolute, is passionate about her job. Her many qualifications as an instructor are only exceeded by the amount of driven, result-seeking clients she helps to motivate on a daily basis. Tiffany’s certifications have included IFTA Group Fitness,4D Pro Bungee Instructor and ICG Coach by Color Indoor Cycling and AFAA Kickboxing. When she’s not personal training, leading group fitness classes or coaching Performance Training, Tiffany works as an LPN. Her medical affiliation, fitness ability, unmatched encouragement and intensity are sure to provide not only physical results but confidence as well. Busting the “6-minute-abs” myth, Tiffany challenges her clients while also helping them realize that fitness can be a fun lifestyle.
Certifications:
AFAA Personal Trainer
AFAA Cardio Kick boxing Instructor
IFTA Group Fitness Instructor
ICG Spin Instructor
Pound Pro Instructor
4D Pro Bungee Fitness Instructor
My name is Amanda Martinez. I am married and have a wonderful family. I have obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama……ROLL TIDE!!! While at the University I was Drum Major for the Million Dollar Band….what an experience!!! There is nothing more exhilarating then performing for over 90,000 screaming fans. I currently teach kindergarten, 7 years to be exact. I have taught group fitness classes for 13 years. I am AFAA certified, Les Mills Body Pump certified, and hold SCHWINN and Precision cycling certificates. I look forward to seeing new faces in group fitness classes this coming year.
Fitness Background My fitness journey began as a young girl unhappy with her body image. Through diet and exercise, I made major changes in my mind, body, and most of all confidence. I knew from that time on I wanted to help others achieve their fitness goals just as I did my own. To fully understand the science of exercise I decided to get my bachelors degree in the subject. In 2010 I achieved that goal earning a B.S. in exercise science and wellness from JSU. During my time in school was certified and worked as a personal trainer, and also assisted in the weight room at Gadsden State during the 2007 volleyball season. At the end of college I completed an internship at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness Center, home to one of the states Executive Health Programs. After collage I worked in a chiropractors office and a local gym. Settling into my career I had many opportunities to work with the community, organizing 5k events for charities, and working with a local private Christian school as their strength and condition coach for the female athletes. Throughout the years I have trained every level of fitness, from the person who has never stepped foot in the gym, to the woman who completed a half iron-man, and even a local physician who trained and conquered climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Iv learned that my personal fitness journey can have time periods of ups (training for a half marathons, triathlons and various competitions) and time periods of downs (pregnancy, sickness and surgery) I acquire more knowledge each year on how to adapt my training program to fit my body’s need for that season in life. I am so glad I get to share my knowledge and experience with others.
Training Philosophy I believe my job as personal trainer and group exercise instructor is to encourage, educate, lead, and listen. I listen to my clients and their goals and design an exercise prescription specifically to meet their needs. Whether the need may be, weight loss, strength training, better body function, less pain,or overall wellness. I incorporate a little bit of everything into my training prescriptions for my clients, from Pilates inspired movements to functional fitness moves. I believe all styles and forms of fitness can be utilized into a persons programming, Always safe and never boring. I put 100% of my energy into my clients, and when they give me 100%, the results are amazing!
Personal I am wife and a mother to two girls. I enjoy going on dates with my husband and embracing all things motherhood. As it is my job, it is also my hobby, I love working out! I am a participant in our gyms group exercise classes and specialty programs. I believe that surrounding yourself with like-minded people can be one of the keys to your success.
Education and Certifications
Being an athletic adolescent, I was always amazed by the bodybuilders on television. Thereafter, I was inspired to change my physique and set personal goals for more muscle development and success within the competition realm. Instead of wasting time reading bias magazine articles or listening to someone in a gym without formal and specific education in this field, I decided to take a more efficient approach and educate myself. As my clout in the world of bodybuilding grew to a national level, I began being approached by potential clients with their fitness goals, and for that, I was humbled. I have dedicated countless hours making a career from sharing my training experiences with others while also encouraging them to incorporate every component of fitness into a balanced lifestyle.
Tailoring exercise, nutrition, injury rehab programs, and one-on-one private training has been the primary occupier of my time over the past decade. Catering from the athletic to the geriatric, my wellness programs have been designed for a wide range of individuals. In addition, my Physical Therapist Technician skills, guest speaking opportunities and training seminars have created a well-rounded competence in the world of fitness.
My job as a personal trainer is to help my clients get the results they want while maintaining proper health. I listen to my clients, understand their needs, and enjoy setting attainable goals which will keep them motivated to make fitness a lifestyle.
