State of Fitness “phenomenal place to meet conditioning goals in community”
Those words come from a Facebook post that also cites the “care” factor of every State of Fitness trainer. Justin Grinnell, co-owner with his spouse, Katie, of State of Fitness in East Lansing, says: “Forget what you’ve heard about traditional gyms, where you’re shown how to use the equipment and left on your own. We really care about each client’s fitness needs and a trainer is with every group.”
Just ask Dan Smeak – “My days growing up were spent outside exploring, building a
nd climbing outdoors. Before I knew it, I had a career in the construction industry, an amazing life partner and four spectacular children. Every minute of the day was allocated. I got promoted to a desk job, managing construction crews. My endless spring of energy appeared to be drying up. My pants shrank, my motivation to exercise waned. I realized I was getting older and less fit.
“In March 2016, I discovered State of Fitness. The moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with a friendly face and a tour. I’d never been to a gym. I always figured I could keep fit on my own. I signed up for the 30-day trial for $79. They took a through health inventory and asked me to define my fitness goals. Brandon Crabill was assigned to the group I trained with. I did kettleball swings, squats, planks, bear crawls, weights – you name it. The first two weeks I spent in ‘I’m doing something good’ pain.
Six months later, my pants suddenly fit, my energy level has soared, and I feel stronger and look more fit than ever. I’ve made new friends, and a trainer is always with the group, leading each person toward their goals. State of Fitness is not something I ever 
want to quit. It’s the first time I can say I enjoy working out.”
Justin adds: “Most of our clients are like Dan. For various reasons, they find it challenging to do a consistent workout routine at home. We encourage our clients to join a small or large group that provides a sense of community and accountability. Every group has a trainer for their 50-minute session. The trainer knows what each group member’s goals are. Workouts include resistance training, conditioning to prevent injury, building core strength, and appropriate cardiovascular exercise. We talk about nutritional needs, rather than dieting. As with an exercise program, eating habits need to support your fitness goals.
“Once a client completes their 30-day trial period, they usually know if our facility is a ‘fit” for their exercise goals. We are a membership-based facility, and clients can choose semi-private training sessions, conditioning memberships, private training or all-access (usually for clients who are following an exercise program, but wants access to a trainer for questions). All our trainers have backgrounds in sports medicine or kinesiology.
“Our emphasis is on commitment, because achieving physical well-being is a lifetime journey. We work with all age groups, and can accommodate training those with physical disabilities. Our trainers are expected to add to their skills through specialty exercise certifications, and in training together as a coaching team. If you are looking for results and you appreciate quality, then we’re for you. If price is your 
deciding factor, you won’t be happy with us.
For Brooke Pederson Cummings, a physical therapist, she came to State of Fitness on the recommendation of her clients. After four knee surgeries, and a love/hate relationship with running, she knew consistent workouts were critical to strengthening her knees and lower extremities.
“I care about form and technique with all activities. As I started going to more classes at State of Fitness, and working with different trainers, it was evident they all cared about form and technique just as much as we do in the clinic. State of Fitness is my number one recommendation to patients when asked about personal trainers.
“A lot of gyms advertise themselves as a community/family, but I never felt that until I joined State of Fitness. Everyone is friendly, positive, supporting and cheering each other. I don’t dread going to the gym. This is the first gym that I have consistently attended morning classes for over a year, and I’m not I’m not a morning person.
State of Fitness
2655 East Grand River, East Lansing (turn right just before Park Lake Road)
517-708-8828
www.mystateoffitness.com
Open M-Th. , 5 a.m.-9 p.m.;
Friday, 5 a.m.-7 p.m.;
Sat., 7 a.m.-3 p.m.;
Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.