Business Profile:
Advantage Personal Training
Tailored Programs To Fit all Fitness Needs
By Dylan Davis Gaffney (The Waterford Standard)

Sometimes all one needs is a bit of support and encouragement, especially when one is trying to break into a new habit, or reach a particular goal. Take exercise for example. Many have a mental block, finding even the word exercise distasteful. It can conjure up memories of bad experiences or failed attempts. But this can be changed, says Calvin McCoy, personal trainer and co-owner of Advantage Personal Training.

With a master's degree in Exercise Science and Fitness Management, he knows well the theory of positive reinforcement needed to support an exercise plan. Once the pattern has been set, people start to feel better and have a life full of energy. Besides, it can be fun. "The days of no pain, no gain are long gone," said McCoy.

Realizing that everyone's needs are vastly different, McCoy, with a staff of personal trainers, can meet clients wherever they are on a fitness scale. With two locations found in both Mystic and Niantic, the philosophy veers sharply from the image many associate with a gym. There are no crowds of muscle-bound devotees admiring themselves in the mirrors. And with that, there is no intimidation of not measuring up. Rather, the real work of maintaining or regaining quality of life is the focus.

"What we offer here is completely different than what people expect. When they try it, first hand, they are pleasantly surprised," said McCoy. The first step, he continued, is to arrange a complimentary consultation with himself, or Greg Drab, the owner of the Mystic branch and founder of Advantage Personal Training. During that time, the owners can hone in on the client's particular needs, while recognizing limitations. Some come to Advantage Personal Training to re-gain strength and flexibility after an accident. Older clients come in to arrest balance and stamina problems. Some come to get advice on taking their workout to a higher level, or prepare for particular sporting challenges. Many come to APT because they are sick and tired of being sick and tired, and want to live normally again. They realize help is available and seek much welcomed motivation along with the accountability of a highly trained staff.

During the initial consultation, a personalized plan is mapped out to meet the particular goals of the client. Then the client can be matched up with trainers who do not only specialize in particular areas, but also meet with the client's comfort level. For example, some clients are more comfortable working with a trainer who is their own gender, said McCoy. In all cases, trainers have different strengths and care is taken to ensure a good match.

While the trainer is totally devoted to the client in the allotted time, there is also the opportunity for clients to work on a self-motivated schedule. After the initial sessions to ensure the safety of the client, there is an option for drop-in membership. The drop-in plan is new for APT. Previously, it was strictly a place for one-on-one training. The decision for a wider use of the gym was made, said McCoy, due in part to the lack of gyms found in the area.

However, McCoy was clear about the bottom line. Knowing that a crowded gym can quickly become an intimidating and threatening place, they are dedicated to maintaining the feel of a private facility. "We are committed to keeping that non-stressful environment", he said, adding that anything less compromises the integrity of their stated goals.

The combination of serious work, with the positive attitude and undivided attention of the trainers creates a hopeful atmosphere. While clients come in to get down to serious work, they also leave with a new lease on life, knowing they are in good hands and things will get better. "You can always turn back the biological clock," said McCoy.  Although the initial commitment made by the personal trainers and teamwork, which is evident, becoming a motivator itself.

Part of the teamwork is also found in the partners who own and operate APT. Greg Drab, who started the company three years ago in Mystic, is also part owner of the Niantic gym, bringing McCoy on board two years ago. As both grew up together in Groton, the partnership was welcomed. "He is my best friend since the days of T-ball," said Drab. With the business growing, and being unable to expand in Mystic, the plan worked out well. Additionally, support is found with the third partner, Dr. Christopher Deveau, a chiropractor in Mystic.