TESTIMONIALS
Hands down, best choice I’ve made joining Calistoga Fit. Donavan, Jacqi, Michael, Elly & Maggie are great. They are exceptional trainers and make me want to go workout. A real family vibe as soon as you walk in the doors. My fellow gym members are my friends and help keep me motivated. I love my Fit Family.
-Marcia Ciarlo
Calistoga Fit has become my home-away-from-home. I look forward to going there every day. When I’m unable to attend a class, I feel sad, like a little light has been extinguished.
During the pandemic, and then the fire season, Calistoga Fit was the one bit of normalcy I could count on. I really increased my game during this time, taking more classes & broadening my exercise activities by taking boxing & participating in the challenge for the first time in 2020. This was largely driven by knowing that I would see my gym friends with every class, whether on Zoom, or spaced apart in the park or Spa parking lot.
Everyone who works at Calistoga Fit is nice, welcoming, & helpful. There is no judgement passed on looks, body habitus, social standing, age, gender, race, or level of fitness. There is only encouragement, assistance with doing the exercise correctly, and a wealth of knowledge shared about fitness, diet, how to prevent injuries, and alternative exercises when a body part is injured.
One of the things I really appreciate is that classes change every few months so that I never get bored doing the “same ole thing”. Watching others lose weight & become more physically fit is also very encouraging & keeps me coming back.
Calistoga Fit feels like a family working toward the same goals - physical fitness & a healthy lifestyle. It’s an honor to be a member.
-Vicki Edwards
When I moved to Calistoga in 2019, the first thing I did was join Calistoga Fit. Its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff made me feel right at home. I started taking classes and getting to know the trainers, and I made my first friends in there. Calistoga Fit offers not only awesome workouts but also a sense of community and camaraderie. It’s not only about getting more fit, although I can honestly say I can see the results of my one-on-one training sessions paying off; it’s about working out with motivated people who like to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. I look forward to every workout.
-Julie Mitchell
"One life don’t waste it” I have put that t-shirt on each weekend for the last 3 years. But the past year and a half it has become more of a mantra.
The news during COVID touted the benefits of working from home. People were happy to stay at home and work in front of their computer screens dressed in their pajama’s, eating whatever was not allowed to them before COVID. This did not really resonate with me, and apparently it did not resonate with Calistoga Fit.
As doors to businesses did not just close they slammed shut and locked, Calistoga Fit found ways to crack the lock. At first we took Zoom classes. We did spin, boxing, dirty 30 , barre, It was all there for us.
As members we scrambled for weights, bands, spin bikes, we found whatever we could to make this puzzle work. Then the lock opened and we were allowed back together masked and outside. Calistoga Fit found whatever open space was available. Parks, parking lots, roof tops. (sky gym!) They hauled everything possible to the outdoors so we could get a 45 minute workout, then they hauled it back inside. Parking lot workouts became normal, as did spinning on the rooftop. Then the weather hit. Oh yes, weather. From the top of the sky gym we saw and worked out. We witnessed lightning. We saw fire. We saw smoke so thick we cancelled classes.
The rain came and so did the tarps. We worked out in pouring rain with puddles and freezing temperatures We had a New Years Eve Celebration in the cold and opened up at 06:30am for Fire Line Fit in the parking lot.
As a member I was not going to sit on the couch in my pajamas complaining that things were different. No.. this is my life. I am going to join these crazy people and experience this new reality to the fullest. If I can come to the park at 7:30 on Saturday morning and Donavan can smile and say “Good Morning Hilary!” after all they have gone through, I will use this opportunity not to waste my life.
If anything today I realize that Calistoga Fit has given me the opportunity to live my life to the fullest. Donavan, Jacqi, and Michael have each made this gym. They look for opportunity to create a positive environment so as clients we do not waste our life.
-Hilary Simone
Tread and Shred with Jacqi Almond. “BE AFRAID. BE VERY AFRAID.” But definitely TRY IT OUT. It will test your limits.
This non-runner LOVES it. It’s a mix of cardio and strength…60 minutes…no rest (you will think you need it but you won’t take it). Jacqi will push you out of your comfort zone. It’s a fantastic workout that has the potential to be habit-forming.
-Laurie Poggi
Working out with Jacqi has been a breath of fresh air, literally. Since shelter in place began I have been spending so much more time indoors (with my 2 young kids no less), but once I began training with Jacqi at a local park I have been able to gain back some independence and focus on myself. Jacqi creates a fun, non judgmental and always challenging atmosphere. Her workouts are energizing, never redundant and leave me sweaty. I feel proud of myself after each workout. Jacqi listens to what our small group wants to focus on and creates tailored workouts. She includes games, TRX , boxing and even firefighting equipment to mix it up. Jacqi helps each of us fine-tune our form and skills ensuring we get the most out of our time together. I feel very supported and comfortable being one of her clients. I never thought I’d look forward to Monday’s as much as I do now.
-Marielle Gave
If only Jacqi knew how much I look forward to our weekly small group training sessions. They are such a bright light during these trying times. She brings positivity, attention to detail, and encouragement, and she challenges me to be the best version of myself. Most of all I love how each week varies in activities and focus, so I won’t ever grow bored or plateau in my physical fitness progress. I love how I always get an incredible work out, and I feel extremely strong and empowered after each small group training session.
-Alycia K.
I have been training with Jacqui in a small group for several months now. It has been an extremely positive experience for me. It’s not intimidating at all (even for for rookie like me). I also feel like I get one-on-one time with Jacqui without the one-on-one price tag. Jacqui is an awesome trainer, she is our cheerleader and pushes us to our own personal goals!
-Barbara Hawkins
Calistoga Fit has changed my life for the better! I used to be tired all the time, overweight, and unhappy. Thanks to Donovan, Jackie, and the other trainers, I have truly learned my full potential. I used to go to the gym and give up after 20 minutes because I didn't even know how to work out. The classes help keep me motivated and pushed myself the entire class. I am pushed to my limits and I have become happier, healthier, and now mentally and emotionally fit. The community here is extremely helpful and supportive and I don’t think I could join another gym at this point. I could not have done it without you guys! Thank you!
-Savannah Harmon
I love the welcoming, positive, and supportive environment at Calistoga Fit. My trainer, Michael, took the time before we started to understand my lifestyle and helped me set goals that evolved as I burned fat, built muscles, and transitioned from a sedentary lifestyle to one where I happily incorporate movement into every day. I’m proud of the work I’ve put in and know my results wouldn’t have been possible without Calistoga Fit.
-Chelsea DeVries
Just a quick note to say THANK YOU to all of you. As a “newcomer” (and “weekender” at that) thanks for making me feel instantly at home at CalistogaFit. You make a great team! It’s not just what you do it’s how you do it. Your energy levels...how you engage with everyone...your genuine “want” to help people achieve their fitness goals (whatever they are) and, your overall positive demeanors…A great first impression and introduction to Calistoga Fit.
-Laura Poggi