From Nervous to Motivated: Leah's LIFT Performance Story

LIFT Performance Gym • August 5, 2026

Leah Broadwell has been a member at LIFT Performance in Southington, CT since October 2022, and she'll be the first to tell you that LIFT is so much more than just a gym. For Leah, it's a community and a support system that has kept her motivated toward a healthier lifestyle for years, even though she almost didn't give group classes a chance at all. Watch her full story below, or keep reading to hear what she had to say.

More Than a Gym: Finding a Real Community

Leah describes LIFT as a huge motivator to work out and work toward a healthier lifestyle, and she credits the community as the thing that sets it apart. Having people who support you, and who you can support back, makes a real difference in staying motivated to reach your goals. That two-way support system is something Leah says she hasn't found anywhere else.

Overcoming Nerves About Group Classes

Before joining LIFT, Leah had never done group fitness classes. She had always worked out alone or with a single friend, so walking into a group class setting made her nervous and a little intimidated. She says the coaches made the transition easy, because even though she was working out alongside other people, the experience still felt personalized to her.

That balance between group energy and individual attention changed how Leah feels about coming to the gym. She no longer feels any anxiety walking in. In fact, she says she's excited to show up every day, a shift she didn't expect when she first started.

Bigger Goals Through Shared Community

One of the most surprising parts of being at LIFT, according to Leah, is how much the community has motivated her to keep expanding her goals. She says working toward fitness goals with a group of people who support you changes the entire dynamic compared to trying to do it alone. It becomes a shared goal and a shared community, rather than an individual effort.

Coaches Who Bring Different Energy, Same Personal Attention

Leah specifically calls out coaches Tyler, Brian, and Connor as amazing, noting that each of them is different and brings their own energy to the classes they teach. She loves that variety, and says that despite the group setting, each coach still understands her personal goals and needs depending on the workout. That personalized approach within a group format is, in Leah's words, something she absolutely loves.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it normal to feel nervous about starting group fitness classes?

    Yes, it's common to feel nervous or intimidated before your first group fitness class, especially if you've only worked out alone or with one other person before. At LIFT Performance, coaches are experienced at helping new members ease into a group setting so the transition feels manageable rather than overwhelming. Most members find that any initial anxiety fades quickly once they see how supportive the class environment actually is.

  • Can group classes still feel personalized to my individual goals?

    Yes, at LIFT Performance, group classes are designed to feel personalized even though you're training alongside other members. Coaches get to know each member's personal goals and needs, and adjust guidance during the workout accordingly. This means you get the motivation and energy of a group setting without losing the individual attention that helps you actually reach your goals.

  • How does a supportive gym community help with motivation?

    A supportive gym community helps with motivation by turning individual fitness goals into shared goals that members work toward together. Having people who encourage you, and who you can encourage in return, makes it easier to stay consistent and push toward bigger goals over time. This shared accountability is often what separates members who stay long-term from those who lose motivation training alone.

  • What should I expect from my first visit to LIFT Performance?

    Your first visit to LIFT Performance typically starts with a free 20-minute assessment, where a coach learns about your goals and fitness background before you try a class. From there, new members can take advantage of a 7-day trial to experience the coaching style and community firsthand. There's no pressure or contract required to get started.

  • How do I get started at LIFT Performance in Southington, CT?

    Getting started at LIFT Performance begins with a free 20-minute assessment and a 7-day trial, which you can request at lift-performance.com or by calling (203) 892-0123. This gives you a chance to meet the coaches, try a class, and see whether the community and coaching style are the right fit before committing to anything.

Leah's story shows what it looks like when a group class stops feeling intimidating and starts feeling like a personalized training program built around real community. If you are searching for a gym in Southington, CT where the coaches know your name and understand your goals, a free 20-minute assessment and 7-day trial is the easiest way to see if it is the right fit. No contracts, just real support and real results.

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