The Edge Life Blog

15 min read

Edge Legends Spotlight

Our Edge Legends are the heart of The Edge Fitness Clubs - motivated, inspiring, and committed to showing up and pushing their limits. We’re proud to celebrate the energy and dedication they bring to our community every day!

Dory - Orange, CT

“I will be 72 in a couple of weeks and have never felt stronger or more fit.

When we moved to the area, I decided to lose a little weight, and The Edge was close and convenient. I quickly realized that being an “active” person was not the same as being a “fit” person.

I went to classes, joined a few challenges, and eventually started personal training. I have the confidence to workout on the floor (huge). I have the determination to keep working hard to maintain - improve the gains I have made.

So many thanks to the Edge community, particularly Arek Sak who is a continuous source of motivation and encouragement.

I love hearing, ‘Wait… you’re 72?!’”

Shayla - Christiana, DE

She’s been teaching at Christiana since the day it opened — and even continued through the pandemic! Over the years, she’s led classes like Total Body Conditioning, Edge Strong, and Strong Nation, but Zumba and Rhythm Ride remain her favorites.

Her classes are always at capacity, with Rhythm Ride filling in under 30 seconds and Zumba often exceeding app limits. She’s helped onboard several new instructors, recommended others who are now part of the Christiana and Pike Creek teams and brought in many new members — including some who found her through social media and joined just to take her classes!

She takes pride in knowing her members by name, making everyone feel welcome and part of the team. Just ask the front desk — everyone knows how popular Shayla’s classes are!

Daniel - Media, PA Daniel Edge Legends Done

“I found The Edge gym, in Media, Pennsylvania in August of 2022. At first it was simply to drop fat, build muscle, really just to look good. Once I folded being at Edge into my daily routine, however, I realized that going to this gym was so much more than surface level. I was becoming comfortable and confident not just in my skin but who I was, who I was supposed to be. I cannot begin to explain how much my mentality shifted due to making The Edge a real habit of mine. The employees cheered me on and offered phenomenal advice every step of the way. My life had completely and utterly changed in almost every facet.

I’m over 5 years sober. Haven’t smoked cigarette in close to 6 years. I quit my chef job and now work as a manager at Trader Joe’s where the work life balance is prioritized and encouraged. It has in turn led me to re-invest in myself and passions. I’m about to launch a self help podcast, publish a book and successfully maintain a Patreon of my horror/comedy fiction. My relationship with my wife is arguably stronger than ever. None of the confidence and self assured faith in my choices would have been possible without making the Edge gym my second home to hone and work on myself physically and mentally. I am forever grateful for the day I walked through those doors almost 3 years ago.”

Lisa - Warren, MI Lisa Edge Legend Done

“She was a Challenge winner, turned Edge Fitness Warren, MI trainer, and she just competed in her first figure competition! She's very inspirational and a powerhouse lady! Definitely a legend!”

Brooke - Meriden, CT

“Long before the doors of the Meriden Edge even opened, I was already part of the community — a day-one member in every sense. From the very beginning, The Edge wasn’t just a gym to me — it became my place. My second home.

Over the years, I’ve built more than just muscle here. I’ve built friendships, connections, and a true sense of belonging. Most of my adult-life friends are people I’ve met within these walls. The staff and trainers? They’re more than employees — they’re my people. We’ve shared laughs, encouragement, milestones, and plenty of reps.

Some people come here to work out. I come here to live. So much so, in fact, that I earned the nickname “The Mayor” — and yes, one of the amazing members even made me a name tag to prove it!

Lately, my favorite Edge tradition is filming fun and motivating reels with my trainer, Claudia. It’s become more than just a way to stay fit — it’s become a way to express joy, community, and the energy that makes this place special.

The Meriden Edge is more than a gym. It’s where I found my people. Where I show up as my best self. And where, every day, I’m reminded that I’m not just a member — I’m part of something bigger.

That’s why I’m proud to be an Edge Legend.”

Kim - Westland, MI

“Kim is a grandmother, open heart surgery survivor and phenomenal instructor. She started as a member that came to all classes and is now certified in 5 Les Mills formats, teaching to full classes at Farmington and Westland, even at 5:30am!”

Gwen - Farmington Hills, MI

“Gwen is 73 years old, turning 74 in August! She comes to all Les Mills classes, spin classes and recently started training in Olympic weightlifting. Gwen is a force to be reckoned with, and we are so proud to call her one of our own!”

Michelle - Farmington Hills, MI

“When I joined The Edge Fitness in April 2024, my goal was simple: to lose a few pounds and gain some muscle. I never imagined it would lead to something so life changing.

Soon after joining, I heard about a powerlifting meet being held at the gym. Out of curiosity, I stopped by to watch—and something sparked inside me. That day, I found a new passion.

In October 2024, I began training in powerlifting, and just five months later, I competed in my first meet at the State level—earning first place in my age and weight class! In June 2025, I went on to win Nationals and now, I’m honored to share that I’ve qualified to compete at the Amateur World Powerlifting Congress, taking place in Idaho this August.

And here’s the part that still brings a smile to my face: I’m 65 years old—and living proof that it’s never too late to discover your strength.

This journey would not have been possible without the supportive community, dedicated instructors, and empowering environment at The Edge. Thank you for creating a space where people of all ages can challenge themselves and thrive.”

Carol - Trumbull, CT

“When I first was told I was being selected as a person being recognized as a legend for the Edge Fitness Clubs, I thought to myself does that mean I am as old as dirt, and as ancient as a Greek Goddess?

After getting clarification as to the recognition, I began to feel young at heart and young in physical and emotional health. The Edge and the relationships I have built with staff and clients have been life changing. My Edge years began at the Hamden Facility. It was there I began to receive personal training, participating in the challenges, and taking every type of class that l could. I wanted to experience spin, group X, and strong classes. I was there for a few years and then began to work at the Shelton Facility; where I met a personal trainer that was matched for me after consultation with the Fitness Manager, Annamarie Jennings. She introduced me to Therese Jositas, Master trainer. This has been life-changing for me. After our initial consultation, as a team we set a plan in motion. We had great results, and I won the challenge for Shelton that year.

When Therese transferred to Trumbull, there was only one choice and that was to follow the trainer who has helped me to be very successful. I am very committed to the personalized training workouts that are created for me, and I am fully committed to my individual workouts, training sessions and classes. Being part of the Edge family has truly been life changing, esteem building, and all-around personal growth for me.

At the age of 73, I am one of the older members of the club, but when I enter those doors; age is not important. It is what you put into your workouts. Being considered a Legend, is an honor, and one that I achieved with the support of having a top-notch trainer like Therese, who motivates, challenges, and puts demands that she knows you can achieve.

Age is a number, how you feel is real, and when you invest in yourself, you are rewarded!”