Thinking About Joining a Fitness Studio in Fort Myers? Start Here

ByJennifer Bates

Hey! Coach Jenn here 🤗 I get it – walking into a fitness studio for the first time can feel super-intimidating – especially if it’s been a while (or decades) since you last worked out. Chances are you’re nervous, worried about being able to do the workout, afraid about being judged, and wondering if you’re too overweight or too old to actually do a class.

This is what we hear daily but I promise you – I’m going to calm your fears. Read on, friend….

This helpful guide walks you through exactly what to expect during your first workout at our welcoming fitness studio here in Fort Myers, so there are no surprises.

YOU DON’T NEED TO lose weight or BE “IN SHAPE” TO START

Okay – let’s tackled this one right out of the gate. I hear this one all.the.time. and nothing makes want to implode more lol. 🫠 “I need to get in better shape before I start with you guys.” -or- “I need to lose some weight before I start working out with you guys.”

So many women assume everyone in our fitness studio is already “in shape” or at their goal weight. In reality, most people walking through the door are:

  • Haven’t worked out in decades or took several years off
  • Recovering from injury
  • Brand new to working out
  • Nervous they’ll slow the group down (that’s not even possible 💁)

One member told us:

“I almost turned around in the parking lot. I kept thinking, ‘I don’t belong here.’ Five minutes after walking in, that fear was gone. I’m so glad I didn’t chicken out!”

That’s the power of a welcoming, judgement-free environment.

Before You Arrive: What to Wear & How to Prepare

You don’t need fancy gear or a perfect outfit.

What to bring:

  • Comfortable workout clothes
  • Clean workout shoes (we ask that everyone clean the bottoms of their favorite tennies, then dedicate them to indoor use only – this helps keep our amazing cushioney floor clean for everyone!)
  • Water bottle
  • An open mind and willing spirit – you’ve got this!

That’s it.

You don’t need to “get in shape first” before visiting our Fort Myers fitness studio. That’s what the we’re here for!!! 😅

Walking In the Door: What Your First Impression WILL Feel Like

As soon as you walk in, one of our coaches will greet you by name and introduce themselves. We’ll give you a quick tour of the studio and walk you through exactly what to expect during your first workout.

We’re intentionally beginner-friendly, so your first visit will include:

  • A warm, personal welcome
  • A place to store your belongings
  • Being walked out onto the floor (no awkward guessing where to go)
  • A simple explanation of how the session works
  • Encouragement and coaching on how to pace yourself during your first workout
  • Clear demonstrations of modifications – and reassurance that it’s okay to use them
  • Time to ask questions – without pressure
  • Time to discuss any physical limitations you might have, so we can tailor the workout to you

This is one of the biggest differences between a traditional gym and a fitness studio like ours that offers fully-guided group personal training sessions.

One first-timer shared:

“I was surprised they already knew my name and asked about my past injuries before we even started. It felt personal, I felt seen.”

A seasoned member recently shared with us:

“When I first started, I was petrified they’d ask me to get down on the floor – I knew I wouldn’t be able to get up on my own. I shared that with Coach Jenn and she had reassured me they could accommodate me – and they did! ps I’m now strong enough to do floor exercises! This works!”

During the Workout: What Beginners Are Often Surprised By

You’re Not Expected to Keep Up

Everyone is on their own fitness journey. This is your day 1. Allow yourself the space and grace to be okay at “Day 1”, because friend, we all had a day 1. Our caring coaches will help scale movements so the workout fits you.

Modifications Are Normal

Lighter weights, slower pace, or alternative exercises are encouraged – trust me, they are respected, not judged. Our members are like family – they recognize a newbie. You’ll be cared for here, trust me.

Coaching Is Constant

You’re never left guessing what to do next. Our expert coaches guide, correct, and encourage throughout the entire session.

Breaks Are Part of the Process

The workout will naturally have periods of rest, but if you need extra breaks, TAKE THEM. It’s expected of you.

As one member put it:

“I thought I’d be the weakest one there. I thought I’d be embarrassed. But it turns out, there were others there at my same fitness level – but I saw quickly that none of that mattered anyway. The highlight of my first workout was when we moved to a new station, some of the ladies near me gave me so much encouragement. I knew I found the right gym home, and so close to home too!”

After the Workout: What Happens Next

When the workout ends:

  • The coach will guide everyone in a brief cool down and stretch
  • Your coach may check in to see how you’re feeling
  • You’ll get guidance on soreness and recovery

It’s normal to feel proud, relieved, and a little sore the next day.

Is This Type of Fitness Class Right for You?

A group personal training fitness studio like Coastal Fitness in Fort Myers is perfect for you if you want:

  • Structure and fully-guided, coached workouts (many of our members come to us saying, “Just tell me what to do, when and how to do it.” We do!
  • Expertly programmed workouts that help you lose unwanted weight, build strength, improve mobility, and gain energy and confidence.
  • Accountability!
  • 1-on-1 Nutritional & Goals Coaching (including body composition scans)
  • A genuinely supportive community
  • Beginner-friendly, scalable workouts that meet you right where you’re at
  • A studio that caters to ALL ages – we have new moms and great grandparents working out next to each other! Our community is wholesome and amazing.

We believe clarity brings comfort — so here are the questions we’re asked most often, answered with care.

Not at all. Our classes are beginner-friendly and designed to meet you where you are. (Coach Jenn here… I beg you, please never think that you need to be “more in shape” or “lose a few pounds first” to start with us. We are here for you. Once inside you’ll quickly see that our studio has ALL shapes, abilities, and ages. We know you’re probably so nervous to start, but I promise you, just get here and we’ll help you every step of the way. Remember this: everyone in here had a ‘day 1’ too. There’s no cliques or judgement here – just welcoming people who all share the same goal of trying to live healthier. We’re excited to meet you! -Coach Jenn)

You don’t have to. Each workout – each exercise is scaled to YOUR ability. You’re working at YOUR pace, with coaches guiding you every step of the way.

Coastal Fitness is perfect for anyone ready to start or restart their fitness journey. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to build healthy habits or someone returning to fitness after decades, our supportive community and expert coaches will meet you at your level.

You can try us free by scheduling a free workout directly through our Schedule page or contact us if you need help.

Yes! Our Fit Forever program is designed specifically for adults 55+ who want to regain strength, balance, and confidence. Classes are capped at 15 for personalized attention, and every movement is safe and effective. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

Yes! Working out with a friend makes it even better. You’ll keep each other accountable, celebrate wins together, and make the whole experience more fun. Plus, your first class is free – so bring them along and try it together.

You can book directly through our  Schedule  page or contact us if you need help.

Absolutely. Our 1-on-1 and semi-private Personal Training sessions (Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm) are custom-built around your goals – whether that’s rebuilding strength, working around an injury, or finally seeing the results you’ve been chasing. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

No problem! We have modifications for every body and will help guide you through the workouts so you can grow stronger, safely.

GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS (GROUP FITNESS CLASS)

Monday – Friday
AM:
5:30am, 6:15am, 7:15am, 8:30am, & 9:15am
PM:
4:30pm, 5:15pm, 6:00pm, 6:45pm (no 6:45pm session on Friday’s)

Saturday
7:30am, 8:15am, & 9:00am

Our FIT FOREVER (55+ CLASS) is held M/W/F from 10:15am-11am

PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS

1-on-1 Personal Training sessions are available by appointment only, Monday through Friday, between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM

First of all, we’re not really a “gym.” A gym is something you join in the hope that you’ll be self-motivated enough to attend on a regular basis. However, the reality is 80 percent of gym members nationally do not use their membership! Most of our members come to us after trying to figure out how to get in shape (or lose the weight) on their own and finally gave up. Your health is too important for DIY, that’s where we come in!

We’re a family-owned fitness studio on the border of Fort Myers and Lehigh that offers highly personalized group fitness sessions. Since we opened in 2019, our attendance rate has been over 90 percent! Our members simply love coming here – and they can see and feel the difference it’s making in their life – both how they physically look, and how they feel!

So if we’re not a gym, what are we? We consider our space a “fitness studio.” We’re a smaller, more intimate setting that welcomes you and feels like working out with friends. At Coastal Fitness, you’re part of the family. We’ll greet you by your first name when you walk in and speak to you with dignity and respect. Our mission is to be the best part of your day!

Membership pricing varies based on which program you select (Group Training, 55 & Older, or 1-on-1 Personal Training). Please contact us for details – we’d love to find out which program would serve you best.

Our training sessions consist of a complete strength and conditioning workouts. Each day’s workout focuses on different types of training for different areas of the body.

What does that mean to you? It means you’ll never have to think about what you need to do to ‘get in shape’ – we have you covered, every day of the week. All you need to do is show up and we’ll guide you through strength building sessions that burn fat, tone muscle, and help improve your cardiovascular endurance, balance, and functional movement. No guessing, no overwhelm.

Our group personal training sessions include an active warm-up, a workout that’s scalable to all fitness levels, and a cool-down. It’s personal training, in a group setting – we’re with you every step of your fitness journey.

We end each workout with a unifying “Fit-Fam-on-3!” – a simple but powerful reminder that you belong here, your effort matters, and you’re building strength and confidence alongside people who genuinely care.

No problem – we got you covered. First, our coaches (all Certified Personal Trainers) will make sure they understand your injury and will show you how to modify your workouts so you can continue to train and challenge your body.

Second, our workout floor is not-your-typical gym floor! It’s a “cushioned floor” that’s amazing to workout on – it protects your joints and ligaments from harsh jarring. It’s just one more thing that sets our amazing studio apart from anyone else.

Wear your favorite workout clothes, tennis shoes (we ask everyone to clean the bottoms first and dedicate them to “indoor use” only – this helps us keep our special flooring clean for you), and bring a water bottle!

Ready to Try Your First Fitness Class at coastal fitness?

If you live in Lehigh or Fort Myers and have been searching for a fitness studio near you but felt nervous about starting, know this:
You don’t have to be confident.
You don’t have to be fit.
You’re not too old, “too overweight”, or too far gone.
You just have to show up.

Come in and try a free workout – no strings attached. We have a place for you here! 🫶

Coastal Fitness group photo of members and coaches
TRY OUR ALL AGES GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING CLASS
FREE SESSION
Senior fitness class in action at Coastal Fitness
TRY OUR 55 & OLDER GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING CLASS
FREE 55+ SESSION