Year-round athletics were my life for nearly fifteen years before my body and mind convinced me that it was time for a break. Four years of collegiate football and track are full time commitments and I had lost all drive to continue to train and push my body to the limits. After a sixteen month break from everything fitness related, I decided it was time to get back into shape so I began researching Champaign area gyms. After several tours at other gyms in the area, I nearly gave up. Every gym seemed about the same: same equipment, same inexperienced staff, and same over valued price rate. My lifting partner, Kyle, insisted that we just continue working out at his place with some machine weights but I was committed to finding a complete gym.

A friend at work insisted I should check out this awesome gym just off John Street in the basement of an apartment complex. As soon as I walked in, it was obvious I stepped in the right place! Nearly two years later, I am still a proud Refinery member! The gym has been nothing but great to me and everyone else I have referred here.

With all the amenities of a large gym but the certified staff and closeness of a small gym, Refinery has allowed me to expand on my knowledge of exercise and fitness immensely. Over the course of my two years as a member, I’ve trained for semipro football teams, general increased fitness, and most recently the Illinois Marathon. And I still haven’t experienced all the activities and events available here! Thanks to all the staff and guests that have assisted me in achieving my goals this year! Next up: an Ironman in Madison, WI in September 2011.

-Austin Deer, Member since 2008

“The Top 5 Reasons I love Refinery!”

5. The EDUCATION.  Through “Skinny Jeans” and Precision Nutrition I am learning so much about food, eating, my body, health, and exercise that I never knew before.  In the past I was obsessed with what number showed up on the scale, but now I am more focused on my body composition, how I look, and how I feel.

4.  The Skinny Jeans Program.  This program is easing me into a healthier style of living .  Simple changes . . .baby steps . . towards eating and living better.  I never felt overwhelmed, and as each week passes I feel like it's getting easier.  Drinking 80+ ounces of water isn't a chore anymore, I actually crave it!  The best part is "the rules" really have become habits, and I don't feel short changed at meal times at all!

3.  My Personal Trainer.  Working with my trainer, Alyse, and using my heart rate monitor I stay motivated.  Alyse pushes me little harder and further each workout, and feel reassured that I'm exercising the right way.  When I'm on my own, the heart rate monitor let's me know if I'm trying hard enough and helps me to measure the success of my workouts.

2.  Seeing results and learning to be patient.  Once the weight and fat started coming off, I wanted to try even harder and that keeps me on the right path.  In the PN manual the author makes a point to remind the readers to look at the big picture.  Sure, only losing 1% of body fat in a month seems disappointing.  But, if you stick with the program and don't go back to alfredo and supreme pizzas, in a year's time you could lose 12% body fat and that's INCREDIBLE.  I haven't reached my goal yet, but keep telling myself slow, but sure, I'll get there.

1.  The best thing for me about Refinery is the SUPPORT and ACCOUNTABILITY.  I email Melinda weekly, sometimes several times a day.  Just having someone to talk to and ask questions of is awesome.  Feeling like I have a friend and not just some random person responding to my inquiries is the best part.  If she doesn't know the answer, she does the research and finds out.  She's constantly throwing out suggestions and new ideas, which is great as well. 

- Elise Riehle, Member since 2007, paricipant in "Skinny Jeans"

"Refinery - WOW, what can't I say about this gym!?  I love how friendly and knowledgeable everyone is.  I have been to other gyms but this one has everything you need from trainers to classes and great equipment!  Refinery offers so much more than other places, plus they are very geared toward health.  I've been a member for 3 years and still every time I walk in the door someone greets me with a smile.  

Michael has been my trainer off and on for years which helps to keep me on track and gives me the confidence and education I need to stay motivated.

It's much easier to workout when you enjoy your gym and this is truly the best on in Central Illinois!"

 -Bunny Hendricks, Member since 2007

"Having grown up in California and taught several forms of aerobics classes throughout college and grad school, I have pretty high standards in terms of what a gym should offer.  When I moved to Champaign, I was convinced I would have to give that up.  I had just had my third child and wanted to get back in shape when I heard about a new gym that was opening.  Refinery impressed me from that first day.  I have at my fingertips cutting edge classes like Body Pump, Body Combat, pilates, and power yoga and am stimulated by special whole gym challenges that push my workout to the next level.  My work schedule doesn't always allow me to take the same classes every week, so I like the large range of classes that begin very early in the morning up until late in the evening. 

I have belonged to many gyms, yet I have never seen one so attuned to its clients.  On a regular basis, I and other members suggest changes that get incorporated fairly quickly--be they slight adjustments in when or how often a class is offered or the latest in Latino rhythms like Zumba! 

One of the hardest things for me as a professional and mother of three children is to manage our schedules so everyone's needs are taken care of.  Refinery has been amazing in that arena.  Whether it is learning to weave cloth potholders, playing a board game, or taking a "kid fit" class while I'm working out, I know my children are in good hands.  My kids actually ask me to go to the gym.  When this happens, everyone comes away happy:  I get in shape and my kids have fun.

People at my office think that I must get some kind of commission for always talking so highly of Refinery and inviting people to come work out with me.  But, in honesty, I just like to spread the good word.  I am so grateful to have such a first class gym that rivals the best I've seen in California."

 -Rochelle Gutiérrez, Member since 2005

"I have always had problems with emotional eating and fluctuating weight ... and pregnancy didn't help.  After my daughter was born, I made a decision to start living a healthier life; I joined Refinery in March 2007. 

Incorporating exercise into my life was not an easy transition which is why being a member of Refinery is so important to me.  The staff at Refinery made me feel welcome and comfortable.  They answered all my questions and gave me suggestions to help me reach my goals.

Refinery is not another commercialized bare-minimum facility.  Other gyms might have equipment and even group fitness classes but Refinery has a very original edge when it comes to their staff.  It’s not just a club – it’s a community.  The staff takes the time to get to know you!  They are interested in your goals and want you to be satisfied every time you walked through their doors.  The environment is geared toward people of ALL fitness levels.  All this along with a clean, modern atmosphere is why I suggest Refinery to all my friends who are looking to join a gym.

Refinery is a very encouraging and positive environment – that’s what keeps me going.  You will not find that spirit anywhere else." 

- Marissa Twine, Member since 2007 

Are you a satisfied member who would like to share your experience at Refinery?  We'd love to hear from you!  Please send your testimony to Lindy Brown at lbrown@refineyourself.com 

If your testimony is chosen for use on our website you will receive one-month of membership dues FREE!