Pennsylvania’s Top Rated Local® Fitness Centers Award Winner: Level Red Boxing

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Level Red Boxing is an award winner for fitness centers in 2019.

If you are looking for a great workout and an even better community, look no further than this award-winning company!

Level Red Boxing has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top five fitness centers in Pennsylvania!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Level Red is the best workout I’ve ever had. Not only is it something I look forward to doing, but it is also something that goes by so fast, and it’s fun! I always feel like a boss punching the bag, and I’m empowered every day by the amazing members, workers, and trainers! It’s not just a workout; it’s a stress reliever and an amazing community of people. It is worth EVERY penny.” – L.F.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Level Red Boxing is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Fitness Center

We were excited to learn all about Level Red Boxing and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the General Manager, Alyssa.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Level Red Boxing stand apart from its competitors. Alyssa told us that this workout is like nothing else in Erie, and that it combines both strength training and cardio. The instructor sets goals that the group works towards, and it is much more than a class; it is a whole experience. They are an Iron Oxygen Affiliate and work together with another gym, and [they] provide free personal training, free tanning, free childcare, and free gloves.

Building Success With An Awesome Team

In addition to building the kind of online reputation that any small business would envy, Level Red Boxing has spread the word about who they are and what they do by having awesome employees. Alyssa said that success starts from the bottom up, and that if employees treat members well, they will bring in friends and family. Alyssa said:

“If you treat your employees well, your members will be your greatest advocates.”

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Level Red Boxing has managed to. We asked if Alyssa could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“Have a new business mindset. Always challenge yourself.”


Congratulations to Level Red Boxing for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Alyssa for taking the time to speak with us!

Pennsylvania’s Top Rated Local® Fitness Centers Award Winner: Semper Fitness 24/7

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Semper Fitness 24/7 is a 2019 award winner for fitness centers in Pennsylvania!

Reach your fitness goals, have fun and make friends with the help at Semper Fitness 24/7 in York.

Semper Fitness 24/7 has received dozens of reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.82 stars, earning them an outstanding Rating Score™ of 96.16 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five fitness centers in all of Pennsylvania!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“[This is the] best local gym around. [It is] open 24/7 for members, yet has full-service staff most of the time. [The] owners know their stuff and are caring people who take pride in their gym and helping others. Their care shows, as this is also the cleanest gym around.” – Steve T.

Not Your Average Fitness Center

Steve Behan, the owner of Semper Fitness 24/7, generously gave us a few minutes of his time to tell us about this one-of-a-kind business and its award-winning online reputation.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that sets Semper Fitness 24/7 apart from the many other fitness centers in Pennsylvania. Here’s Steve’s response:

“The number one thing is that we care. Whether you talk to me or one of the employees, we genuinely care about helping people get healthy. I sell an environment here, and it’s a comfortable environment. Try and make sure the gym is accessible to everybody; a lot of people don’t feel comfortable joining a gym, and what I do here is try and make everyone feel comfortable. If you’re a bodybuilder, if you need to lose 150 pounds, if you’re a grandma looking to alleviate back pain, we’re glad to have you!”

Steve told us that even the fitness center’s color scheme — which is blue and green — is designed to encourage people to exercise longer and make them feel more comfortable. He aimed to open the gym with an inclusive environment, and his focus is on employing certified trainers, ensuring that someone is always there to offer guidance and expertise. He even makes it easy for his members to cancel and freeze their membership, so that, when they get the fitness bug again, they’ll come back to Semper Fitness.

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at Semper Fitness 24/7 and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Steve had to say:

“There are a lot of reasons to not come to the gym, and I’m trying to break down those barriers.”

Steven went on to tell us a little bit about their community involvement:

“I coach strength and conditioning at the local high school. We also spend advertising dollars with the local organizations we want to support.”

Building Success Through Organic Reviews

When we asked Steve about Semper Fitness 24/7’s secret to such a strong online reputation, he told us that he’s never asked for any reviews to be added or removed, which means that all of Semper Fitness’ reviews are organic.

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, Semper Fitness 24/7 has spread the word about who they are and what they do through Facebook boosting and brand advertising in their community (such as shopping cart ads at local grocery stores). He told us that the challenge is making the gym busier earlier in the day, and he focuses his attention on attracting an older demographic in order to overcome it.

Clearly, Steve knows a thing or two about growing a business and building an online reputation. Here’s his expert advice for the many other business owners out there:

“Practice the golden rule, and everything else falls into place. If you treat everyone the way you want to be treated, the checking book will reflect that. People don’t remember what you say; they remember how you made them feel.”


Congratulations to the team at Semper Fitness 24/7 for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Steve, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Semper Fitness 24/7 in York. Visit their website today!

Oklahoma’s Top Rated Local® Fitness Centers Award Winner: Solid Rock Training

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Solid Rock Training is a 2019 award winner for fitness centers in Oklahoma!

If you’re looking for a fitness center that has a fun, safe and uplifting environment, look no further than Solid Rock Training in Norman.

Solid Rock Training has received more than 100 reviews on three verified sites with a perfect average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a tremendous Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five fitness centers in all of Oklahoma!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“I have absolutely enjoyed my time at Solid Rock Training! The staff is super friendly and very personable. Your fellow workout buddies cheer you to success! Workouts constantly change and seem to pass quickly due to the rotation of activities. I actually want to get up early in the mornings to go work out at this gym!” – Amy B.

A One-of-a-Kind Fitness Center’s Secret to a Strong Online Reputation

Solid Rock Training has managed to build the kind of reputation any business owner would envy, and to learn a little more about that reputation and this one-of-a-kind business, we sat down with the owner, Bob Algard.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Solid Rock Training unique compared to the many other fitness centers in Oklahoma. Bob told us:

“We are the creators of the most functional workout on the planet. We have a very simple, systematized program, so we can take a beginner and a veteran, and they can execute the same program. And at the same time, we make sure they have a radical workout experience where they’re going to get lots of motivation and inspiration.”

When we asked what the secret is to such a solid online reputation at Solid Rock Training, Bob pointed to the fact that they prioritize service first and emphasize fanatic care, and everything they do is based around getting people incredible results and making them feel like they’re a part of their team. He added:

“Our entire staff is rooted in that value. We know you by your first name. We know exactly what’s going on with you for your goals, and we’re able to actually keep track of that over time and help you progress on your finished journey.”

Making the World a Better Place by Inspiring People to Live Happy, Healthy Lives

We also wanted to know what their mission is at Solid Rock Training and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s Bob’s response:

“The heartbeat of our company is to love God and love people. We aim to inspire people to live happy, healthy lives. That allows us to involve our community in fantastic ways. Oklahoma is one of the most overweight states in the country, and so we try to impact that person, their life and the community.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Solid Rock Training has grown through Facebook, Instagram and referrals.

It’s clear that Bob knows a thing or two about growing a business and building an online reputation. Here’s his expert advice for the many other business owners out there:

“Make sure people know that you care about them, and it never hurts to ask people to help you after you’ve helped them. It’s one of the biggest compliments we can get as a business. Come with giving hands first and expect nothing in return, and people will pay you back ten-fold. Follow your dreams, and don’t let anything stop you. Surround yourself with people who can help you reach them.”


Congratulations to the team at Solid Rock Training for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner!

We highly recommend Solid Rock Training in Norman. Visit their website today!

Rhode Island’s Top Rated Local® Fitness Centers Award Winner: 212 Health & Performance

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that 212 Health & Performance is a 2019 award winner for fitness centers in Rhode Island!

If you’re looking for a fitness center that will help you reach your goals and push you beyond your limits, look no further than 212 Health & Performance in East Providence.

212 Health & Performance has received more than 100 reviews with a perfect average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a wonderful Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five fitness centers in all of Rhode Island!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“I can’t say enough good things about 212 Health & Performance. Kerry and his team have created the most fun, motivating and energetic environment I have ever seen. It is truly more like a family than a gym. If you are ready to make some lifestyle changes and get back to your best self you can, I highly recommend you give 212 a try. You WON’T be sorry!!!” – Brian T.

Not Your Average Fitness Center

We wanted to learn all about 212 Health & Performance and its impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with the owner, Kerry Taylor.

The first question we had for Kerry was what is it that sets 212 Health & Performance apart from their competition in Rhode Island. Here’s Kerry’s response:

“My thing is that you’re not just a number to us. We’re a family; we’re a community that is built off the 212-degree analogy. At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, water boils. With boiling water, you get steam, and with steam, you can power a locomotive. That is how we approach the fitness side of things. Our goal is to make sure we get our clients a little bit better each day they come in, and if you can get a little bit better each day, down the road, you’ll never know what you’re capable of because with that one degree of change means all the world in everything else.”

Kerry went on to add:

“We’re here to have fun. We’re not here to prove that we can get you exhausted and kill you. That’s not our goal. Our goal is to make you better the right way and make sure you’re not just a number. We know your name when you come in here. We know your face and everything else.”

We also wanted to know what their mission is at 212 Health & Performance and how they work to make the world a better place. Kerry told us that he grew up as a skinny city kid, and when he moved to the suburbs of Mansfield, Massachusetts, he got involved in sports, training and working out. This opened up doors for him to get a scholarship to play college football and to eventually play in the NFL, which allowed him to become a high school football coach and give back to the community. His story shows people in his community that they can achieve anything they want. Kerry added:

“Because it allowed me so much in my life, I want to make sure I can give that back to people. I think working out is not just about getting in shape; it does so much more for you — spiritually and mentally, not just physically. I have kind of a crazy drive and insatiability to want to help people achieve whatever they’re looking for.”

Building Success Through Customer Service

Kerry attributes 212 Health & Performance’s strong online reputation to the fact that he and his team take pride in their customer service and they have a commitment to taking care of people and giving them service that they can’t get anywhere else, which leads to their members wanting to talk about them and promote them.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, 212 Health & Performance has gotten their name out there through community involvement and by focusing on taking care of their members:

“We are firm believers that, if you take care of the people, the people, in turn, will take care of you over time. That’s kind of our goal, and that’s why we take so much pride in our customer service and our family and our community.”

There are so many business owners out there looking to build the kind of online reputation 212 Health & Performance has. Here’s Kerry’s expert advice for them:

“It’s not necessarily about you; it’s about the people you serve. …It’s more about the community and the people you serve, so you need to highlight those people and not the other way around.”


Congratulations to the team at 212 Health & Performance for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Kerry, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend 212 Health & Performance in East Providence. Visit their website today!

Pennsylvania’s Top Rated Local® Fitness Centers Award Winner: Unite Fitness

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Unite Fitness is an award winner for fitness centers in 2019.

If you are looking for a supportive and ever-evolving, local fitness center, look no further than this award-winning company!

Unite Fitness has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across five different verified sites with an average rating of 4.80 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 98.04 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as the number one fitness center in Pennsylvania!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“I found Unite Fitness four years ago through a Google search for the best workout in Philadelphia. Not only did I find the best workout, but I found the BEST coaches, the greatest of friends, and the loveliest, most supportive community! I’ve tried out every workout and gym in Philly, and nothing compares to the workouts and care I receive from Unite Fitness. The feeling of positivity in the (sweat-entrenched) air and the excitement for always getting better and stronger keep me coming back to Unite Fitness! I am so happy to have found you guys!” – S.O.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Unite Fitness is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Fitness Center

We were excited to learn all about Unite Fitness and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the Manager, Mark Donohue.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Unite Fitness stand apart from its competitors. Mark told us all about their unique business model, and said:

“By combining cardio, strength, and recovery into one 65-minute workout, we offer the most efficient and effective workout for busy city professionals to get in the best shape of their lives. Our unconventional, two-room model ensures everybody is running or riding to the beat in our cardio room and has the personal attention they need in our strength room. We operate a three-month periodized program to continually challenge our clients to elevate their fitness and ensure the UNITE workout can be their fitness home for life.”

When we asked Mark about the Unite business mission, or how they work to make the world a better place, he told us:

“Our first mission is to offer the best people, place, and program to ensure our clients get fit, strong, and lean without the risk of injury. We strive to engage our members thoroughly in every workout, so they can give their all and enjoy the results. We believe being healthy makes you feel good, and happy people make happy communities. Our second mission is to give people the knowledge and tools to live sustainable lifestyles that benefit our planet. We consider ourselves a local company with a global outlook, and each year, we host our Unite Philly Run in September, which helps raise awareness and funding for the Third Millennium Alliance in the fight against deforestation.”

Building Success, Online And Off

Unite Fitness has earned a fantastic reputation and has gotten so hundreds of positive reviews online. We asked Mark what their secret is behind getting their reviews. Mark said:

“We were the first boutique studio concept in Philadelphia 13 years ago, and the basis for our success has always been the workout. When people see the results they’re looking for, they share that progress in person and online. The benefit for us on platforms, like Yelp and ClassPass, is the real-time feedback we can study and use to make changes that will improve our clients’ experience. The boutique studio world has changed significantly in the past five years alone, and we’ve had to continually adapt to our members’ changing needs, particularly the amenity and technology expectations.”

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Unite Fitness has managed to. We asked if Mark could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“Take the time to properly understand your brand identity. Include your staff in the process of creating your messaging before you spend any money on reaching new clients. If prospects know exactly what to expect and your staff knows how to properly communicate that, you have a higher chance of attracting the right people to your business and, subsequently, converting them into members. Understand how to get buy-in from your staff. What’s the ‘why’ behind what your company strives to achieve? Can you help them unlock their purpose and contribute to their personal development? This takes an investment of time and energy, but in the service industry, it’s your staff who are on the front line interacting with your clients daily. If your staff is happy, that positivity will trickle down to your customers. Ask for feedback. Whether it’s surveys, reading online reviews, or talking directly to clients and staff, understand what would make their lives easier. We use secret shoppers to understand which parts of the Unite experience is confusing or tedious, and update those accordingly. Continuously double down on improving your customers’ experience.”


Congratulations to Unite Fitness for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Mark for taking the time to speak with us!

Pennsylvania’s Top Rated Local® Fitness Centers Award Winner: F45 Training State College

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that F45 Training State College is an award winner for fitness centers in 2019.

If you are looking for a fitness center that has a supportive community, ever-evolving workouts, and hundreds of positive reviews, look no further than this award-winning company!

F45 Training State College has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top five fitness centers in Pennsylvania!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“I love it here, it’s the most excited I’ve been to go to a gym in a very long time! The trainers are all kind and welcoming. They have a great environment, and I’m definitely seeing changes in my body! I highly recommend F45 state college!” – K.H.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that F45 Training State College is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Fitness Center

We were excited to learn all about F45 Training State College and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, JR.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes F45 Training State College stand apart from its competitors. JR said that they use cutting edge technology and always change-up their exercises so you’re not repeating the same workout over and over. He said that they are quite adaptable, and they will tailor workouts that will be the best for you, your goals, and your needs. He said:

“Everything we do in here translates to the real world and allows you to do it more efficiently.”

Building Success And Giving Back

F45 Training State College has earned a fantastic reputation, and JR said that they’ve managed to get their name out and grow their business, mostly thanks to community involvement. He said:

“We are really involved in the community here and try to donate our time and money. We want to grow and create a healthy community. We sponsor sports teams, and do fundraising to support the local community.”

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as F45 Training State College has managed to. We asked if JR could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“If your goal is just to get people to like you, you are doing it for the wrong reason. Be genuine, and try to help people the best you can. Do something because it’s the right thing to do, not because someone is going to say good job for doing it.”


Congratulations to F45 Training State College for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to JR for taking the time to speak with us!

Indiana’s Top Rated Local® Fitness Centers Award Winner: Shine Yoga And Wellness

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Shine Yoga And Wellness is an award winner for fitness centers in 2019.

If you are looking for a yoga studio that will inspire you to be happier and healthier, look no further than this award-winning company!

Shine Yoga And Wellness has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across four different verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 98.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 100 businesses and the number one fitness center all of Indiana!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“The instructors couldn’t make you feel more at home. I am familiar with yoga, but have never done it as my main source of exercise. The studio, atmosphere, and instructors are all awesome. I would highly recommend this place if you are interested in yoga. The pricing is good, and they have so many options for classes and times.” – E.D.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Shine Yoga And Wellness is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

More Than A Yoga Studio

We were excited to learn all about Shine Yoga And Wellness and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Tara.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Shine Yoga And Wellness stand apart from its competitors. Tara told us about their empowering and inclusive environment, saying that they create a space where all people of all fitness levels can feel welcome. They are a no-judgment place, and don’t believe that there is any real wrong or right way to do the poses. She said that their guests feel like they are shining when they leave.

When we asked Tara what their business mission at Shine is, she said:

“We want everyone to take the feeling they get from shine and take it into the community.”

Building Success, Online And Off

Shine Yoga And Wellness has earned a fantastic reputation, and Tara said that they have grown their business with a little bit of a different approach to marketing, relying more on in-person events to get noticed in the community.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Shine Yoga And Wellness has managed to. We asked if Tara could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“Build a brand, but do it with your heart first. Be willing to put everything on the line. Keep that in mind and give with your heart and soul. People will see what you put in, and you will get that back.”

If you want to stay posted on all of the happenings in the Shine community, be sure to follow @shineyogawellness on Instagram, and on their Facebook page.

Tara concluded out chat with this warm invitation:

“Shine Yoga welcomes everyone!”


Congratulations to Shine Yoga And Wellness for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Tara for taking the time to speak with us!

Maine’s Top Rated Local® Fitness Centers Award Winner: Salt Pump Climbing Company

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Salt Pump Climbing Company has won two 2019 awards in Maine!

Who says fitness has to be boring? If you’re looking to get fit and have fun doing it, look no further than Salt Pump Climbing Company in Scarborough.

Salt Pump Climbing Company has received hundreds of reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.94 stars, earning them a stellar Rating Score™ of 97.35 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for ranking among the top 100 businesses and the top five fitness centers in all of Maine!

Here’s just one of the many five-star reviews that got them there:

“I’ve only been a member for a couple of months now, but I can’t say enough good things about this place. I’m a newcomer to climbing, starting at 40 years of age and still dealing with a healthy fear of heights (still trying to work up trust in the auto-belays!). Although most of the staff and clientele are younger than me, I never feel unwelcome or out of place. Everyone is friendly, and anytime I have a question or need beta, there is someone there to help. The place has a great vibe!” – Mike S.

Not Your Average Fitness Center

Will Wild, the General Manager of Salt Pump Climbing Company, took a few minutes out of his day to tell us a little more about this one-of-a-kind fitness center and the impressive online reputation they’ve managed to build.

To start our conversation, we asked Will what it is that sets Salt Pump Climbing Company apart from their competition in Maine. Here’s what he had to say:

“One of the things we pride ourselves on is having a family atmosphere, and it’s open to everybody. It’s not like an exclusive, members-only style atmosphere here. Everybody is helping everybody to get better all the time. We like to provide a clean and inviting facility for people to practice their rock climbing and have a safe community where they can feel at home. That family oriented quality is what puts us ahead.”

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at Salt Pump Climbing Company and how they give back and make the world a better place. Here’s Will’s response:

“Our mission is to be the leading center for climbing, adventure and good living in southern Maine. We strive to serve our community by always reflecting the core values of the outdoors world.”

Building Success With a Tight-Knit Community

When we asked Will about Salt Pump Climbing Company’s secret to such a strong online reputation, he said:

“Honestly, it’s the climbing community. We’re a very tight-knit group here with our members and climbers. In general, if you have ever looked into the climbing community, it is a very positive atmosphere. We’re all encouraging each other all the time, and there is a large team aspect to it.”

Will went on to add:

“A lot of people who come in here are blown away by the community that we support and represent.”


Congratulations to the team at Salt Pump Climbing Company for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Will, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Salt Pump Climbing Company in Scarborough. Visit their website today!

Maine’s Top Rated Local® Fitness Centers Award Winner: CrossFit Casco Bay

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that CrossFit Casco Bay is an award winner for fitness centers in 2019.

If you are looking for a healthy and active community to join, look no further than this award-winning company!

CrossFit Casco Bay has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across four different verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 98.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 50 businesses and the number one fitness center in Maine!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“You walk into CrossFit Casco Bay, and you are welcomed into a great culture and environment. Come in as a beginner or an experienced athlete, and you will make gains because the coaching is top notch. The workouts are constantly varied and challenging. I highly recommend dropping into a class to anyone.” – L.M.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that CrossFit Casco Bay is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Fitness Center

We were excited to learn all about CrossFit Casco Bay and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Nick.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes CrossFit Casco Bay stand apart from its competitors. Nick told us about their community culture and their commitment to making sure their clients enjoy their time at the gym:

“We are focused on our community here. We will get you in shape; that’s the easy part, but we want you to enjoy the time you’re here, and that’s the hard part.”

We asked if he could tell us more about the CrossFit Casco Bay business mission. He said:

“Our mission is to find a way to make our members’ lives that much better. We have a place where people can shut their brains off for an hour and work on themselves.”

Building Success With A Great Community

CrossFit Casco Bay has earned a phenomenal reputation, and Nick said it’s mostly thanks to word of mouth. He said that they have a tight-knit community, and they love for their members to bring in friends.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as CrossFit Casco Bay has managed to. We asked if Nick could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“Be genuine. You can’t really fake it.”


Congratulations to CrossFit Casco Bay for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Nick for taking the time to speak with us!

Alaska’s Top Rated Local® Fitness Centers Award Winner: Southside Strength & Fitness

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Southside Strength & Fitness is a two-time 2019 award winner in Alaska!

If you’re looking for a great fitness center to help you get strong and reach your fitness goals, look no further than Southside Strength & Fitness Center in Anchorage.

Southside Strength & Fitness has received more than 125 reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.78 stars, earning them a glorious Rating Score™ of 97.82 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 100 businesses and the number one fitness center in all of Alaska!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“This is my regular gym, and for good reason! The local owners are friendly and appreciate all of their members, who they mostly know on a first-name basis. The atmosphere is the best because everyone seems to be hanging out at their buddy’s house who just so happens to have gym equipment! They have many different levels of fitness and variety. For example, there is the power lifter crowd, CrossFit crowd, seasonal sports training crowd, show competitors and, of course, a bunch of people just doing their own thing! The best perk of this gym though is that it’s affordable, plus they still have locker rooms with showers and saunas.” – Krystal B.

Not Your Average Fitness Center

We wanted to learn more about this two-time award winner and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with Hal Lloyd, owner and Manager of Southside Strength & Fitness.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Southside Strength & Fitness a one-of-a-kind fitness center in Alaska. Here’s what Hal had to say:

“We try to make people feel comfortable when they come check out the gym. Come try for yourself; there’s no sales pressure.”

We also asked Hal what their mission is at Southside Strength & Fitness and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s his response:

“I coach part of the Special Olympics, and we don’t charge the athletes to use our gym. I’ve coached power-lifting for people with special needs for 10 years now.”

Building Success Through Organic Reviews

Hal attributes Southside Strength & Fitness’ strong online reputation to their organic reviews, which come from the fact that, at Southside, everyone knows everyone and they have a family culture.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Southside Strength & Fitness has gotten their name out there through social media, but most of their growth has come from word of mouth. Hal added:

“I don’t pay for advertising.”

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation Southside Strength & Fitness has. When we asked Hal what advice he has for those business owners, he said:

“Just be authentic, and be yourself. Create a culture where people can feel natural and not be robots. Support small businesses.”


Congratulations to the team at Southside Strength & Fitness for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Hal, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Southside Strength & Fitness in Anchorage. Visit their website today!