Today I’m so happy to introduce y’all to my dear friend Joel. He’s passionate about fitness and personal health, and wants his friends, family and those around him to understand the importance of living healthfully. Joel is one of the most strong-willed, motivated and driven people I know, so when he told me that he’s opening his own gym, I was super excited to hear more and tell y’all about it!
Joel, who is a certified personal trainer (CPT), has wanted to open his own gym since he was a teenager. He’s always liked working with people and strives to help people better themselves. With an athletic background and experience working with people–he started personal training a month after graduating from college–Joel has all the knowledge and research to help his clients achieve their goals and be fit and healthy.
Did I mention Joel is also a bodybuilder and has done bodybuilding competitions? He’s that awesome.
Now, Joel’s dream is becoming his reality as he prepares to open Freedom Fit Gym in Ashland, Virginia! Joel’s vision for his gym is to “create a space where people feel like they can better themselves,” and where they can “come to make progress.” He promises individual-specific personal training at affordable prices, and tons of encouragement and support along the way.
Freedom Fit Gym will celebrate its grand opening THIS WEEKEND, May 30, with an open house, before opening for regular business hours on Monday, June 1. His space is equipped with everything needed for a full-body workout: free weights, treadmills, exercise balls, shoulder and leg press machines and more. In addition to personal training, Joel will offer small-group classes in bodyweight training and powerlifting, and customized nutrition plans. He hopes to do equipment sales, as well, for those who like to work out at home.

“My family told me, ‘If you build it, people will come,'” Joel says. “I can grow my business as long as people come to me.” And they are – Joel has helped his cousin lose 40 pounds and get in fantastic physical shape. His friends and previous clients will attest to Joel’s knowledge and success, too.
Finally, Joel hopes to instill a culture of fitness in the Ashland community, and to help educate people about the benefits of fitness and living healthfully. “Now is the perfect time to get my dream started,” he says.
If you’re in the Ashland/Richmond area, or have friends in the area, I highly encourage you to check out Freedom Fit Gym and talk with Joel! He can get anyone excited to work out and will work to help you reach your goals, no matter what they are.
Want to learn more and follow along Joel’s journey? Check out Freedom Fit Gym online at: