Hours of Operation
 

Hours of Operation

Mon-Thur: 5am - 9pm

Fri: 5am - 7:30pm

Sat: 8am - 5pm
Sun: 10am - 5pm

In the last 13 months, there have been two events that have had a significant impact on my life. 

The first event occurred on November 1, 2008.  I was taking some much needed vacation time from work and my husband Jeff (who had acquired motorcycle riding as a hobby) and I decided to take a quick ride up to Hickory to look at the motorcycle dealerships there.  It was a beautiful fall day, not a cloud in the sky.  We were on our way to our last stop, traveling at a slow speed down a service road when without warning, we were hit from the side by a car driven by a lady talking on her cell phone.  She only saw us just as she hit us, not allowing any time for either of us to correct our paths.

    The last words I heard that afternoon were my husband yelling “no, no, no.”  The next words I remember were from a doctor in the emergency room leaning over me telling me my left leg was broken and my neck was broken.  Not until the next morning after the fog of surgery wore off did I come to realize the full extent of my injuries and how lucky Jeff and I were to be alive. 

    My left femur and tibia bones were broken.  The femur completely in two, which resulted in, a titanium rod being inserted in the bone and one screw in my hip and two in my knee to hold the rod in place while the leg healed. The tibia break lined up once the femur was set and it healed on its own. 

    My neck injury was much more serious, I had broken the C2 and C3 vertebrae which is often times called “The Hangman’s Fracture.”  The usual results of this fracture are death, total paralysis, partial paralysis or in my case, a “halo.”

    A halo is a device that is held in place by four screws that have been screwed into your skull.  This is called rigid immobilization.  I could not turn my head; I had to turn my whole body.  I could only sleep on my back.  I could only shower from the waist down.  The halo brace around my body had a sheep skin lining that could not get wet.  I could not wash my hair (I had it all cut off).  And, the halo had to remain in place for three months (with monthly doctor visits to tighten the screws) followed by one month in a cervical collar.  My few days of vacation turned in to four months of leave,

    Throughout the entire experience, I maintained a positive attitude.  I was so happy to be alive and being angry or upset would not change anything.  Four months can seem like a very long time and in other respects a very short time.

    During my recuperation, my only physical activity was leg exercises to help my leg gain strength so I could walk on it.  I started with a walker, moved to crutches, then a cane, and then very slow, methodical unassisted steps.  When my halo came off at the end of January 2009, my neck muscles had totally atrophied.  I did not have any strength in my neck muscles, which is why I had to wear the cervical collar.  This allowed me to slowly gain some mobility in my neck. Imagine having a stiff neck that NEVER goes away.

I realized I needed to do something to get my body rehabilitated.  My husband and I were competitive dancers and we were always very physically active.  I knew I could not get back in to shape on my own because I could potentially injure myself further by not having the right guidance.  This resulted in the next event that had a significant impact on my life.

We were familiar with Mountain Island Fitness through a friend that had a membership, but I never really thought of myself as a “gym” person.  I understand now it is because I wasn’t at the right gym.  Jeff purchased a package of personal training sessions for me and came home and said, “Here you are, you are supposed to call some guy named Greg and work out when you can come in for your first session.”

The some guy named Greg turned out to be Greg Clifton and we made arrangements for my first session (my “fitness assessment”) to be on July 12, 2009.  Keeping in mind, this is just over eight months since the accident.  We started out talking about my goals and I told him I had some rehabilitation needs due to the accident.  I knew I had a lot of work to do, as I was still quite stiff and had constant residual pain.  I did tell Greg that I really hoped this would result in my having arms like Angela Bassett had in When Stella Got Her Groove Back.  Greg carefully explained we would do a combination of cardio, weight training and he suggested I take the Centergy class because with my current physical limitations, that class would be the kindest to my body.

So off we went for the assessment.  We started on the treadmill, no problem.  It was slow, but I could manage.  Then the elliptical, I made it four minutes.  Then we went on to several weight machines, push-ups, sit-ups, and then I passed out – literally.  My first visit to Mountain Island Fitness will be a memorable one for all.  But I have to honestly say, Greg and the entire staff was absolutely fabulous.  I’m sure Greg was wondering what the heck he had gotten himself into, or if I would ever come back.

But I did.  I came back for Centergy on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I arranged sessions with Greg two times a week to start.   Greg was ever so patient.  He knew when to push and when to back off.  He understood my limitations and developed a program that gradually added strength back to my total body.  He knew that if I overdid it at the start, the whole rehabilitation would be compromised and I would never follow through with my goals.

So now, four months later (the same amount of time I was in the halo and collar), I’d say I’m pretty much considered a regular at Mountain Island Fitness.  I still have aches and pains that may never go away, but I also have good aches and pains from having effective workout sessions.  And the extra bonus, my arms are looking good!

To achieve the progress I’ve made so far has taken the right staff always providing a positive attitude and words of encouragement, the right trainer who never gives up on you, the right group classes tailored to whatever your fitness level and the determination to not let someone steal your life through an unfortunate accident.  I am at the “right” gym.

 I joined Mountain Island Fitness almost 6 months ago.  In the past 30 years, I have been a member of several gyms or fitness centers including the "Y".   While being consistent and achieving my goals is up to me, the people at Mountain Island have already made a difference in my life. 

             At other places you join and you are basically on your own.  It is not like that at Mountain Island.  My first day Greg Clifton told me about the facility, took me through all the machines and set up an exercise regimen.  I was then scheduled for my first Step Class in a lot of years.  Sharon and Goldie were told to expect me and made me feel right at home.  Normally being overweight and going into a gym I felt intimidated and out of place.  After a few weeks, I would either stop going or go in occasionally with nothing really accomplished.  I don't feel that way at Mountain Island.  Every class I go into the instructors introduce themselves, ask my name and encourage me to continue.  I think their friendly attitude has influenced the members as well.  People speak and make you feel like you are in the right place. 

Joining the “Step Up & Lose It” program has made the biggest difference.  I have met a lot of people that share my goals and the group activities have been a lot of fun.  After 4 weeks in the program I have lost 20 pounds and I am looking forward to losing the next 40.  I have accomplished more in a few months than I ever have at other facilities.  For me joining Mountain Island Fitness has been a great experience and well worth the drive from Gastonia.    Mike Taylor    

One Hundred pounds.  In December of 2007 I stepped on the scale at the Doctor’s office and

incredibly it read 258 pounds.  Just 7 short months later I stepped on the scale and it reads 152 pounds.  I have gone from a waist size of 44 to my current size of 32 and most associates at the office hardly recognize me. The joint pain that I had experienced from two previous knee surgeries has decreased markedly and my energy level is through the roof.

What a journey…In January I made the decision to place myself on a diet and to join a health club.  My diet routine was a very strict, low fat regimen which was a dramatic change from my former eating habit which was primarily seafood (see food and you eat it).  My family has stood by me while I have grumbled eating a carrot stick or a stalk of celery.

From a workout perspective, following a significant due diligence effort, my wife, daughter and I decided on Mountain Island Fitness following a most impressive tour that we received.  Since then, I continue to be thoroughly impressed each time I enter MIF. The equipment is always fully functioning and I have never had to wait to utilize any of the machines.  The locker room is clean and secure and having the drink/smoothie bar available is most appreciated.

By far, the most noteworthy feature is the welcoming environment provided by Marc, Suzzanna and the whole staff when individuals enter MIF as well as when there are questions about a workout routine.  It took a lot of personal fortitude for me to want to exercise on a daily basis, but being welcomed by name each time I enter the facility and congratulated for reaching goals has made the idea of working out daily a lot more palatable.  The members, whether on the cardio equipment, pumping iron, or attending a aerobics class, are clearly very focused on the securing a potent workout.

As I approach my weight goal, I plan to get some direction from one of the very qualified trainers and will hopefully be as successful with weights as I have been with the elliptical machine.  Thanks to all for assisting me in this most challenging venture. - Alan Millhauser

I feel GREAT and my doctor says I'm doing GREAT!  Thanks to the wonderful team at Mountain Island Fitness Center, especially my Fitness Trainer, Greg Clifton.  Greg (whom I call Coach) has helped me tremendously to get my health and life back on track.  I met Greg on January 12, 2008, weighting 216 lbs,  41" waist, 29 % body fat, concerns about my blood pressure, unable to do five minutes on the Elliptical, unable to do 20 push-ups, totally intimidated by all of the equipment.  But thanks to Greg who put me at ease by helping me to get my confidence that I can get my health back and achieve my  physical goals.  Greg said, "it's not going to be easy and it's not going to be quick, but if just stick with it you will achieve your goals."  I accepted the challenge. Greg and I worked out a plan on how I was to achieve my goals.  On each Monday for six long, long weeks Greg pushed, consoled and pushed me until I could feel my body was making the progress that I wanted.  Many days I wanted to quit, but Greg encouraged me to keep going.  After the first 30 days with Greg I had lost 16 lbs. and my body fat reduced by 5%.  My body strength increased also.  I felt good about my accomplishments which motivated me to keep going.  I also took Greg's advice about reducing my intake of eating foods high in fat, increase my protein and Mark yelling NO SUGAR!!  Over the next four months I worked hard using our plan. Today I weigh 178 lbs. ( I haven't seen this number in 25 years!) Lost 9" off my waist and my body fat is 13.3%. My once unreachable goals have come to a reality.  With dedication and an excellent and professional trainer like my Coach (Greg) you can have a rewarding fitness experience.   Now I enjoy my workouts. Thanks Greg for your support. You're the best! - Rev. Tony Boone

I joined Mountain Island Fitness in July of last year; a month after having gastric bypass.  Exercise is a must after weight loss surgery.  I always hated the thought of exercise, but it was a necessary evil that I would have to accept and make part of my new lifestyle. Most of the gyms I had joined in the past were large and seemed geared toward people who were already in shape.   It was intimidating from the minute I walked in.  Needless to say, I didn’t go back.  A friend I work with told me about Mountain Island Fitness and how much she likes it there.  The first person I met was Pam who was very helpful and encouraging.  Right from the start, I knew this was the right place for me.  Pam, Marc, and Suzzanna are the nicest people!  Their goal is getting people to be as healthy as they can be for themselves, not just to look great in a bathing suit.  A year later, I am 130 lbs. lighter and I’m thrilled!  I still have more weight to lose, but I know I can’t do it if I don’t exercise. While I still have to force myself to get to the gym, the positive atmosphere and great staff make it that much easier to come in.

  We all are only as good as the support systems that surround us. This is true with our families (thanks Tammy), work, and anything else that we are involved in. I can honestly say that Marc and the staff at Mountain Island Fitness have become my friends and an important part of my support system. The past twelve months have been a period of immense transformation for me physically, as well as mentally, and MIF has been the epicenter of that change.  Since I have begun working with Marc as my personal trainer I have made incredible strength gains and cracked endurance barriers that I never thought I could approach. The fact that other people in the gym have noticed the hard work and taken the time to comment on it shows that we are all part of a healthy, happy community within Mountain Island Fitness. My deepest thanks go out to the extended Anderson family for making MIF the wonderful facility that it is as well as Suzanna, Pam, Ellen and everybody else who’s ever yelled at me in the middle of a workout to “keep going”. And, oh by the way, Marc is relentless as a personal trainer. And that’s the way it should be…-D.J. Kazmierczak 

I came to MIF after being upset at another gym, because they treated me badly.  I was looking for guidance and direction, to be in the best shape of my life and I found Marc.  He has become my mentor and my friend.  I’m now in training for the April bodybuilding show. Under Marc’s guidance, I hope to do well.  Without his motivational drill sergeant tactics, I wouldn’t be where I am today in my fitness. Show or no show, I have gained a friend and a second family with Marc and the great staff at MIF.  Thanks to one and all, Rodney “Bubba” Chance

My Mountain Island Fitness membership was a 2002 Christmas gift.  My duties as a British nanny for many Charlotte families had taken a toll on my physical condition.  I was really out of shape, and so I started by using treadmills.  I progressed to step classes and then weight training.  This was really the beginning of a new life cycle for me.  I have lost weight steadily and my improved physical condition has increased my enjoyment of life. I enjoyed my work as a nanny but children grow up.  I began opening the club on Tuesday mornings and have transitioned to a full time employee, helping Marc manage the club.  Working in the fitness industry has been a long time dream and being able to live that dream is wonderful.  Mountain Island Fitness is not just a gym, it is fast becoming a community and one I am proud to be a part of.   -Suz G.

Mountain Island Fitness is a gym of optimism and good faith. Friendly people who help you make and maintain a happy, healthy body and to keep you tough and durable. The Fitness Center is a place of fun, hard work and great health.
Start - Stay with it, make it happen! It happened to me!
-Bobbi B.

                                                                        Mountain Island Fitness   |    10030 Callabridge Ct.. Charlotte, NC  28216  |   Phone: 704-394-9500