Answers Here

I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with most gyms or fitness spaces — you just have to find the right one for you. (I also teach at the Y and I love it!) 

But for a lot of people, walking into a new fitness space can bring up real fears:

Will I know how to use the equipment?
Will I be able to keep up in class?
Will the trainer understand my history?
Will they focus on my health — or just try to make me thinner?

Gem City Movement exists to make that experience feel welcoming, supportive, and joyful instead of intimidating.

When you walk into this space, I want you to feel happy, included, and at home.

Going to a new fitness space can feel intimidating, but our goal is to make it feel relaxed and welcoming from the moment you walk in.

What to Wear

Comfortable workout clothes are great. If you’re coming to No Sweat Lunch Flex, work clothes are totally fine.

What to Bring

You don’t need much. A water bottle is great, but we have the rest of the equipment you’ll need.

When to Arrive

About 5 minutes before class is perfect.

If another class is finishing up when you arrive, come on in and make yourself at home.

Parking

There are several options nearby:

• spots behind the old Cloud 9 building
• the 8th Street Plaza
• the adjoining lot across the alley

The Studio

Gem City Movement is a small boutique studio with a relaxed vibe.

The bathroom is in the back by the back door, and you can enter through either door with the Gem City Movement logo.

If You're Feeling Nervous

First of all, we’re really glad you’re here. And second, we were all in your shoes once. Also, truly: we do not care if you’re bad at this.

One thing I say in class all the time is: "Live your life.”  It can mean we’re doing lunges and you’d rather do squats that day. It can mean you take a break when it's not "break time."  That’s fine. There's really no way to mess this up, I promise.

Move in the way that works for you.
I’m just glad you showed up.

The people who tend to love it here are the ones who want a good workout and a great time doing it.

The most common thing I hear after someone’s first class is:

“That was so fun!”

Classes are high-energy, supportive, and a little goofy sometimes. People push themselves, cheer each other on, and stick around after class to talk.

If you're worried about being the only new person — don’t be. Just jump in. We’re glad you’re here.

My coaching style is encouraging and supportive, and I care most about understanding: what you want from movement, what you’ve already experienced in fitness spaces, and whether the process feels enjoyable and sustainable.

Movement should support your life, not punish your body and it should be something you actually look forward to.

At Gem City Movement we focus on: 

1. building strength that makes life easier

2. improving mobility so your body moves and feels better

3. joyful movement that people want to come back to

4.  a supportive community where everyone belongs

You’ll never hear me assume what your goals are or tell you what your body “should” look like.

This is a space that is intentionally:

• LGBTQ+ welcoming

• aware of trauma and body history

• conscious of fatphobia and toxic fitness culture

• focused on strength, mobility, and wellbeing - not appearance

I’m a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist, with additional certifications in:

• Precision Nutrition
• Assisted Stretch Therapy
• Zumba
• STRONG Nation
• CIRCL Mobility

I’ve worked with people of all ages and levels, both in person and online.

What I love most about coaching is watching people go from hating fitness to actually looking forward to moving.

Seeing someone feel confident in a class, or do something they didn’t think they could do before, never gets old.

At the end of the day, I believe something very simple:

If you hate it, you won’t do it.
If you enjoy it, you will.

So if exercise has never stuck for you before, you probably just haven’t found the right place or the right coach yet.

Strong. Sweaty. Supportive.

Our goal is simple: to support you in staying strong and liing your life.

And hopefully, to leave every class feeling a little bit stronger and happier.

Gem City Movement

800 State Street
Quincy, Illinois

Best Way to Reach Me

Honestly, texting is easiest. As a geriatric millennial, phone calls make me nervous. Text: 347-786-1536

Email:
sam@gemcitymovement.com