There’s no shortage of advice on how to get in shape. From trendy workout programs to quick-fix fitness fads, it can feel like there’s always a new “best” way to stay active. If you listened to many of these tips, you’d think fitness is one-size-fits-all — but it’s far from it. Because everybody (and every body) is different, what works for your neighbor may not work for you at all. In other words, fitness is highly personal.
But it’s not just about which muscle groups to target or how to get your cardio workout. Getting and staying fit, like many things in life, is all in the approach. To Glenn Lebowitz, Co-Owner of FLEXX Fitness, fitness is the foundation that holds up everything else. “My life is a pyramid. Fitness is the base level,” says Lebowitz. “Being fit sets the baseline for me to be a little bit sharper mentally and a little bit more focused and unencumbered emotionally.”
Just as fitness can be about self-care, it can also be about finding community. For Lebowitz, FLEXX Fitness isn’t just a place for people to exercise — it’s a way to bring the community together. “McLean doesn’t have a community center, and I think we can be that,” says Lebowitz. Members are greeted by name, and quickly get to know each other thanks to the small class sizes and just-right-sized gym space. FLEXX fosters connections, accountability, and support not just from the trainers, but between members.
And the perks don’t stop at the weight rack. Whether it’s through the many discounts at local businesses that gymgoers receive as part of their membership, a schedule of classes customized to the community’s wants and needs, or free clubs (like a walking club) open to all, FLEXX is truly committed to serving the people of McLean and providing a sense of community.
Clearly, there are many benefits to an active lifestyle. But if you’re not in a regular fitness routine, where should you start? Lebowitz recommends making small commitments to fitness every single day: walking, stretching, and riding a bike are just a few examples. Physically, it’s important to keep your body moving — but it’s also a great way to keep calm. “We're all stressed, and for me fitness is a way I deal with the stress,” says Lebowitz. “And if you love other people, which most of us do, you're better for them. You can help them more if you're okay, too. So taking care of yourself is kind of critical.”
The most important thing you can do, according to the experts at FLEXX, is change the way you think about fitness in the first place. “Starting a health or fitness journey is probably one of the more difficult habits to build,” says Alexandra Puryear, Manager of FLEXX. “But once you get started, it becomes a part of your normal routine. And I think if you can make the shift mentally on changing the verbiage from ‘I have to work out’ to ‘I get to work out’ or ‘I enjoy working out,’ that little shift in mindset helps to build that habit.”
At the end of the day, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. And fitness is about so much more than just breaking a sweat. At FLEXX, self-care is at the heart of every personalized fitness plan, and the gym is a space where people can connect, grow, and support each other. Because when you feel your best, you’re able to show up fully — for yourself and your community.