Local Experience: Upstate Performance Project

Upstate Performance Project – If I had to sum up Upstate Performance Project in one phrase I would use the term “functional fitness.” It’s both an open gym and training center so the exact workouts you do can be customized. The space has everything from barbells to a rope climb and offers personal training, group training, and yoga.

$10 Drop In
$30 Open Gym Membership
$60 Personal Training Session (packages available)

• If you know your way around equipment you can’t beat this no nonsense atmosphere.
• The location! It’s on main street but down far enough that parking isn’t a problem.
• The trainers have some serious knowledge. If you’re looking to get smart about training, learn !

more about nutrition, and build a solid workout foundation this place is impressive. What To Expect:When I first walked in the overall athletic feel struck me. It felt more like I was walking into a training center than a “gym” and I think that’s intentional. There’s turf on the ground, recovery tubs, and an open floor plan so you can see all of the equipment throughout the space. I immediately noticed the sled, but more on that later. During my first visit I met with co-owners Pete and Chelsi for an evaluation. If you plan to use this space as an open gym, you won’t need to be evaluated, but if you have some serious goals they use the evaluation to lay out a plan and set some realistic expectations.

After my initial evaluation I went back for a full training session with Chelsi. We trained for about 1-1.5 hours and it was awesome. By the end of the session simple body weight exercises like pulling up on TRX straps had me shaking. Unlike other places that live and breathe by the clock this felt like it was all about making sure I was trained effectively. As long as we both had the time and stamina we were going to go for it.

The best thing they do here is educate you. Every move was not only explained but Pete and Chelsi took the time to explain why it was important, which muscle I should be engaging, and how I could correct my form if needed. The more they explained the more it began to click that there really wasn’t any point in going fast and being sloppy, but rather honing in on my movement and getting the most out of my effort and time. After an earth shattering session I asked to do the sled, because honestly it’s rad, and after two laps I wished I hadn’t asked at all ;).

*Ask to do the sled 🙂
*There is often a dog at the studio. I LOVE dogs so this made my workout even better, but if you’re allergic or that is a concern for you, you may want call ahead and see if the pup will be there.
*They are a drop off for a healthy meal prep business, Nutrition Solutions, so you can grab a healthy meal right at the gym too.

Check out their full site here: https://upstateperformanceproject.com/