Thriving is greater than simply living. When we exercise, we make ourselves better at the things we love to do, and are then ready for our next BIG adventure. In the magic of us - we do our best when we work together as a team, cheering each other on. Classes so fun, you'll laugh as hard as you'll sweat.
Join from any computer or mobile device, to stay active, stay healthy, and stay connected. Parkinson's-specific training and classes to improve your quality of life and slow the progression of PD. Now virtual, so you can join from home! Our 2021 Vision is dedicated to our dear friend, Fran Operchuck.
Join from any computer or mobile device, to stay active, stay healthy, and stay connected. Parkinson's-specific training and classes to improve your quality of life and slow the progression of PD. Now virtual, so you can join from home! Our 2021 Vision is dedicated to our dear friend, Fran Operchuck.
Services
We are an experienced group of fitness professionals with a deep passion for helping others to not just live, but THRIVE. We bring our sense of humor and adventure to every class and training session, and help a wide variety of clients reach their fitness goals. We specialize in chronic/neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, helping our clients with targeted exercise to improve quality of life.
We are a proud team of fitness nerds! We LOVE working with clients who have neuro conditions (Parkinson's, dementia, stroke, brain injury), autoimmune issues, old/new injuries, and other complex situations that allow us to use every morsel of our combined expertise and creativity. Most of us need ongoing training after physical therapy ends: that's where we come in.
There is substantial research to suggest that progressive aerobic exercise may be able to slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease, because it can offer neuro-protection, keeping dopamine cells alive longer. PD-specific exercises can also promote neuro-plasticity, which enables us to relearn movement patterns and regain our ability to move, play, and thrive.
Most of us need ongoing training after physical therapy ends: that's where we come in. We'll coordinate with your therapists for an easy transition, keep you consistent with your home exercise, and help you continue to improve. Re-training your brain in order to regain your ability can be equal parts challenging, frustrating, exhilarating and magical!
No two bodies are exactly alike, and our workouts will support our individual needs and abilities. Give Emily a call or send her an email to share your list, and she'll point you in the right direction. The best way to see if RecFit is a good fit for you is to join us! Try a free class or virtual training session (at no obligation to stay), so you can see for yourself what we're all about.
Reviews (22)
Lori Prince
May 21, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality
We were looking for help with fitness after moving here. Rec Fitness was the perfect fit - fun, friendly, accessible no matter our physical needs or limitations, caring, flexible. Three years later, we are addicted to the team and pleased with our results. This investment in my health is worth every penny!
We were looking for help with fitness after moving here. Rec Fitness was the perfect fit - fun, friendly, accessible no matter our physical needs or limitations, caring, flexible. Three years later, we are addicted to the team and pleased with our results. This investment in my health is worth every penny!
Lori Prince
May 17, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality
We were looking for help with fitness after moving here. Rec Fitness was the perfect fit - fun, friendly, accessible no matter our physical needs or limitations, caring, flexible. Three years later, we are addicted to the team and pleased with our results. This investment in my health is worth every penny!
We were looking for help with fitness after moving here. Rec Fitness was the perfect fit - fun, friendly, accessible no matter our physical needs or limitations, caring, flexible. Three years later, we are addicted to the team and pleased with our results. This investment in my health is worth every penny!
Lucy Ck
May 03, 2021
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If you have just found recreation fitness you are in luck! The trainers are incredibly caring, thoughtful and motivating. They often surprise me with the simple effectiveness of their workouts, and they make exercise FUN! I have been going to their Fit Camp classes for six years and I look forward to every single session. If you are looking for exercise that you will want to stick with, you must check them out!
Debra Broido
Apr 20, 2021
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I have been a client of Emily for more than a decade. She has helped me through good and bad times stay physically fit. She really cares about her clients and loves helping those who need more than standard physical therapy. Her team has even taken on those with things like Parkinson’s and seeing improvements. I am so glad to have Emily in my life.
Greg Covey
Nov 18, 2017
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Kristie Gutierrez
Sep 24, 2017
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Emily and her team at Recreation Fitness are an absolute must try on your fitness journey! Not only are there great workouts, ALL the trainers are so encouraging and there is a very welcoming clientele that attends. I've had such a positive experience there, I recommend it to everyone! Your first class is free, so there's nothing to loose!
Ashlene Mccartan
Sep 23, 2017
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Emily and her staff at Recreation Fitness are the cream of the crop. The workouts are always fun and different. They make sure all levels feel welcome and make adaptations to exercises as necessary. You can join them for fun play-like workouts in the park or sign up for personal training. I love Recreation Fitness and would never go anywhere else!
Megan Sachs
Aug 20, 2017
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Emily and the trainers at Recreation Fitness are amazing!! They really take time with me to figure out what I need and want from my workouts. They help me figure out how to eat well, things I can do on my own and most importantly to me, they make my workouts fun!! I always get extra credit stomach workouts from all the laughing I do when I'm with them.
Erin Motter
Aug 11, 2017
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Challenging workouts without any fear of being called out as "motivation". Emily is perpetually upbeat, classes move along quicky and I always feel great after. I attend the park classes and can bring along my kids as well which I appreciate as it's the only way I get these workouts in. Complimentary first class, no reason not to give it a try! Highly recommend
Susan Lintner
Jul 06, 2017
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Oenthusiast
Jun 13, 2017
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I'm currently working with one of Recreation Fitness's personal trainers to continue rehabbing and building strength in the arm I broke 6 months ago. Excellent... Very close attention and feedback, a lot of care given to making sure I do the exercises correctly and am working at a level that's challenging but still safe. Upbeat, encouraging and not at all dismissive of my previously-underexercised self.
Lorie P.
May 24, 2017
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Emily and her team are really wonderful. We especially recommend Samantha, who we hired as a trainer. She's warm, welcoming, and extremely knowledgeable (definitely not the case with most trainers, IMO). Sam customized training for both me and my husband, though we had pretty different needs. She's attentive and has a memory for your aches and pains and limitations like no trainer I've ever seen. Emily has created an environment that really emphasizes play and fun (they don't just say that), which for me made all the difference. Can't recommend them highly enough.
Kimberly M.
Apr 02, 2015
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Recreation Fitness has transformed my life. I went from being a sedentary type my entire life to losing 60 pounds and becoming an athlete. Because of this group, I look forward to fitness every day. I do about 4-5 days of fit camp a week, run 3 times a week, do yoga every week, and am about to do my 3rd 10K since Christmas. I cook healthy, tasty meals regularly for my family. I never saw myself ever living such a healthy life and loving it so much. All thanks to the encouragement of the trainers at Recreation Fitness.
Chris P.
Mar 20, 2015
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These ladies are amazing! I'm stealing my husband's account to write about the beautiful and inspirational trainers. No matter the day your having, they have a smile for you as well as encouragement. The endorphins earned from muscle burn cannot compare to a regular gym work out! I'll never go back! --- Natalie Portway
Mary S.
Mar 19, 2015
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Nicole is a great trainer! She works you hard, but makes it feel like you're having fun. She's very creative and has even worked trivia questions into the workout. She is sweet yet firm, which is a traitt I find often in the Recreation Fitness staff. I would recommend her for a student at any level of fitness.
Piyuthai M.
Feb 11, 2014
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I discovered Rec Fit on Amazon Offers last summer. I like to work out at my own pace so was unsure how it would turn out, but I joined since I have three young kids and needed some way to motivate myself around the kids' needs and schedule. I had no preconceptions about Rec Fit but their commitment and my results have been fantastic.
Important factors for me in working out are; 1) fun and 2) challenge... and Rec Fit offers that. Challenging but not intimidating, because Emily and the other trainers are very knowledgeable to guide and assist you in order to alternate each exercise to accommodate
Important factors for me in working out are; 1) fun and 2) challenge... and Rec Fit offers that. Challenging but not intimidating, because Emily and the other trainers are very knowledgeable to guide and assist you in order to alternate each exercise to accommodate
Marisol M.
Dec 24, 2013
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I love, love, love Recreation Fitness bootcamp! I joined as soon as my ob/gyn cleared me after a c-section birth. In the three months I have been attending, I can honestly say that I am not only stronger, but I feel better about myself.
Emily and Suzi are great trainers. They're enthusiastic and they switch up the exercises so nothing feels routine. They're also great at adjusting the workout to each individual. So if you have a medical issue or feel any sort of discomfort, you can let them know and they'll give you options so that you still get a great workout.
And the kicker
Emily and Suzi are great trainers. They're enthusiastic and they switch up the exercises so nothing feels routine. They're also great at adjusting the workout to each individual. So if you have a medical issue or feel any sort of discomfort, you can let them know and they'll give you options so that you still get a great workout.
And the kicker
Laura S.
May 09, 2013
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Jenni S.
Jul 18, 2011
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I signed up a few weeks ago when summer started. It's nice to workout outside. Time goes by fast. Each boot camp session is completely different from the prior one and all are challenging in their own way. Email them and tell them you want to try a class -- they are so welcoming! You will have a blast getting fitter!
Andre L.
Mar 01, 2010
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Once you take this class you will realize that most of the people who are working out on their own in the gym are just bull#$%@&&--slackers. If you add these classes to your routine then you will be at least guaranteed a couple of serious workouts to your week.
I have taken classes with both Emily and Cheyenna and I am unable to hide in either class. Both are encouraging but neither are going to be in your face yelling at you. I wouldn't respond favorably to such nonsense.
I am not fond of working out but the different exercises and the laughter makes the time pass quickly.
Emily
I have taken classes with both Emily and Cheyenna and I am unable to hide in either class. Both are encouraging but neither are going to be in your face yelling at you. I wouldn't respond favorably to such nonsense.
I am not fond of working out but the different exercises and the laughter makes the time pass quickly.
Emily
Mary S.
Feb 28, 2010
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OK, so I'm on a personal mission to look my best and thought I'd check out these classes since I live in Long Beach and needed an extra push with my workout routine. Exercise is NOT my favorite, so I pretty much always need a push. After unsuccessfully trying to make the evening classes a few times I decided to try a morning class.
I hate mornings even more than exercise. I hate morning people even more than mornings. I really can't believe I LOVE Emily's happy smile at 5:30 am! She's super happy in an amazingly un-annoying way.
I am sore after every workout and
I hate mornings even more than exercise. I hate morning people even more than mornings. I really can't believe I LOVE Emily's happy smile at 5:30 am! She's super happy in an amazingly un-annoying way.
I am sore after every workout and
Tamara L.
Oct 15, 2009
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I agree with Aliye! It should be called South Bay FUN Camp! Emily could not be a better fitness instructor. She is funny as heck! You burn extra calories with all of the laughing you do. Don't get me wrong, it's not all fun and games! She is serious about making sure you get a workout and that you challenge yourself. She is not in your face yelling at you, but she is a constant encouragement. She makes you believe in yourself so that you can challenge yourself but she also wants you to listen to your body.
Who knew park equipment or a hill could be used to do so many different
Who knew park equipment or a hill could be used to do so many different
