New Medfield Business Helps Women 'Take Back Their Health'

The dance music plays rhythmically, people move at a rapid pace and determined faces glisten with perspiration. Though it may sound like a visit to a dance “hot spot,” the scene is actually one of Medfield’s newest health and fitness destinations: Get In Shape: For Women.

Located at 258 Main St., in the same plaza as , “Get In Shape: For Women” opened its doors to a health-conscious public some three weeks ago.

Owner, Liz McGill is thrilled at the business’ initial Medfield success, noting that “we already have 50 clients” at the new location. “A lot of people came to our Medfield grand-opening because they knew someone whose had great results,” McGill said.

McGill, who also operates a “Get In Shape: For Women” location in Needham, admits to “always wanting to run her own business.” Following a corporate career as a Vice President of Human Resources, she was presented with an opportunity to purchase the Needham location, 18 months ago. “It was a great opportunity,” she said. “I loved my career [in HR] but I knew that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I wanted to help women take their health back.”

Prior to her ownership role at Get In Shape, McGill was a client of the franchise. “After I joined,” she recalled, “I knew right away that it was special. I was working out at a very high level … [because] I discovered that all I needed was someone to coach me. When I joined, as a client, I saw women losing 10, 20 … even 50 pounds. The program gives back health and also gives back confidence.”

The coaching aspect of Get In Shape is but one of the aspects of the business that sets it apart from many competing health and fitness facilities. “At least one personal trainer is available for each session,” McGill said. “Each session" translates to an hour of fitness training using weights, treadmill and elliptical machines. Clients typically schedule at least three sessions each week and follow a personalized nutrition program, mapped out for them by the Get In Shape staff.

Get In Shape: For Women also prides itself on client focus in an intimate setting. There is a four-client limit for each session, to maximize the effectiveness of the personal training. “We’re trying to create a setting where there are no other distractions,” McGill noted. “Our clients come at a set time and work out in a small group. It’s very private.” To maintain the intimacy, the Medfield location has a 150 member limit.

A large number of framed “before and after” photos adorn the walls at Get In Shape, each one containing testimonials from clients who have had successful results. “This is the place to come when you’re serious about the results,” McGill said.

One Millis client has already attested to the effectiveness of the program, despite being a member for only 1 ½ weeks. “I lost three pounds the very first week," she said. "I was so ready. I needed direction. I couldn’t just go to a gym. Having a one-on-one with a personal trainer is just what I needed. You really get their undivided attention [at Get In Shape].”

Contributing to the success story of Get In Shape clients is the fact they are held accountable for reaching specified goals. A commitment to the program is emphasized during the initial interview. “We don’t accept everyone into the program,” McGill explained. “They have to be motivated. They have to agree to be here at least three times a week, agree to modify their nutrition and they have to be 'coachable.'”

The Get In Shape: For Women franchise, which was founded by Needham businessman, Brian Cook, has grown to over 50 locations. Its program is designed to address the “four necessary components for optimum body transformation”: Weight Training; Cardiovascular Exercise; Customized Nutrition Plan and Accountability.