COMMUNITY & INCLUSIVITY: WHY IT MATTERS
We often talk about a fitness community here at the Pittsburgh Fitness Project. But what does that really mean? Why does it matter?
SUMMER RECAP, ASL SHRED & DEAF AWARENESS MONTH!
Looking back across the summer, what made our Deaf Boot Camps so special wasn't just the workouts—it was seeing everyone connect, share non-stop laughter, and support one another with huge smiles on their faces. You proved that when we come together, the vibe is completely unstoppable!
HOW DOES SEMI- PRIVATE TRAINING WORK?
You may have heard recently at PFP that we are rolling out Semi Private Training (SPT) starting in October 2026. This is a new addition to our personal training option here at the gym that offers a slightly different feel to our normal personal training environment. Some questions you might have will be, who is this style of training for? How does the timing and planning work? How can I fit it into my schedule? Let’s get you up to date with it and how it can serve you as a member.
ANXIETY & EXERCISE
Have you ever felt less stressed after working out? There’s a reason for that! Let’s look at the physiology of exercise, why it relieves stress, and how you can incorporate regular exercise to relieve anxiety or stress.
THE PFP CLIENT JOURNEY
At PFP, we believe fitness is not a one-time event—it is a journey. Real results come from having a clear plan, consistent coaching, and regular opportunities to evaluate progress and make adjustments. That is why we are introducing an enhanced client journey designed to provide support, accountability, and guidance every step of the way. Beginning this September, PFP members will experience a more structured coaching process that includes: Initial Fitness Assessment, Monthly Coaching Check-Ins with InBody Scans, Quarterly Progress Assessments, and Yearly Reassessments. This approach allows us to move beyond simply completing workouts and focus on creating a complete, personalized fitness experience.
MORE VALUE, MORE FLEXIBILITY: COMING THIS SEPTEMBER
Unlimited Classes Are Coming to PFP Training Memberships! At PFP, we believe your membership should give you the tools, support, and flexibility you need to reach your goals. Starting this September, we are making an exciting update to our Personal Training and Semi-Private Training memberships that gives members more opportunities to train, build consistency, and get even more value from their PFP experience.
INTRODUCING SEMI-PRIVATE TRAINING AT PFP
At PFP, we are always looking for ways to provide better coaching, more personalized experiences, and more options for our members to achieve their goals. This fall, we are excited to introduce one of the biggest additions to our training model yet: Semi-Private Training. Before we officially launch this program, we will be inviting a select group of current and former PFP members to participate in our Semi-Private Training Beta Test Group. This pilot phase will allow us to gather feedback, refine the experience, and make sure we are delivering the highest-quality coaching possible.
BIG CHANGES COMING TO PFP THIS SEPTEMBER
At Pittsburgh Fitness Project, our mission has always been simple: help people become stronger, healthier, and more confident through expert coaching and a supportive community. As we continue to grow, we are always looking for ways to improve the experience we provide our members. Beginning in September, we are introducing several exciting changes designed to make your training more personalized, your progress easier to track, and your membership more valuable than ever. These updates are the next step in our commitment to moving beyond simply providing workouts. We want to provide a complete coaching experience that helps every member understand where they are, where they want to go, and exactly how to get there.
DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH
As July unfolds, the air fills with a distinct energy. While many associate summer with warm nights and outdoor workouts, the disabled community celebrates a major milestone: Disability Pride Month. July 26th marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990. For millions of us, this month is a time to reject the narrative that disability is something to hide, pity, or fix. Instead, we claim it as a vibrant, natural part of human diversity. As a coach at Pittsburgh Fitness Project (PFP), this month hits incredibly close to home. I am deaf, and I navigate the world and the gym with a cochlear implant.
BEYOND THE IRON
For decades, commercial gym weight rooms were subtly (and sometimes overtly) treated as male territories. Women were guided toward the cardio section—treadmills, ellipticals, and light pink dumbbells—under the false pretense that lifting heavy would make them "bulky." Thankfully, the fitness landscape has shifted dramatically. Today, more women are stepping up to barbells and squat racks than ever before. However, the rise of women-only strength training classes isn't just about providing physical space; it serves a profound psychological purpose.
WHY WE NEED MORE DEAF FITNESS EVENTS
Our Deaf Bootcamp on June 10th was nothing short of incredible. The energy, the laughter, the teamwork, and the sense of community made it a day to remember. Everyone showed up ready to move, learn, and support one another—and that’s exactly what happened. We didn’t just work out; we connected, communicated, and created a space where Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes could thrive together.
WHY WE HOLD PRIDE EVENTS AT PFP
As a lifelong gym user and athlete, I feel MOST comfortable in fitness spaces. However, for many people, this isn’t the case. Fitness spaces can be filled with prejudice and judgment, which can make them feel exclusionary (both consciously and subconsciously). Not everyone has the privilege of walking into any space and feeling safe and welcome. Which is why at PFP, our mission is to create a fitness community where people feel safe and are free to be themselves.
READ THIS IF YOU WANT TO COME TO PFP, BUT YOUR ANXIETY IS STOPPING YOU
Gym anxiety (or "gymtimidation") is incredibly real, whether it stems from a fear of not knowing how to use a machine or a fear of being judged for who you are. But your health and your fitness goals belong to you. At Pittsburgh Fitness Project, we believe anxiety shouldn’t keep you from building a body that moves and feels great. Here is a quick shift in perspective and a practical survival guide to help you take that first brave step into our space.
MEET OUR NEW TRAINER, ANDI!
Hi everyone! I’m Andi Parana, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team here at Pittsburgh Fitness Project.
BREAKING THE SILENCE: BUILDING A TRULY ACCESSIBLE GYM COMMUNITY
When we talk about "gym accessibility," many people immediately think of ramps or elevators. While physical access is vital, true accessibility goes much deeper. It’s about the atmosphere—the feeling that when you walk through the doors, the community is prepared to meet you where you are. For the Deaf community and those with disabilities, the gym can often feel like a "loud" place, not just because of the music, but because of the barriers to communication and understanding.
FOOD INSECURITY & OUR PFP FOOD DRIVE
Every year, the Pittsburgh Fitness Project hosts a food drive in support of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
This year, this food drive will become even more important as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will become unavailable for families in need.
Let’s look at what food security is and how you can help.