Our Mission

In 2010, AJ McDaniel founded the first Lunge Fitness studio in Woodbury, CT. Opening with a mission to educate people of all ages about fitness, the studio put a heavy focus on teaching proper form and exercise movements needed to be successful within a fitness program.

To accomplish that, programs were designed so that everyone would have a successful fitness experience without breaking the bank, knowing that personal training had become costly and many could not afford it.

As a pioneer of an affordable group training experience, AJ now offers access to a diverse physical program, education on increased range of motion, flexibility and strength and a results-oriented nutritional program.

Our team

aj Mcdaniel

Owner, Lead Fitness Instructor

AJ McDaniel, leading fitness expert in the health industry, is I.F.P.A. (International Fitness Professionals Association) and N.A.S.M. (National Academy of Sports Medicine) trained. He is a former competitive body builder who trained under the guidance and tutelage of Mike Katz, former Mr. World, of Hamden, CT.

AJ has worked in the personal training and fitness industry since 2002 and has been a strength and conditioning consultant since 2006. His expertise comes from his involvement in weight training and fitness training since the age of 13, when his great-grandmother, who understood the importance of exercise, gave him his first weight set.

A former fitness director for World Gym in Oakville, CT (2008 - 2009), AJ has received several coveted fitness industry honors including Bally's "Elite Trainer" 2006 & 2007. Bally's Elite Trainer Award winners are chosen from a field of more than 1000 trainers in the Bally's Fitness Corporation worldwide. Only five winners are chosen annually out of entrants from the entire New England region.

AJ's fitness expertise has also been aided by more than 14 years of experience working in emergency care and with persons affected by early stages of multiple sclerosis, stroke and quadriplegia. AJ's background in the medical field and in exercise physiology have allowed him to develop effective fitness programs for beginning exercisers to competitive body builders.

shanley

Fitness Instructor

I’m very passionate about helping others find happiness in life and feel good about themselves. I believe that when you feel good, you excel in life.

I have been a high school physical education and health teacher for 14 years and counting. I truly enjoy being active and helping others be active. I am also a Mom of a one-year old little girl and a four-year old little boy. Finding time for myself can be difficult but when I do, I am much better person all around! I hope to be able to lead as an example in order to motivate others!