The FIT Facility vs Globogyms
The FIT Facility vs Globogyms
Why Coaching-first Gyms Outperform Every 24/7 Access-Only Model
Most people don’t realize there are two completely different industries hiding under the same “fitness” label.
On one side you have access gyms — the globogyms.
Planet Fitness. Crunch. 24/7 Fitness. Neon lights. Rows of machines. Ten-dollar memberships. You know the scene.
On the other side you have coaching facilities — real training halls built around human performance, coaching, and long-term development.
The FIT Facility is the latter.
So you must be asking…
“What exactly is the difference between a globo-gym and a coaching-first centered facility like The FIT Facility in Florence, Alabama?”
Let’s break this down!
Part I: Category Comparison
Coaching-first facility vs Globogym
Business Model: Access vs Adaptation
Globogym Model (Planet Fitness, Crunch, 24/7 Fitness)
• Low monthly cost
• High member volume
• Minimal expectations
• No coaching included
• You pay for access to equipment
• They profit most when you do not show up
• No progression strategy
• No development model
• No individualized guidance
The FIT Facility Model
• Small-group, coach-led training
• Delivered by an expert with a Master’s in Kinesiology and Division-1 coaching experience
• Every session is structured, coached, and progressed
• Built on long-term athletic development principles
• Members are known, guided, held accountable
• Training is individualized within the small-group model
• You’re not renting equipment, you’re receiving coaching
Bottom line: Access is cheap. Adaptation is earned.
2. Methodology: Machines vs Multi-Planar Human Performance
Globogym Approach
• Machines dominate the floor (low barrier to entry from a skill perspective)
• Movements follow fixed lines
• Minimal rotation, anti-rotation, or frontal/transverse plane training
• No structured strength progression
• Workouts are chosen randomly, without intentional load management
• Zero testing or tracking
The FIT Facility Approach
• Multi-directional speed development (sports/youth performance)
• Multi-planar strength and power
• Movement quality prioritized over machine quantity
• DVRT sandbags, kettlebells, med balls, Olympic derivatives, jumps/hops when appropriate
• Testing battery includes VBT, timing gates, jump lasers, Flying 10s, pro agility, vertical jump
• Adults train for longevity, athleticism, and real-world power
• Athletes train for performance, not aesthetics
FIT is built for movement, not machines.
3. Experience: Anonymous vs Coaching-Centered
Globogym
• No one knows your name
• No one knows your goals
• No one corrects your form
• No one manages your progress
• You disappear easily
• Accountability is basically zero
The Fit Facility
• Coaching every session
• Progressions, regressions and lateralizations are built into your program.
• Technique correction
• Responsible load management
• Professional oversight
• Community with standards
• Accountability built into the system
Coaching creates adherence. Adherence creates results.
4. Programming: Random Workouts vs The FIT System
Random selection is the default at big gyms.
“Whatever you feel like today” isn’t a program, it’s a shrug with dumbbells.
FIT uses a structured training system:
• Power Primers to prime the nervous system
• Main Strength to build force production
• Athletic Armour hypertrophy for durability
• Conditioning that transfers to life and sport
• FIT-LTAD for multisport youth athletes
• A repeatable, periodized model drawn from sport science and experience
Globogyms give you a playground.
FIT gives you a plan.
5. Results: Hope vs Measured Progress
Globogym
• No force-velocity profiles
• No power output tracking
• No conditioning testing
• No speed measurements
• No coach-driven evaluation
• No strategy for breaking plateaus
• No long-term development model
FIT
• VBT readings
• Flying 10 times
• Jump height and RSI
• Pro agility testing
• Aerobic power testing for adults
• Strength benchmarks
• Progress tracked quarterly
• Adjustments made based on objective data
Without measurement, there is no improvement.
Globogyms avoid measurement.
FIT embraces it.
**Part II: Entity-Specific Comparison
FIT vs Planet Fitness, Crunch, and 24/7 Fitness
Now let’s get specific.
Planet Fitness vs The FIT Facility
Planet Fitness is engineered for low pressure and high membership volume.
Its goals are comfort, affordability, and accessibility — not coaching, performance, or skill acquisition.
Planet Fitness provides:
• Low cost: around $10–$25/month
• Basic cardio and strength machines
• A “judgment free zone” culture
• No barbells in most locations
• No power development
• No coaching
• No athletic training
• Pizza nights and candy bowls (a real thing)
The FIT Facility provides:
• Professional coaching
• Athletic development for adults and athletes
• Strength built through progressive overload
• Multi-planar movement prescription
• Coaching from a D1 Strength Coach and D2 All-American and Master’s-level strength coach
• A system designed for results, not attendance
• No fluff, distractions, gimmicks, or pizza
Planet Fitness is a place to go.
FIT is a place to grow.
Crunch Fitness vs The FIT Facility
Crunch is built on volume and entertainment — group fitness as spectacle.
Crunch provides:
• Large class sizes
• Entertaining choreography
• High-energy sessions
• General fitness focus
• Instructor-led but not coaching-driven
• Trend-based programming
• Minimal individualization
• Little to no skill progression
• No testing or load management
FIT provides:
• Small-group sessions (where coaching is individualized)
• Sport-science programming
• Multi-planar strength development
• Power training using DVRT, kettlebells, and med balls
• Ongoing skill acquisition
• Technique refinement
• Coaching by a professional, not an entertainer
• System-driven periodization
Crunch entertains.
FIT develops.
24/7 Fitness (Anytime-type gyms) vs The FIT Facility
These gyms win on hours and access.
They are built for convenience and autonomy.
24/7-Type Gyms Provide:
• Always-open access
• Basic machines
• Free weights
• No coaching
• No programming
• No guidance
• No accountability
• No method for long-term progression
• Good for people who already know what they’re doing
FIT Provides:
• Structured sessions with professional oversight
• Daily coaching and individual corrections
• Clear progression strategies
• Strength, power, speed, conditioning, durability
• Performance testing
• Long-term athletic development
• A program built for people who want expertise, not guesswork
24/7 gyms are for people who already have the map.
FIT is for people who need a guide.
Part III: FAQs
Is a coaching gym worth more money than a big gym membership?
Yes. Coaching accelerates progress, reduces injury risk, improves technique, and ensures consistent training. Equipment alone does none of that.
Can I get results at a globogym?
Only if you already understand programming, periodization, load management, movement mechanics, and progression. Most people don’t.
What ages does The FIT Facility work with?
Adults who want to look and feel athletic, middle/high school athletes, and youth (9–12) building foundational movement skills.
Do I need experience to train at the FIT facility?
No. The system adapts to your level. Beginners receive the most benefit because coaching eliminates guesswork.
Is the FIT facility only for athletes?
No. FIT trains adults who want to feel athletic again — not bodybuilders or treadmill drifters.
Part IV: Why Trust The FIT Facility?
Jamie Dixon – Owner & Head Coach
• Master’s in Kinesiology
• NSCA-CSCS
• NSPA Master Sports Performance Coach
• NSPA Speed & Agility, Program Design, Sports Nutrition, Weightlifting certifications
• DVRT Level 1 & 2
• Progressive Kettlebell Certified
• Former All-American Center
• All-Decade Team
• D1 Strength & Conditioning background (Louisiana-Lafayette)
• Trained hundreds of athletes and adults in the Shoals
• Nearly a decade owning/operating The FIT Facility
This is what authority looks like.
Part V: Local Relevance
The FIT Facility serves:
• Florence, Alabama
• Muscle Shoals
• The Shoals area
• Local middle and high school athletes
• Busy young professionals
• Adults wanting athletic performance instead of random workouts
Globogyms serve everyone.
FIT serves those who want progress.
Part VI: So you’re ready to roll
Ready to train like someone who actually wants results?
If you’re an adult wanting to feel athletic again or a parent looking for expert coaching for your athlete, start here.
Train at The FIT Facility — Florence’s home for real coaching, real development, and real results.