GAC Spotlight: Adam Shaw

Meet Adam. Adam likes to coach. Adam likes to train. Adam likes to see you reach your goals! Seriously though, this guy has been with Germantown Athletic Club for over 5 years and there is always a smile on his face. Adam is currently the Head Wrestling Coach at St. George's Independent School and Certified Personal Trainer at GAC. We got a chance to find out a little more about him. So here it is...  

• Why do you do what you do?
  I began coaching in 2010 and wanted to help wrestlers improve physically on and off the mat. This progressed into personal training.

• What things do you like to do when you aren’t at work?
  I enjoy grappling/wrestling, spending time w/ my fiance, Bailey and silent and active meditation. (maybe not in that order)

• What is your favorite exercise and why?
  By far, the squat (any variation) is my favorite. This is a primal movement pattern and necessary in everyday life.

• What person has influenced you the most?
  I would have to say my mother.

• In what ways are you a leader?
  I like to think of myself as more of a teacher.

• What fuels you?
  Watching one of my wrestlers execute a move correctly or seeing a client hit a PR is always great. In general, affecting others in a positive way is what means something.

• What motivates you?
  God's grace wakes me up in the morning and the people closest to me...my mother & fiance, Bailey.

• What are three things that you would want people to know about you?
  I love wrestling + I love helping others + I love mentoring our youth

• What words of wisdom/encouragement would you pass onto others?
  Pursue your passion!

• What is your most noteworthy talent?
  Grappling and wrestling

• What do your more 'successful' clients have in common with one another?  What are they doing that’s making it work?
  They are consistent with their workouts AND they set daily goals.

• What do you binge watch?
  Workaholics and Alan Watts lectures

• What is your favorite meal?
  Tacos

• Where is your favorite place to eat in Memphis?
  I've got 2 - Leonards Pit BBQ and Spaghetti Warehouse

PHASE II RENOVATIONS UPDATE

Phase II renovations are moving forward and on schedule. The next step is the removal and replacement of both HVAC units and LED lighting throughout the entire gymnasium. Due to the scope of the work involved the entire gymnasium will be closed beginning Monday, November 28. We are anticipating a downtime of approximately three months.

During this time, the temporary walking track and basketball courts will not be available. All other areas of the facility including the indoor pool, weight room, group fitness rooms and racquetball courts remain open.

A new group fitness class schedule that will take effect Monday, November 28 will be made available early next week on the app, website and in the Club. All group fitness classes will be held in the Mind & Body Studio, Cycle Studio and indoor pool. Some classes will have back to back offerings to accommodate high attendance. We are also asking that no bags be brought into the Mind & Body Studio to allow for as much space as possible. We are making every effort to offer a wide variety of classes to meet the needs of our members.

In addition to a new schedule and back to back offerings, an online class reservation system will be put in place for those group fitness classes having the potential to reach capacity in the Mind & Body Studio. These classes will be highlighted on the schedule. While online reservation isn't required, those who have reserved a spot online will be guaranteed a spot over those who have not. If you will be attending any of these classes please click here for more information and instructions. We will continue to hand out numbers for Cycle 15 minutes prior to class.

Renovations can be trying but the outcome will be worth it. If you find the need to place a freeze on your membership please stop by the Customer Service Desk. Our friendly staff will be happy to help.

Renovations to the facility thus far have granted us the opportunity to have designated areas for Cycle and softer classes such as Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates. A larger child care area was also created to accommodate our growing membership. We have much more to come and are grateful you have chosen to be a part of it.

Phase II Renovations

We are currently at the beginning of Phase II Renovations. This project includes ...

• 3500 sq ft cardio deck level with the walking track
• designated group fitness studios
• new air handler units in the gym
• refinished gym floors
• new basketball goals and controls

This phase is our biggest project yet and is expected to take approximately 8 months. There will be times the track and basketball courts will be closed. We will do our best to keep these areas open as much as possible. We appreciate your patience during the renovations and we understand how frustrating it can be. We know you're going to love the final product!