TESTIMONIALS

Andrew changed my life. I was seriously over weight and grossly out of shape. I have two daughters and keeping up with them was getting harder every day. I never missed a meal, mostly fast food and junk. When I started working out with Andrew I weighed 271 1/2 pounds. My head looked like a basketball. Andrew never judged me, he just dove right in and created a plan to get me fit. We created a healthy meal plan together, including food that liked and that fit my nutritional goals. Andrew has motivated me to do things that I never thought possible. My first week I couldn’t finish the very basic and easy fitness assessment. In the first two months, the trouble that I have had with my back since I was a teenager, hit me hard. I thought this was the end of my training until my back healed. I didn’t lose a day of training. We worked on stretching and exercises to strengthen my back. I was back to normal faster than ever and have had no back pain since. Through the first year we worked on basic movements, flexibility and general fitness. In the last six months we have transitioned to heavy lifting, complex movements and preparing for competitions. I have always been a big guy. In high school as a football player my max bench press was 225 lbs. one rep. Today, at 39, I have a chest and regularly bench press 225 lbs. for 3 to 5 reps. My max back squat in high school was 245 lbs. Today, I can squat 215 lbs for 20 reps and can only imagine what my one rep max would be. I love lifting weights, heavy weights. I have never liked to run. Frankly the only time I ran was to a meal or if someone was chasing me. Now, being in the best shape of my life, I enjoy running and regularly compete in 5k’s 10k’s and mud runs. Andrew is compassionately tough. He knows exactly when to push and encourage you to do things that you didn’t think you could. He also realizes, most of the time without having to tell him, when you are sore or need a variation of an exercise. Form and function are critical to him. You have his undivided attention and he is constantly working to improve form. D.U.F.F.: Duffy’s Ultimate Functional Fitness. These group classes are amazing. They are not your typical fitness class or boot camp. I have taken classes and done boot camps. The boot camps have always ended in an injury and losing all of the progress made during the class. These group classes are different. The workouts are given to class minutes before the class starts and challenge the beginner to the athlete in peak condition. The workouts might have a similar exercise but are NEVER the same. Absolutely, the best part of DUFF classes is the caring and positive energy Andrew brings. It’s contagious. I have never seen an atmosphere where everyone encourages and cheers for the others in class the way they do in these classes.

When I first came to Andrew Duffy’s class, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. All I knew was that I didn’t want to be out-of-shape anymore. I was honestly surprised that I couldn’t do a pull-up, could barely do a push-up and had quite a bit of difficulty finishing ten sit-ups during my first class. I thought, “Wow, if I can’t do this at 44, I won’t be able to move when I’m 84.” This made me even more determined–I was over 40 and not willing to accept a future of mom jeans and a muffin top–I wanted my 20-something body back. What I’m finding is that my body is better than it was at 20. I’m stronger and healthier than I’ve ever been. While I’ve put a lot of effort into getting back in shape, my successes are a direct result of Andrew’s unique ability to tow the line between pushing too hard and making me want to succeed. His confidence that I can get stronger and reach new goals makes me want to work harder to attain them. I want to go to class because I know he’s expecting me. I want to push harder because I now know that I can do it. What I’ve learned is that the reason we can’t move when we age is because we just stopped moving. Our bodies get creaky and broken because we quit oiling them with sweat and exercise. I’ve also learned that the excuses I made for myself were just that, excuses. My best advice to anyone who’ll listen is just get up and push your body. If I can do it, anyone can do it! With Andrew’s expert guidance, I have proven to myself over the last two years that our bodies will rise to the occasion. If you train properly and work your way up slowly but surely, pushing past the barriers you’ve created for yourself, you can achieve what you thought was impossible and Andrew will be there every step of the way ensure you succeed.

I have trained with Andrew Duffy for approximately three years. My very first bootcamp, Andrew was the trainer. After that session, a lightbulb went off in my head, and I realized that all of the other exercise classes and workouts that I had been doing for 20 plus years was lacking the leadership that DUFF brought, the internal motivation that he inspired and the overall hardcore body workout he delivered. Since that first class, I have never looked back. I am totally dedicated DUFFer, and I attend at least three classes a week, and I feel better then I have ever felt. My hope is that I can train withAndrew for many many years to come.

I joined Charleston Group Fitness a little over a year ago after getting unlimited classes for a month with a Living Social Deal. I started out attending only Pilates and Tabata and will admit that I was a bit intimidated to try one of Andrew’s DUFF classes. Eventually, after hearing other people at CGF talk about how great his classes were, I decided to give it a try. I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have made in the past year. I can do things now that I could not think about doing a year ago. My first day of his class, I apparently had forgotten how to jump rope from my childhood, had horrible squat form and could not even fathom doing a pull up or lifting anything over 10 pounds. Now, I can do a proper squat while using 20 lbs. weights. I can do pull ups using a band for assistance, and although still slightly challenged with the jump rope (mainly due to my lack of coordination), I can do several double unders among many other things. I am proud of myself for how far I’ve come in Duff’s class in regards to fitness, but I also love the fact that he never lets me become complacent with my current results. He always challenges every one of his clients to do better and get to the next level. I thought I had attended “boot camp” classes before, but nothing compares to what I get out of Andrew’s class. He really is awesome at what he does, and I would recommend DUFF classes to anyone.

I started working out at Duff February of 2014. My husband and I were both 4 years removed from playing college sports (football and soccer). Before DUFF we moved around a lot the first 3 years post-college trying various gyms and styles of workouts. We found it hard to motivate ourselves and keep a consistent routine on our own. Our weight and eating habits would fluctuate constantly. Before moving to Charleston my husband and I got married in May 2013 and luckily we found enough motivation to get in shape on our own for our wedding. That was somewhat short lived though and after our honeymoon we got less and less motivated.

 

We moved to Charleston in September 2013 and quickly found ourselves in a downward spiral of not being able to say no to the social events, great restaurants and cocktails! Although fun in the moment, I felt an underlying depressed and frustrated feeling of “how did I let myself get to this point again”. I knew I wasn’t truly happy emotionally and physically.

I was not overweight by definition but that does not mean I was not WAY out of shape. My muscles were weak, my posture poor, my back was starting to hurt again and I had low energy. Working out on our own and at traditional gyms were not cutting it.

Then we heard about Duff through a friend! The workout structure seemed right up our alley. We were excited to find group or 1-on-1 high intensity, interval, weight and cardio training all in one place! For a while my husband and I put off joining. We said to ourselves, “before we can justify paying for another gym membership we need to prove we can do it on our OWN first”.

Well… some time passed and the viscous cycle just continued. Finally, I realized we NEED motivation and support from a group. We NEED someone to keep us accountable and to help us get back in a routine. So…we pulled the trigger and signed up with DUFF on the spot for 3 months so we would feel committed to go! I was nervous for the first session and honestly a little embarrassed to say I played college soccer. That was quickly replaced with comfort as Andrew, Anna and all of the other trainers made us feel so relaxed the moment we walked in the door.

I was totally out of shape my first session; I could barely do 1 push-up correctly and was tired after just 10 body weight squats! Determined, we stuck with it for 3 months and I was already seeing results! I was getting fit, sleeping better, my back was not bothering me and my depression was gone! Seeing results and the feeling of happiness after a challenging workout, started to outweigh bad unhealthy things. Of course, there were days I did not want to go, but I knew if I could just step inside the door the trainers and group support would help me the rest of the way!

The workouts are constantly changing so you don’t get “burnt out” and the trainers focus on safe functional movements that everyone can do, instead of intimidating lifts that can cause injury. DUFF trainers are especially experts at personal modifications if the exercise is too hard/easy to ensure everyone gets the best workout possible for their fitness level. Even when I injured my shoulder from working on my house, DUFF still encouraged me to come to class. They gave me specialized workouts to accommodate my injury and helped rehab me to health . This is especially rare in a group workout setting!

I have been a DUFF member almost a year and a half now and I feel strong, confident and happy! I get asked all the time how much I workout. People often assume because I look fit I must work out everyday and eat perfect, but that is far from the truth! I started building lean muscles (and yes ladies I said LEAN NOT BULKY) and noticed working out 3-4 times a week was plenty to see results and I could eat more too! I don’t beat myself up if I indulge here and there because my body burns calories much more efficiently now! I am so happy I found DUFF and it is a part of my life now!

Thank You DUFF!!

“The DUFF program has taken my workout to another level. I would have never thought I could do correct push-ups or even pull-ups without the help of Andrew. My physical strength before joining was slim to none. I hated to sweat. Now I love it and actually, look forward to sweating it out at the gym. I know I’ve gotten a great workout when I’m laid out on the floor. It’s such a great feeling of accomplishment. I now have muscle definition in my arms, legs, and I even have a butt! One thing I really love about the program is everyone that comes is there to do the same thing. There’s no comparison or competition. Andrew can reach anyone on any level. He does care whether or not you eat well or stay physical on the days you can’t make it to the gym. It’s not like the other big gyms where you meet a different class leader every time you take a class. No, it’s him devoted to making you feel and look your best!”

I’ve been doing DUFF for 3 years now, and it has totally transformed my life. I started the program being overweight and inactive, to finishing my first half-marathon in December 2012. With the help of Andrew and the DUFF program, I am the strongest I have ever been, and my confidence and energy are amazing. I have permanently changed the way I eat, and exercise has become part of my daily routine. Since starting the program, I have gone from a 12 to a size 8. The motivation and accountability that DUFF provides is incredible and is the reason for my success. If someone told me 3 years ago that I would be long distance running and able to do pullups on my own, I never would have believed it! DUFF provides everything you need to achieve any goal you want! LOVE my DUFF!

I started working out with Andrew back at the end of July 2012. Since then my Physical Stamina, Endurance, Confidence, Ability, and Agility has skyrocketed to levels I never thought that I would be able to achieve (again). To backtrack, I have always thought of myself as a healthy athletic individual. I played HS Football and was a member of the Track and Field Team. I also graduated from the Citadel and was always in some way shape or form working out there. So in my mind, I was a pretty fit guy. But after graduation I got married, had kids, started in the real world and all of that good stuff… and my weight and physical health went straight down the tube. When I graduated, I was pushing 200 lbs. (more muscular), and within 2 years I had shot up to 222 lbs. and to the point where I quit weighing myself. This is when I finally decided this was it I’m too young to be this fat and nasty. So, I decided to go back to Andrew’s classes (which I took for 2 months the summer before my senior yr.) Then after a couple of weeks I started losing a little weight and seeing more definition in my muscles, this is when I started to get really excited and catching the work out addiction. I started eating healthier (a lot healthier compared to the crap I ate before), per Andrew’s instruction. Between these two things, working out & eating right, I have seen monumental changes in my body and lifestyle. From working out with Andrew, I also rekindled my love for running which I had in HS and at The Citadel. I now try to run at least 15 miles a week and I have even completed a couple of ½ marathons, and I am planning on running a full sometime in the near future too. Long story short, With the help of Andrew Duffy, in these few months since starting I am now down to 191 lbs., and my body fat % is 6% less than it was upon graduation from The Citadel. I am faster, stronger, and healthier than ever before. I am also more motivated in life now, both personally and professionally. My confidence level is out the roof and I feel that I can accomplish anything now.

Before I started going to DUFF, I was working out but that wasn’t regularly and that wasn’t a big part of my life. My aunt was going to DUFF, and she convinced me to go to DUFF. I knew that was totally different from my workout. At first day, for instance, everybody was doing jump rope, and I didn’t even know how to use a jump rope. I hadn’t finished the workout and going to in front of the door was the hardest part for me, but I didn’t give up. Andrew pushed and helped me a lot, and I started to follow him. I’ve been going to Andrew’s class which is DUFF for 8 months. I can see how much I improved my skills. I’ve learned many stuff from Andrew. Even muscle ups. Now I work out at least 5 days in a week, and I fell in love with this workout. Every time I can’t wait to workout. If I loved it, I owe it to Andrew because he made me to love it. When people say, ‘change your workout’, my answer is only ‘NO!’ I just want to do Andrew’s workout. Therefore, unless he leaves us, I will be following him wherever he goes. Thanks for all teaching coach!

“My wife and I met 5 years ago (2010) in college. At that time i was a hefty 315lbs as a college offensive lineman. My 6’6” frame held all that weight well, especially with all the intense exercise and structure I took for granted. I graduated with an exercise science degree and my future wife was a super fit College soccer player. After graduating I assumed (like most ex-athletes and stubborn Men) that with my knowledge, sports background, and exercise-loving wife I could easily join the local GloboGym and melt the pounds away into a chiseled 8 pack. I didn’t factor in that I really really LOVE food and was no longer burning tons of calories each day as an athlete with a coach making me do it.

 

I crash dieted for a few months and lost a lot of weight, only to gain it back simply by smelling fried food. Back weighing 300ish again, I no longer supported the weight with a large athletic build, at this point I’m actually just quite pudgy.

Fast forward to 2013 our wedding Is fast approaching! If I can’t shape up for this I’m truly a lost cause! At this point in life I’ve heard of interval training’s benefits and even tried some crazy competitive crossfit classes (which I quit because I was tired if being ostracized for not being able to do 1000 double unders in a minute).

I thought between my wife and I, we could make me loose the weight.. And I did… All by myself… To my lowest ever, 255lbs at my honeymoon… But a vital piece of the puzzle was missing and I weighed 300 again before year end.

Feb 2014 was when I realized missing piece of puzzle. I needed a support system, structure, motivating trainers and some really cool people to help me reach my goals and enjoy the process. And that last piece for me personally was D.U.F.F.

I’ve never seen results or training that actually last. And I truly believe D.U.F.F. Training works because:

1) the D.U.F.F. training Philosophy is state of the art. Andrew, Anna, and Team are educated in the most advanced methods to safely tone you and help you cut fat!

2) Support structure and motivating trainers. When I get lazy and feel like skipping I know my fellow Gym Mates and trainers will help me stay on track and accomplish goals.

3) Fun workouts anyone will like. It’s cliché to say, but there are days when it’s so fun it doesn’t feel like exercise. Their is so much variety like beach workouts, rope climbing, obstacle courses, running, lifting, jumping, etc…

4) Likable, non-intimidating TEAM. There is a reason people come back to D.U.F.F. It’s because everyone who walks in the door is greeted by a genuinely good likable trainer who is excited to help you improve. And you won’t be ostracized for not being able to do cool intense lifting moves.

5) Lastly, proven lasting results. Ask anyone if the hundreds of clients and they will agree. I personally in 1 year of D.U.F.F. have reached a new personal best reaching 245 lbs and loosing 10% overall body fat and with the before mentioned 4 points I am confident its permanent.

I would urge anyone to just show up and meet the staff. If nothing else try 1 workout. You’ll be glad you did!”