Welcome to BTY Fitness Garner - where we are Age Defiant!
For 20 years the methodology that we use has proven to make anyone who consistently follows the program the best version of themselves.
Countless numbers have lost a hundred or more pounds, while becoming stronger, more capable, and able to move better than ever before. Knee ailments, inflexibility, loss of muscle, even chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes can all be corrected.
Age is NO barrier to entry. I began at 58 YOA (will be 68 this year), and I am living proof that someone with no previous sports or athletic background CAN and WILL improve. You do not have to be fit to start. You just need to have the desire and commitment to make positive changes in your life. Then, all you have to do is walk through the door. We’ll take it from there.
Our Program
Based in Garner, NC, we are a Functional Fitness gym designed and operated for adults 50+ YOA. All the movements we teach have their base in real-world application. Have you ever picked up a bag of soil for the garden? Carried heavy grocery bags in the house? Put a suitcase in an overhead bin? You’ve done a deadlift, farmer’s carry, and a clean and jerk. We make sure you’re doing it correctly, efficiently, and without injury.
Workouts are varied and different every day, so you never get tired of doing the same things week in and week out. The constantly altering stimulus maximizes your ability to change and progress and provides you with an adaptation of your body that has to be experienced to be believed!
Class Structure
Classes are deliberately kept small, no more than four per class. This allows safe movement for everyone, and maximizes the ability of the Coach to provide personal attention to each and every member of the class.
Each class runs about an hour, always including a warm-up, skill instruction, the workout itself (6-8 minutes to a half-hour) followed by a cool-down and stretching.
The large gym chains (Orange Theory, Burn Boot Camp, F45, etc.) have classes of 20 or more. Movements are kept simple, since it is impossible for one person to see or correct what everyone in the class is doing. Our small-class model allows us to provide consistently high level instruction to each and every individual member.
Our Gym
Our 500 sq. foot gym is well equipped to serve up to four Athletes per class. Kettlebells, dumbbells, bars, bumper plates, plyo boxes, as well as rowers, ski, and resistance bike are all on hand. Two weightlifting rigs, gymnastic rings, pull up stations, resistance sled, as well as jump ropes and AbMats for sit-ups. We've spared no expense to assure quality training equipment is available for everyone in every class.
Our Methods
The movements we use are designed to make you better for any challenges you may face in your everyday life. Working from core to extremity, we will make you stronger, faster, and more capable, no matter where you are at in your fitness today.
Monostrucural
Monostructural, commonly referred to as "cardio". Includes running, rowing, ski machines, and resistance biking.
Weightlifting
All movements involving moving an external load. Includes the Olympic Lifts (deadlifts, cleans, jerks, snatches), as well as kettlebells, dumbbells, med-balls, sandbags in a variety of weights and sizes.
Gymnastics
Bodyweight gymnastics includes push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups, as well as handstands, wall-walks, ring dips, muscle ups, box jumps, and many more.
Intensity
Intensity is crucial. This is what triggers adaptation in the body. It is relative; based on both your personal physical and psychological limits that day, but at the end your experience is the same as the most elite athlete performing the same tasks.
Our Coaches
Head Coach/Programmer
Bill Bowden
Bill is the Head Coach and Programmer at BTY Fitness. A former law enforcement officer, he taught both in-service and at the Raleigh Police Academy for eight years. He began doing CrossFit in 2014 at age 58. In 2019 he became a CrossFit-Level 1 Trainer, followed by an internship as a Trainer at CrossFit Invoke. During 2020, he and his wife transitioned to working in their home gym since all public gyms were temporarily closed due to COVID restrictions. In the years since 2020 he has been training a small group, focusing on individuals in the 50+ age group. He continuously expands his Coaching expertise, and has successfully completed continuing education programs in Running, Scaling Workouts, Programming, and Coaching the Older Athlete. At 67 years of age, Bill understands the challenges presented to an older population, many of whom have prioritized others (kids, work, etc.) while ignoring their own well-being. Bill is uniquely positioned to help this demographic achieve their full potential, leading to a much healthier, happier life.
Assistant Coach
Gail Bowden
Gail is our Assistant Coach. As the head of Training and QA for the largest ambulatory surgical center company in the world she is intimately familiar with working in adult education and training. She started training in 2016 and has been an active participant in numerous events throughout the years. She consistently ranks in the top third of women in her age group in the CrossFit Open and has been certified as a Judge for the past five years. She has an excellent eye for movement and is quick to encourage or correct any deficiencies in the Athletes she is coaching. Having overcome several physical conditions unrelated to injuries, she has a special understanding for those that are working to overcome limitations. As a 60+ Age Group Athlete, she understands both the needs and the abilities of the group she serves.
Mike Z.
"Your encouragement and constant motivation as a Coach has pushed both of us to new heights never thought possible at our age."
Kristine M.
"BTY Fitness is a great Masters gym that provides personalized training based on individual needs. Bill and Gail are AMAZING coaches that truly want the best for each person"
David W.
"I see the impossible. You see the possible and a way to get me there. I feel exhaustion. You say 'one more rep'. Thanks for pushing me to achieve incredible results!"
Hit Us Up Anytime
