TRUCKEE, Calif. – Ready to make the commitment to get in shape?

Rebel Fitness Academy, a gym that opened just last year, aims to work with clients to improve weaknesses, and therefore improve one’s quality of life.

The gym and the training it offers are based on Functional Movement Systems (FMS), founder Ryan Egan explained. Egan, who owns the store with his wife, Sarah, uses this platform to identify movement patterns that need to be addressed.

---

---

And it’s the gym’s FMS screen that sets it apart, Egan said. The screen consists of different movements, which in turn allows trainers to determine which areas of the body to focus and work on.

“(Working out) is to enhance quality of life for day to day, instead of just being a way to burn calories or work up a sweat,” Egan said. “We want to break people out of the injury cycle.”

---

---

The FMS screen can prevent injuries by teaching clients how to, in essence, move properly, Egan said. “When clients move or exercise properly, they can develop certain parts of the body and therefore prevent injuries. All clients who use the gym have to have a screen prior to any lessons or class in which they may participate.

“We want to change people’s perception of why they’re exercising,” he said.

Rebel Fitness Academy offers group classes or private lessons. For safety reasons, Egan said, clients must score a certain level on the screen to join classes.

Group classes range from the popular Kettleball Training to Medicine Ball Mayhem, Shred Fit (for skiers and snowboarders), body weight classes and more. All classes are an hour long, and have a maximum of eight people, to make sure everyone in the class gets personal attention.

Both Egans have a background in fitness. Mr. Egan is a certified kettleball-functional movement specialist (1 of 150 worldwide) and a Certified Personal Trainer with the NSCA. Mrs. Egan is a Certified Personal Trainer (through the International Sports Science Association), as well as a certified Stott Pilates specialist in mat and reformer programs. Both are FMS specialists.

The couple moved to Tahoe from northern Idaho in 2007. Originally, they were training at different locations, when the idea of opening their own gym, based around the screen, began to take shape.

In the past year, the academy has grown in popularity. Egan said he’s worked with clients of all ages, from 14 to 78. He has countless success stories; many that include clients being able to perform activities pain-free or at a higher level than before.

When deciding if Rebel Fitness Academy is right for you, Egan recommends you ask yourself, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 30? Are you going to suffer an injury (performing the same activities you do now)?”

If the answer is yes, or maybe, stop by Rebel Fitness Academy for a complimentary screen.