1. How does a “Trainer's Gym” operate differently than normal gyms?

Typically, access is reserved for those who hire a personal trainer. However at Rock Bottom Gym, because of our unique location, we do have a small number of exclusive resident members with the only other access for those clients who consistently attend classes, who can purchase a punch card for off training time access.

2. I’ve heard about “Small Group Training." How is it different than regular personal training?

Personal training is most common in a1:1 setting where one trainer trains one client. Small Group training, like the name suggests and in our format at Rock Bottom Gym, is one trainer working with groups of 3-8 persons using multiple modalities to keep all participants actively moving while the trainer moves from person to person, motivating, correcting form and directing to the next exercise.

3. How do I get started in a “Small Group"?

Contact Doug Petersen at (231) 590-6300 or e-mail us at rockbottomgymtc@gmail.com. We will ask you a few questions in regards to your fitness level and either place you or your group at the appropriate days and times you desire, if there are openings.

4. Can I use the gym if I am just paying for “Small Group Training”?

Because of our unique location on Level One in Building 50 of the Grand Traverse Commons, where there are residents living and using a common and connected 1-million-square-foot building, through the resident association we offer a limited number of exclusive memberships to residents. Secondarily, we offer punch card memberships to clients who maintain a consistent training schedule.

5. How do I decide which trainer I should use?

There are many reasons you may chose one trainer over another, but typically participants are referred to a particular trainer. Some trainers specialize in more aerobic-type training while others may incorporate more yoga-like stretching throughout. Once you have made contact with us, we can help you easily decide which trainer will be the best fit for what you would like to accomplish.

6. Should I keep a membership I may have at another gym or club while involved in training at Rock Bottom Gym?

We always encourage you to keep other memberships you may have, especially if you are the type of individual who prefers exercising in more formal settings. We have a motto at Rock Bottom Gym that, in part, says "We don’t make you fit we make you more fit”—meaning you will accomplish the bulk of your healthy programming on your own, whether it's in another gym or at home. Our goal is to teach, motivate and encourage. And in turn you have learned, been inspired and are determined not to leave Rock Bottom Gym, where you have worked so hard, to go and sabotage all your hard efforts.

7. Can I hire a personal trainer for one-on-one training?

Absolutely! While all group training follows the same rate, check out the rates for individual trainers.

8. How do I find you once I am at the Grand Traverse Commons?

We are located in Suite 1090. Click here for a map.

9. How do the shower and locker areas work?

The two individual shower areas are reserved for personal training clients. All members get full use of the locker area to store and lock their belongings.

10. How many days a week should I attend these “Small Group” sessions to be most successful?

There is no “best” number of days to attend and because themes change daily, there is no reason you should not attend sessions on back-to-back days. We have seen the most success in a three day a week schedule but will take you as many or as few times as we can get you!

11. What other programs are available at Rock Bottom Gym?

We offer post-therapy training for those who have completed their prescribed physical therapy and want to keep moving forward. Additional programs are offered throughout the year.

12. Where do I park?

There are a number of parking options and always enough spaces available. Look at our map and note the red highlighted areas as the lots closest to the gym.

13. Do you believe in supplements or endorse any?

We do not! At Rock Bottom Gym, it is our policy to not sell supplements of any kind. We sell a great workout and solid advice and nothing more!