The Lift Gym is coming to 804 Arnold Ave.
Members measure their time here in decades.
These are Google reviews, quoted as written. Swipe through them.
Swipe sideways.
14 yearsLauren
“In 14 years I got married, had two kids, and moved to Freehold (30 mins away). With all those changes, I have stayed consistent with my workouts. Why? It’s because of the coaches! The trust I have in them and the belief they have in me!”
Close to 15 yearsJack, whose wife Nancy overcame her fears and joined too
“I received a membership to The Lift as a gift close to 15 years ago. My wife, Nancy, overcame her fears and joined… 5 years later she is the best shape of her life. Don't be intimidated by this place.”
12+ yearsScott
“I’ve been going here for 12+ years because I don’t have to create my own workout… Because of the close community atmosphere of The Lift Gym I can honestly say that I have met some of my best friends from becoming a member.”
20 yearsDena
“Getting strong for 20 years strong at the best gym ever! The vibe, atmosphere and workouts are unmatched!!!”
11 or 12 yearsGail, a member since before the gym was called The Lift
“I’ve been a member of this wonderful business since before Matt changed the name to The Lift... 11-12 years now… They’ve helped me keep strong all of these years, which is so key to keeping fit and youthful as we get older.”
Over 10 yearsAllison, who joined when her daughter was six months old
“I joined when my now 12-year-old daughter was only 6 months old because I noticed that carrying her and my other daughter up the stairs… was becoming a challenge. I wanted to be strong again.”
Over 10 yearsAnthony
“I've been going here for over 10 years now and I would never go to another place..... Training done right. Attention to form and proper lifting, no egos involved.”
Almost a decadeCathy
“From the moment I stepped into The Lift Gym almost a decade ago, it has been a life-changing journey… They have fostered an environment where there’s no room for intimidation.”
8 yearsAmy, who trains with her husband Nick
“My husband and I have been working out there for 8 years… and still, are not bored of the workouts. As a member, we need to do nothing more than show up.”
Since 2017Bob
“Been a member since 2017. Amazing coaches and workouts geared towards the over 40 crowd, but great for all ages.”
This is not your typical gym.
- Never more than 6 to a class.The coach knows your name, your goals, and what you lifted last time.
- Coached by the owners.Matt and Kathy are in the room, and they train in it too.
- Built for adults 40 and up.Bad knees, an old shoulder, thirty years away from a gym. Every workout scales to how you move today.
- The workout is on the whiteboard before you walk in.You never have to invent one.
- Your weights and reps get written down.You can see in black and white that you are getting stronger.
- Open at 5:30 AM.Sessions are short on purpose. You get in, do the work, and get on with your day.
- No fads. No gimmicks.Progressive strength training, coached every rep, for as long as you keep showing up.
“It’s not your typical gym where you don’t know anyone. Everyone there made a point to walk over and say hello and welcome us… We work out on small groups so there is attention to each person that comes in to ensure they are doing their lifts the proper way.”
Sandra, a month in with her husband
“As a former gym owner in upstate NY, I maintain high standards and expectations for trainers… At The Lift Gym, once I arrive, they take over.”
Elizabeth, a former gym owner
“You can go to your huge gym with no guidance and do what you “think” you are doing correctly and get little to no results. OR You can go to a gym where your exercises are guided and targeted to get results!”
Tom, 64, one month in
Owned and coached by Matt and Kathy Jennings.
Matt has coached strength for more than 30 years. Kathy runs the gym and is the person who calls you back.
- 1988
Matt and Kathy meet. Both already train.
- 1993
June 3. Matt starts as a personal trainer in New York City, in some of the city’s top clubs.
- 2008
The Lift opens in Point Pleasant Beach.
- 2010
Kathy leaves her corporate career to run the gym full time. She coaches, runs the day to day, and leads sales.
- 2025
Matt publishes Strong Fixes Almost Everything. The banner outside is quoting it.
- 2026
804 Arnold Ave.
“When I met Kathy to learn more about the program, I told her the truth: I didn't want to work out, but I knew I should. Rather than dismiss that or push past it, she genuinely heard me. She was so warm, encouraging, and completely non-judgmental of my reluctance and my fear.”
Davenie, a few months in
“I was immediately greeted by Matt + Kathy the husband/wife duo that own and operate the gym. They immediately gave me their undivided attention and 20min later had turned what was just a curious pop-in on my part to see what the gym was all about, into a new member of their gym family.”
Noah, who joined at 39
“Both Kathy and Matt ‘walk the walk’ as they are consistently there working out as well.”
Susan, several months in
Put your name down and Kathy will call you about the new gym.
Call (732) 903-7512 and ask for Kathy, or send her a text.
The Lift Gym is going to change the trajectory of the rest of your life.
That is a big claim. Here is what it looks like on a real person, in their own words.
Swipe sideways.
Flatiron, nearly 67.
“…hiked the same trail, and I was not winded, sore or tired at the end of the hike. Next year I intend to go to the top, a hike called Flatiron. A lofty goal when I’ll be almost 67 years old but one I’m sure I can obtain.”
Kris, one year in
Three days straight in Tahoe.
“Just this past weekend I skied 3 days straight in Tahoe never tiring and didn’t have to quit early. This wouldn’t have been possible without training at The Lift. I have more energy now than I did 15 years ago”
Mark, skiing for over 50 years
Blood pressure normalized.
“My knees hurt, my back hurt and I started blood pressure medication. Something had to change. Then I found the Lift gym!!! I lost some weight, my blood pressure normalized, My arthritic knees almost never hurt and I have much more energy and stamina for both work and play”
Dr. Kathleen Walsh, MD
The Inca Trail, and the Grand Canyon rim to rim.
“…several months ago I asked coach Matt V to prepare me for some bucket list treks. His focused attention stepped up my fitness so that I enjoyed the rigors of an Inca Trail trek and an epic 15 hour Rim2Rim traverse of the Grand Canyon.”
Cynthia, who joined at 61
Down the stairs like a 27 year old.
“Before I started working out here I was walking down the steps leading with my strong leg. Now I am walking down the stairs like an agile 27 year old.”
Nicole
Up off the floor.
“Since joining The Lift Gym I am capable of lifting myself off the floor…plus lifting weights I thought would take me forever to lift. Back in April I was in very poor physical shape. Tying my shoes made me breath heavy.”
Victoria
35 pounds in six months.
“…it’s been 6 months since I joined The Lift and I am down 35 pounds… My mantra is “ I just show up. And I keep showing up.”… Just to keep it real they don’t do the work for you. You do the work and you get the results.”
Doug, six months in
A bench press max from 20 years ago, beaten.
“The instructors are always telling us go heavy during strength training. Thanks to their program, I beat my previous max in bench press from 20 years ago.”
Ryan
Strong at 72.
“Love The Lift, I never thought I could feel this strong at 72 !!!”
Mary, 72
70 this month.
“I’ll be 70 this month and the Lift Gym is helping me stay fit as I continue to grow up!… This is a down to earth place with down to earth people…great place to keep fit!”
Ronald, turning 70
A workout on a 70th birthday.
“On the morning of my 70th Birthday another amazing workout at the Lift Gym.”
Michael
4 pounds of fat off, 3 pounds of muscle on, in three months.
“…in three months, I lost 4 pounds of body fat and gained 3 pounds of muscle mass. More than numbers, I feel stronger and more capable, and I get a sense of accomplishment after every session that I truly did not expect to ever feel in a gym.”
Davenie, who told Kathy she did not want to work out
25 pounds in a year.
“I originally walked in and was so afraid that I would never be able to do ANYTHING! It is now a year later and I have lost 25 pounds and my body fat is down 3%!”
Diane, one year in
Your name here means Kathy calls you before the doors open.
Strong fixes almost everything.
Matt has been a strength coach for 32 years. The thing he sees most often when someone new walks in is the same every time: not enough muscle.
The average adult loses 3 to 8 percent of their muscle every decade after 30. By 50, that adds up.
It shows up as a slower metabolism, weaker bones, worse posture, less energy, and a body that gets hurt more easily.
The fix is progressive resistance training, the only proven way to build muscle back. It strengthens bone, raises your resting metabolism, and makes everything else you like doing easier, from hiking to getting up off the floor with a grandchild.
Matt believed this enough to write a book with that title. Members read it. The banner outside quotes it.
“The LIFT Gym is more than just a place to workout…it’s a place that helps you stay strong for life. The programming is consistently focused on building muscle and real strength”
Amanda
“You feel the results in every day living. Functional Fitness, whether it’s carrying in your grocery bags or while working in the yard.”
Kathy D., a member
Put your name down and Kathy will call you.
Your first session, exactly as it happens.
Walking in is the hardest part. Here is the whole sequence, so there is no mystery.
You talk to Kathy. Goals, history, what hurts, how long it has been. You see the gym and meet a few faces. No hard sell.
Your first session is a movement assessment, not a punishing workout. It is how every exercise gets scaled to your level from day one.
Your first real workout is coach-led from the first minute. Every movement is shown to you, your weights are chosen for you, and your form is watched the whole way.
You plug into small group or large group, and your progress starts getting written down.
“They took time to understand my goals and where I was starting from, making sure I felt comfortable and wasn't thrown into workouts I wasn't ready for.”
Alex, back after years away
“From that first phone call with Kathy. I felt at ease. I remember the first few times going for a session. I was a bit nervous and wasn’t really sure what to expect. It’s been almost 4 months since I started and I can’t say enough good things about my experience”
Bridget, four months in
“Going to the gym can be intimidating, but not at Lift… It’s one on one but with about 6 other people so it makes learning and growing your strength so fun!”
Tara
“I’ve always been one to be afraid to join a gym, and The Lift made me feel right at home!”
Allison
Put your name down. The first conversation is with Kathy.
Call (732) 903-7512 and ask for Kathy, or send her a text.
This is the most prolific gym event on the Jersey Shore.
804 Arnold Ave is two blocks from the room where The Lift has trained Point Pleasant Beach since 2008. Doors open in November 2026. The people on this list hear the date first.
“We always say when we’re done, “See you on Wednesday,” “see you on Friday” , “ have a nice weekend and see you on Monday!” The support and encouragement are so important.”
Cheryl, 7 AM small group
“Our gym, The Lift Gym, is a family! owners and coaches have tons of expertise. Everyone respects one another and there is ZERO judgement and ALL encouragement!”
Jason
“Life changing - best gym, best people, best members. If you truly want to change your life and do it as part of a real community, there’s no better place than The Lift Gym!”
Mike
Put your name down and Kathy will call you.
Call (732) 903-7512 and ask for Kathy, or send her a text.