Michael Normandia is the owner of Life Fitness Goals in Clarks Summit.
Submitted photos
Life Fitness Goals focuses on much more than just exercise
Michael Normandia, owner of Life Fitness Goals, and head trainer Richelle Epstein.
Submitted photos
LFG provides all the equipment needed for training such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, treadmills, rowers, assault bikes, cable machines, SkiErgs and more.
Submitted photos
Life Fitness Goals is located in downtown Clarks Summit.
Submitted photos
CLARKS SUMMIT — Fitness has always been a passion of Michael Normandia. He also loves to see people push past their comfort zones and become strong. But not just strong in body but also strong in mind.
“When you’re moving forward in something, especially your mind and body, everything else comes along with it,” he said. “Before you know it, with lots of hard work and discipline, you are reaching heights you never thought.”
Michael believes in using fitness that will set goals in order to change lives. Hence the name of his gym that he created in downtown Clarks Summit – Life Fitness Goals (LFG). Open in the building on 306 State Street since August 2022, LFG provides all the equipment needed for training such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, treadmills, rowers, assault bikes, cable machines, SkiErgs and more.
LFG offers the highest level of personal training. Michael, as well as certified personal trainers, make personal plans catered to you and your goals. Their schedule is based on your flexibility. They ensure you’re doing everything correctly and using proper weights.
“All of us here at LFG pride ourselves on doing everything we can to help our members acheive their goals,” said Michael.
The small group fitness membership is personal training in a group setting. It is for all skilled levels from beginners to very advanced. The workouts for the small group are separated into four 15-minute sections.
“It is also a great way for people who are just starting but want to be in small group to learn some essential skills that will help them thrive once they enter small group classes,” said Michael.
Richelle Epstein is the head trainer, who according to Michael is extremely dedicated to her clients and members. She does both personal training and small group classes.
“Richelle is a very skilled trainer and more importantly a wonderful person,” said Michael. “I started LFG; however, I could never imagine doing this without her.”
LFG also has a nutrition program to help members eat healthy. In order to describe the plan made specifically for the individuals, instead of using the word ‘diet’, they use the word ‘nutrition.’ Instead of the phrase ‘quick fix’, they use the word ‘lifestyle’.
Here at LFG, they truly believe in the mind body connection. Michael began LFG because he wanted to help others live a happy and healthy life. When he began the fitness center, he was able to build the right way and move forward.
“For me, fitness is what saved me,” he said. “I was living a life like most people, working a job I really didn’t love, and just going through the motions of life. I was working out but not moving forward at all. My mind, body, everything felt stuck. I was working hard, but I was not thinking hard. When I started to focus on my mind, everything changed.”
Michael is originally from New York and has been living in Scranton for 17 years. Richelle has been living in the Abingtons her whole life. They love the kindness and support they have been receiving ever since the first week LFG opened.
“We truly love this local community,” said Michael. “From local small businesses, like the Sunrise Cafe, to the local people stopping in and wishing us luck, and all of our local members, it’s been amazing.
LFG will have their own ice sculpture in the upcoming Clarks Summit Festival of Ice from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29.
“We look forward to being a part of every event we can locally,” said Michael. “At LFG, we really believe in giving back to the local community. It’s extremely important to us.”
