By Krystle J Bailey
“I always tell women that this is the best place their daughters or elderly mothers could be going,” explained Rachel Guevara about her Northfield business, Lift and Glitz Training Studio. “They’re being taken care of, they’re amongst other women, and they’re walking out of the facility with other women.”
Safety, comfort, and support are among the key ingredients that make Lift and Glitz a unique training experience for women in Atlantic County. The only women-only facility in the region features over 52 fitness classes weekly that cater to various ability levels and schedules. With private training sessions and group classes offered throughout the day, there is an opportunity for women from all walks of life to experience health in an all-new way.
Originally from Blackwood, NJ, Lift and Glitz owner Rachel Guevara never imagined she would have a career in the fitness industry. With a communication degree from Stockton University, Guevara set out for a career in the media. Life changed for Rachel when her career path was redirected, and motherhood entered the scene. As a mom of two, she made the decision to stay home with her children during their early years and, in doing so, began to explore other business opportunities.
When her own physical transformation began to inspire others, she started working with more and more women and mothers through online platforms. The spark was lit, and soon, Guevara knew she had landed on something special. In 2015, Guevara co-launched the first iCANDi gym and took her love for helping women to an all-new level.
With a different vision than her business partners, Rachel parted ways and set out on her own to create the ultimate women-only gym experience. She took into consideration all the obstacles that women tend to face in pursuit of health and created solutions for them. From the busyness of life to the discomfort of walking into a gym full of men, Rachel offered a space that women can not just get a great workout in, but feel safe and confident doing it.
“Lift and Glitz,” a name that began as an Instagram account, quickly became a brand that women recognized. In 2019, with life experience under her belt and a heart of service, Guevara opened the doors to her training studio, which now serves over 250 members and employs a staff of six women.
The facility specializes in weight loss, tightening and toning, rehabilitation, and strength training, and features two main classes: Strength Circuit and Functional HIIT Cardio. In between, members can enjoy classes such as yoga, pilates, dance cardio, kettlebells, and more. With members from 20 to 70 years old, the drama-free, safe environment has become a place where hundreds of local women have found solace.
Last year, Lift and Glitz Training Studio was renovated to include brand-new exercise machines, showers, a locker room complete with toiletries and necessities, and a luxurious entryway that creates a welcoming environment the moment members step through the door.
“I wanted to make it feminine,” explained Guevara. “So, I remodeled the whole studio. I’ve heard many women say it feels like they’re walking into a spa when they come through the doors.”
As the studio continues to grow, Guevara shares that she is excited to provide opportunities for more women. Having left the corporate environment, Guevara is excited to create a new and more feminine workplace.
Visit Lift and Glitz Training Studio at LiftandGlitz.com.
Krystle J Bailey is a published author, multimedia journalist, copywriter, and content creator. She is a regular Shore Local columnist and digital contributor as well as the booking agent and co-host of the radio show Joe’s Table for Two on WOND. Krystle can be reached at KrystleJBailey@gmail.com
