If you’ve taken a walk through downtown State College lately, you may have noticed the staple F45 Training location has been replaced by Next LVL Fitness at 227 E. Calder Way.

F45 owner J.R. Duffy transitioned the brand from F45 to Next LVL, hoping to add more creative freedom with workout creation. This way, there’s more variety in the workouts, and the trainers and staff can program classes independently.

While the previous F45 workouts were focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance, and conducted in a fast-paced environment, the Next LVL workouts allow the coaches more flexibility to use their expertise to guide the class.

The staff is composed of eight trainers, all of whom are students with personal training certifications who hop in to teach between classes, except for one.

State College native Alison Heimer began her personal training career after a brief run in the corporate world. Her passion for fitness began at a young age and culminated in her collegiate years as a lacrosse student-athlete at Susquehanna.

Heimer received her personal training certification after moving home and soon began teaching classes at F45. She stuck through the transition to Next LVL, and now her role has expanded to helping manage the studio and create engaging classes for the downtown fitness community.

The team of trainers is working to create an interactive, inclusive environment that caters to all students within the current rebranding to Next LVL.

“There are going to be a lot of students that we bring into our gym, and it definitely stands out because we focus on having a community that’s really close, especially for students who are maybe stressed with classes,” Heimer said.

This community mindset is key in establishing and maintaining relationships with clientele, both new and old.

Offering a variety of classes, times, and memberships is just one way the Next LVL team caters to local students.

“We value our students and have flexible classes for them every day to come in and take. We offer strength, cardio, and mixed classes as well,” Heimer said.

Next LVL also offers a one-week free trial to allow folks to figure out what type of class they enjoy most before committing to a full plan. The different price points and lengths of plans offered try to make sure everyone can find something that works for them.