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Have you tried countless diets or gym routines, only to see the scale stay the same or the results fade away?
At Community Strength Austin, we get it—fitness isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter with a plan that fits you. Located in the vibrant heart of Austin, TX, our studio is more than a gym—it’s a community where real people achieve real transformations.
In this post, we’ll share inspiring stories from our clients and trainers, plus the unique approach that makes Community Strength Austin a game-changer for health and wellness. Ready to see what’s possible?
Let’s dive into the stories of Jack, Andrea, and me, John Cioffredi, your certified personal trainer and founder.
Jack’s Journey: Losing 60 Pounds and Keeping It Off
Jack was no stranger to weight loss struggles. For years, he tried fad diets, group fitness classes, and quick fixes, but nothing stuck. “I’d lose a few pounds, then gain it all back,” Jack shared. “I felt like I was spinning my wheels.” Sound familiar?
According to the CDC, 49.1% of U.S. adults are trying to lose weight at any given time, yet many struggle to maintain their progress long-term.
When Jack walked into Community Strength Austin, we didn’t hand him a one-size-fits-all diet plan. Instead, we built a personalized program focused on sustainable habits. Over 39 weeks, Jack lost 60 pounds—without counting every calorie or starving himself.
How? We streamlined his daily routines, creating what I call “autopilot habits.” Think simple meal prep, balanced nutrition, and workouts that fit his busy schedule. “The team at Community Strength made it feel effortless,” Jack says. “I wasn’t just losing weight; I was building a lifestyle I could stick with.”
Today, Jack’s not only lighter but stronger, happier, and confident. His story shows that with the right guidance, lasting weight loss is within reach.
Want to lose weight and keep it off for good?
Andrea’s Transformation: From 300 Pounds to Inspiring Others
Andrea, one of our amazing trainers, knows what it’s like to feel trapped by weight. Growing up, she was often the largest person in the room. By age 23, the scale hit 300 pounds, a moment that sparked her determination to change. “I knew I couldn’t keep putting it off,” Andrea recalls. “I wanted to live my life fully, not just get by.”
Andrea started by rethinking her relationship with food. She switched to a plant-based diet, focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. This wasn’t about strict rules—it was about fueling her body in a new way. Without obsessive calorie counting, she lost 75-80 pounds through diet alone. Then, she added daily running to build endurance and boost her metabolism, dropping a total of 125 pounds to reach her goal of 175 pounds by May 2019.
But Andrea’s journey didn’t end there. After significant weight loss, she faced loose skin, a common challenge for many. According to a Journal of Obesity study, up to 70% of individuals who lose substantial weight experience excess skin. Andrea underwent a 360 lift, abdominoplasty, and mastopexy, removing 8.5 pounds of skin, followed by three more surgeries in 2020. Between procedures, she started strength training with simple bodyweight exercises and 5-pound dumbbells.
In January 2021, Andrea met me, John Cioffredi, and everything clicked. “Training with John showed me how much I loved getting stronger,” she says. She earned her personal training certification and now helps others find their own path to health. Andrea’s story is proof that transformation is possible with persistence, support, and a plan tailored to you.
My Story: John Cioffredi, Your Partner in Fitness
As the founder of Community Strength Austin, my journey started on the sports fields of New Hampshire. Growing up, I played everything—football, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse—but track and field stole my heart.
I became a 10x state champion and was named the Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year for New Hampshire. Later, I competed as a high jumper at the University of Vermont and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In college, I interned with the strength and conditioning department at Wisconsin-Madison, coaching world-class athletes, including some who competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This experience taught me how to design effective, individualized training programs.
After college, I founded a non-profit called Community Strength, mentoring high school students to lead fitness classes for low-income individuals. It was my first taste of combining fitness with community—a passion that still drives me.
When COVID disrupted the non-profit, I moved to Austin and worked at a studio in the Zilker area. I saw clients achieve incredible results, but I also noticed a gap: exercise alone wasn’t enough. That’s why I became a Certified Nutrition Specialist, blending nutrition coaching with workouts for a holistic approach. In 2023, I opened Community Strength Austin to bring personalized training, nutrition guidance, and community connection to Austinites.
My Philosophy: Empowering You for Life
I believe everyone can reach their fitness goals—whether it’s losing weight, building muscle, or boosting energy. The key? Giving you the tools to succeed long after you leave our studio. I draw from a variety of training styles—think pilates for flexibility, powerlifting for strength, kettlebell training for endurance, and yoga for mindfulness. By staying up-to-date with research and collaborating with healthcare professionals, I ensure our programs are safe, effective, and tailored to you.
“My goal is to make you feel unstoppable,” I tell my clients. That means creating workouts that challenge you, nutrition plans that nourish you, and a community that supports you.
As client Maria L. says, “John didn’t just help me get fit—he gave me confidence to take charge of my health.”
Why Community Strength Austin is Different
In a city full of gyms, Community Strength Austin stands out. Here’s why:
- Personalized Plans: Your goals, your lifestyle, your program. No cookie-cutter routines here.
- Holistic Approach: We combine exercise, nutrition, and habit coaching for lasting results.
- Community Focus: Our studio is a place to belong, not just to work out.
A 2022 American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine study found that community-based fitness programs improve adherence by 25% compared to solo workouts. That’s why we prioritize connection at Community Strength Austin.
The Power of Community
Community is at the heart of everything I do. Growing up in a big Italian-American family, I learned the value of belonging. Reviving the Italian Club at the University of Wisconsin-Madison showed me how fulfilling it is to bring people together. When I moved to Austin, I felt a void—until I realized I could create that same sense of belonging through fitness.
At Community Strength Austin, our bi-weekly Community Training workouts are more than exercise—they’re a chance to connect. Clients sweat together, laugh together, and form friendships that last.
In a world where loneliness is a growing concern (the former Surgeon General called it an epidemic with health impacts akin to smoking 15 cigarettes a day), our studio offers a space to feel valued and supported. “I came for the workouts but stayed for the people,” says client Tom R. “It’s like a second family.”
Start Your Transformation Today
Your fitness journey doesn’t have to be a solo struggle. At Community Strength Austin, we’re here to guide you, support you, and celebrate your wins. Whether you want to lose weight like Jack, transform your life like Andrea, or simply feel stronger, we’ll create a plan that works for you.