MIXFIT Phoenix and Coach Kat are ready to help you make 2021 the healthiest year ever
By Michelle Talsma Everson
Last year, MIXFIT Phoenix closed twice for a total of five months due to state-mandated COVID-19 safety measures that impacted gyms across Arizona. Thanks to the close-knit community built around the North Phoenix fitness studio and an agile business model, owner Katrina Uzzanti—also known as Coach Kat—was able to stay afloat.
During those times, she and her fellow trainers pivoted to perfection. They taught fitness classes online, loaned out valuable equipment to members (similar to a library check out system), and created a closed Facebook group for sharing health tips and staying engaged despite physical separation. Coach Kat says this was possible because of the relationships she, her staff and her clients have built over the years. It’s that sense of togetherness and camaraderie that sets MIXFIT Phoenix apart from other gyms.
“Our community is what makes us stand out,” Coach Kat explains. “Every time you come here, you’re working out with friends. We talk about our families, our goals and pretty much everything. Not much is off limits, and we keep it fun with more than our fair share of jokes and laughter.”
MIXFIT Phoenix is a one-of-a-kind, privately owned and operated fitness studio. It was founded in 2015 with one goal in mind: to create a fun, welcoming fitness community, where anyone can get healthy and fit at an affordable price.
MIXFIT offers small-group, coach-led training sessions six days a week in a variety of exercise styles. “We mix it up to keep things fun, and we leverage key elements of various training styles and programs to reap the broadest range of benefits,” Coach Kat says. “All we ask is that you show up and don’t quit.” Personal training and nutrition coaching, including meal planning assistance, also is available at MIXFIT. Since true health and fitness is about being able to live, work and play without pain or injury, the gym focuses a lot on functional fitness. One-on-one, hands-on myofascial release therapy from a National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified expert and trainer helps relive the muscle aches and tension that inevitability comes with life, regardless of whether one’s lifting weights.
“Myofascial release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying intentional, sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissue to eliminate pain and restore range of motion,” Coach Kat explains.
One of the main differences between MIXFIT and other gyms is that there are no mirrors or machines. Instead, there’s a custom rig, wall-to-wall rubber flooring, and free weights and equipment.
“It’s about getting back to basics and having the body do the work, not a fancy machine,” Coach Kat says.
Other distinguishing features and services include:
• Nutrition coaching and meal planning from certified sports nutrition experts
• Small class sizes and a lot of personal attention to meet members at their individual fitness levels and abilities
• Certified coaches with diverse backgrounds centered on various disciplines, including sports performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation
When it comes to professional trainers, Coach Kat makes sure to travel the health and fitness journey alongside her clients. With a bachelor’s degree in science, Coach Kat is an ACE-certified personal trainer with expertise in exercise and nutrition.
“As a certified health coach, personal trainer and gym owner, I love helping members improve their health, fitness and well-being in a fun, friendly and focused environment,” she says. “I understand the struggles of today’s busy lifestyle, and I know how hard it can be to make exercise a priority. I’m a working mom of six with more than two decades spent navigating the challenges that come with balancing family, work and wellness.”
Coach Kat definitely practices what she preaches. In fact, she does it right alongside her members. She simultaneously pushes herself and others to work harder and get stronger – recording her weights and reps as motivation for herself and others.
“It’s about getting stronger and doing just a little bit better than you did yesterday,” she says.
Getting better is a journey that Coach Kat is happy to be taking.
“I make meal planning and exercise a priority now, but that wasn’t always the case,” she says. “There was a time when I fed my family whatever was quick and easy at the end of the day. That changed in 2003, when one of my twin daughters was born with gastrointestinal issues. I was determined to help her in every way possible, so I went back to school to study nutrition. That charted a new course for me, both personally and professionally.”
Coach Kat became a certified personal trainer in 2013.
For members of MIXFIT Phoenix, there’s no excuse not to make a group fitness class. Each weekday, there are multiple classes to choose from. Saturdays feature a group fitness class where friends and family can also join in.
“Everything is coach-led, and it’s different every day,” Coach Kat says.
When it comes to pricing, MIXFIT Phoenix meets, if not beats, similar fitness studios. New members can pick from a variety of pricing options to fit their budget; this includes special rates for total health coaching, an unlimited monthly membership, personal training, myofascial release sessions, and even a daily drop-in rate. Nutritional coaching and meal planning are affordable as well, and there’s a 50% discount for all military, first responders, teachers, and other civil servant professions. Coach Kat shares that the first class is always free.
“If you want to know more about MIXFIT, don’t be afraid to come on in,” she says. “We’re welcoming and friendly. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to do something good for yourself. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that the most important thing we have is our health.”
MIXFIT Phoenix is located at 1903 W. Parkside Lane and is easily accessible from the 101 or I-17. To learn more, visit mixfitphoenix.com or call 602-492-1827.
