Laurens native Joseph Adams teaches the Building Construction class at Laurens District High School (LDHS). He\u2019s coached wrestling at LDHS for more than 12 years and has also been involved in a youth wrestling rec program for many years.<\/p>\n
A couple of years ago, Adams and his wife Rachel knew with baby number six on the way, he\u2019d have to take a step back from his recreational coaching but after a brief hiatus and once his children were old enough to get involved, he returned as head coach of the youth program.<\/p>\n
Adams and his wife began a personal fitness journey, building their own gym at home and began to consider opening a gym to offer the same equipment, Adam\u2019s coaching, training skills and more to the entire community of Laurens.<\/p>\n
The couple launched The Forge Fitness Academy in early May at 203 Hillcrest Dr., Laurens.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur community doesn\u2019t have this style of gym. I have a passion for Jiu Jitsu, so that was a no brainer to add to our gym,\u201d Adams said. \u201cIn addition, we offer adult fitness classes, youth wrestling (ages 4-6, 7-12 and 13 and older), middle school and high school athletic training, though you don\u2019t have to be on a team somewhere. We have three certified personal trainers and the Jiu Jitsu classes for those 16 and over.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Forge Fitness program includes classes in high-intensity interval training (HIIT), bodyweight calisthenics and functional weightlifting and\/or join in the Adult Boot Camp program for circuit exercises, including battle ropes, tire flips, kettlebell swings and bodyweight movements.<\/p>\n
Most of all, the Adams\u2019 hope is that others will come along on the same journey they have experienced in the past few years.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst and foremost, I want people to build themselves up as a total person. I want this place to feel like family. We want to spread the gospel through actions and words and build relationships with people,\u201d Adams said. \u201cThen, we want to work on physical fitness and have the right mindset to be an overall healthy human being.\u201d<\/p>\n