Education and Training
University of Pennsylvania
Communications
2006
American University of Rome
Communications
2006About Allison Lewis
A love of Studio Fitness runs in my family! I grew up watching my mom find her community through group classes and was hooked after she brought me to my first class when I was 11. Through the years I’ve participated in many types of classes such as Yoga, Barre, HIIT, Pilates, Crossfit, and Strength & Conditioning and taught a hybrid HIIT/Pilates/Barre class before transitioning to my role as a Director at City Fitness.
To me, the Studio is a sacred space where everyone can let go of the day to day stressors in their lives and take time that’s just for them. It’s a place where you always know that you can find a friendly face, a warm welcome, killer playlists, and motivation to push yourself to the next level. It’s a place where people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities come together to forge a connection. It’s my happy place and I certainly hope that it becomes yours too!
It’s a privilege to oversee the largest studio program in the city of Philadelphia with the absolute best instructors and coaches in the industry. I am always excited to introduce new people to the City Fitness Studio Community and can’t wait to see you in class!
Blogs By Allison Lewis
Member Spotlight: Stu + Sheila Jameson Schwarz
Founding Members | City Fitness Fairmount Philadelphia residents for 11 years · City Fitness members since Fairmount opening When Sheila and Stu moved to Fairmount, finding a gym was a top priority. Fitness had always been part of their lives, and they were hopeful the former space in their neighborhood…
Member Spotlight: Tawanda Sydnor
City Fitness Member | Graduate Hospital What brought you to City Fitness originally? I came to City Fitness for the classes. After the 12th Street Gym closed, I struggled to find group fitness that felt comparable—especially Spin and Bootcamp. When I learned that City Fitness offered a wide variety of…
Coach Spotlight: Bridget Divney
THRIVE Coach | Fairmount What brought you into coaching? I originally started working out to support my mental health, but I didn’t really know what I was doing. Working with a personal trainer introduced me to weight training, and I quickly fell in love with it. At the same time,…
Coach Spotlight: Lexus Souriyavong
THRIVE Coach | Fairmount What got you into coaching? My long history in athletics, both participating and coaching, made me realize I love teaching others how to improve not just physically, but mentally as well. I want clients to know that I’m not only there to guide them through workouts,…
How to Start Strength Training Without Feeling Lost
Thinking about strength training but feeling a little lost? That makes sense. Walking into the gym — especially the weight room — can feel like walking into a conversation you missed the beginning of. Lots of equipment. Lots of people who look like they know what they’re doing. And this…
The Habit Loop: Why Small Wins Matter More Than Big Goals
Most people don’t quit the gym because they don’t care — they quit because life gets busy, motivation wanes, or one missed workout snowballs into a rut. But habits are about showing up in small, doable ways. Those small wins add up — and over time, they change how you…
Rest Is a Skill: The Power of Recovery Days
In a culture that celebrates doing more, pushing harder, and never slowing down, rest can feel counterintuitive, even uncomfortable. But the truth is simpler, and far more empowering: Rest isn’t a break from progress, it’s how progress happens. Learning when and how to rest is a skill: one that makes…
What to Do When You Feel Out of Place at the Gym
If you’ve ever walked into the gym and felt like you didn’t quite belong, you’re not alone. Maybe you weren’t sure where to go, how to use the equipment, or whether you were doing things “right.” That uneasy feeling can sneak up quickly, and it’s one of the most common…
The Best 3 Elliptical Machine Workouts
Going to the gym for the first time can be intimidating if you’ve never gone before. Everybody has to start somewhere though, and it’s great that you’re thinking about taking the first steps to improving your health! Nobody walks into the gym and instantly knows what they should be doing…
Getting Fit with BODYPUMP
Feel the Burn, Find Your Strength: Why You Should Try Les Mills BODYPUMP Are you looking to mix up your workout routine with a program that will push you to your limits? Look no further than BODYPUMP! This barbell group fitness class has broken onto the fitness scene by combining…