Testimonials

Kelly Nash Member since 2008

I've been working out at Doug's for six months now, about a half hour each session, 3 days a week. I'm 59 years old, and never had the least interest in weight training before. But, my wife bought me a 2-month membership for Christmas, and I felt obliged to take advantage. Best move I ever made! I've had a desk job for years, and was in pretty sad shape. I can't believe the change in my strength and physique. Doug is the perfect trainer and motivator, and not once have I felt stiff or sore the next day. Each visit I get a little stronger. This gym has a lot of soul. You don't need the latest gym fashions, and you're not going to get a smoothie or a soak in a hot tub (or even a shower), but everything you need is there.

// Kelly Nash

Doug Vance - Member between 1993 - 2005

I ran across the Web page for Doug's Gym.. Great idea, and well overdue. I would like to add my testimonial. I worked out at Doug's Gym for 12 years, from September 1993 - August 2005. I left Doug's only because a career move took me out of the Dallas area. I can tell you, there is no gym around like Doug's. I loved the "eye of the tiger" old school feel of Doug's. That hard-nosed, bare-bones atmosphere always put me in the mood to train like a champion. The people who worked out at Doug's were some of the nicest and most colorful people around. They came from all walks of life, and were all very dedicated individuals, with one goal in mind... to be in the best shape possible.

Perhaps what I miss most of all is Doug himself. What a great man he is! Doug could always be heard discussing a wide variety of topics with various gym patrons - topics that ranged from the war in Iraqi and current politics, to the philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, to playing the stock market. Of course Doug is a living encyclopedia when it comes to physical fitness. Also, his dedication to his career and to his gym members is beyond imagination. I can remember several times over the years when an ice storm would hit the Dallas area, and sure enough Doug would still be in the gym and open for business. Sometimes in these bad weather situations, he actually slept in the gym overnight, rather than risk driving home, and then due to bad road conditions, not being able to make it back to Doug's the next day.

Doug is also quite an inspiration. Here is a man who is in his late 70's, an age when most people are either dead, or retired, who still works full-time six days a week, (just like he has done since he opened the gym in 1962), never is out sick, has never been to a doctor in his life, and works-out with weights harder than many people in their 20's do. Who else do you know like that?

I have great memories of my time spent at Doug's and feel very fortunate I was able to spend 12 years there. I used to joke with Doug telling him that when he turned 80, I was going to call Guinness Book of World Records out to the gym and I would personally spot him as he set the world record for the bench press for 80 year olds. It looks like I may have to keep that promise.

Thanks Doug for the great memories, the expert advice, and most of all for being such a great inspiration, outstanding role-model, and a very good friend. I will always love you! God bless and keep pumping the iron...

// Doug Vance

Claudine Pregon Lagerholm - Member since 1998

I’ve been working out at Doug’s since 1998. I absolutely love Doug and his gym. Doug taught me all I know about weight lifting and fitness, and he often gives excellent life advice, on the side. I’ve got to say that Doug is one of the few people who really made a huge difference in my life. He is wise, funny and very well read.

Doug’s gym is addictive and the atmosphere and members very friendly. I typically do a lot of free weights and in between I jump rope and run up and down the stairs (the “original” stair master). I especially enjoy working out in the summer because there is no AC – and I am not the only one!

Doug is a legend in Dallas and beyond. I remember being in Europe on a business trip a few years ago and I went for a run in my Doug’s Gym t-shirt. Someone stopped me and asked if that was the gym in Dallas with the hole in the wall. I couldn’t believe it! Whenever I get back home from a trip, the first thing I want to do is to go to Doug’s. My husband, Stephan is also a hard core Doug fan and a loyal member. Whenever our friends, family or colleagues are in town we always bring them in to Doug’s so they can meet Doug in person.

If you want a great workout in a no frills atmosphere with a legendary trainer, this is the right place for you. Doug is the best!

// Claudine Pregon Lagerholm

Gustavo Miranda, Member since 2006

Since two years ago i have benn doing excersise in Doug's gym. He call me Gus i am a 52 year old cuban whom rowed a boat to america. Doug's keeps me in shape. I enjoy every workout there..Gus

MAY THE PEACE OF GOD BE WITH YOU...QUE LA PAZ DE DIOS Y DE CRISTO ESTEN CONTIGO.....

// Gustavo.

Stephan Lagerholm - Member since 2007

I love working out at Doug's Gym. The results I get from following Dougs excersice program are great.

// Stephan Lagerholm