MAX Fitness and Wellness Center kicked off 2025 with remarkable energy and success among our fitness instructors—MAX Fitness and Wellness Center in Hillsborough hosted the year’s first Quarterly MAX University, and it was nothing short of exceptional.
With over 20 dedicated instructors coming together, the energy in the room was incredible. This event was all about elevating skills, deepening knowledge, and strengthening the bonds within our MAX community.
What We Covered
Our instructors explored key training topics designed to enhance their impact in every class:
- Dynamic Flexibility – Led by Sherry from the Montclair/Madison team, this session focused on helping members move better and feel better right from the start of their workouts.
- RPE-Based Training – MAX Training Coordinator Donta Rice broke down how to train smarter by understanding workout intensity using Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE).
- Time Under Tension – Presented by Director of Franchise Support Tony Ferrao, and brought to life in a practical session by MAX Training Coordinator, Donta Rice, this topic emphasized the benefits of controlled movement for building strength and endurance.
- Exercise Form and Technique – Sherry and Donta teamed up to help instructors fine-tune their coaching for maximum safety and effectiveness.
- Kickboxing Class Formats – Jason Hoffman from the Edison team delivered an engaging session on the number system and strategies to keep classes energetic and impactful.
The Impact
The vision with MAX University is to continue to offer quarterly training opportunities, focused on enhancing the experience of all MAX members by ensuring our instructors have access to informative and educational content, as well as a hands-on and practical approach to practicing what is learned in each center.
“A big thank you to every instructor who came ready to learn and grow—you are the driving force behind the MAX experience,” commented Ferrao. “Special appreciation for Jenn at Hillsborough MAX for ensuring the space was perfectly set for success. Additionally, Donta Rice, MAX Training Coordinator, contributed immensely to coordinating the event.”
Ferrao, Director of Franchise Support, has been in the industry since 1997 and has overseen franchise level training efforts like these for over a decade now. Rice has over 8 years of experience instructing MAX classes at over 10 locations in New Jersey and has personally helped hundreds of MAX clients on their fitness and wellness journey. Sherry McKinnon, lead trainer for Madison and Montclair MAX locations, provides valuable insights from her immense experience in the industry and background in exercise science. Jason Hoffman, manager of the Edison MAX location, has spent many years in martial arts and now brings his expertise from the mat to his work at MAX.
The team cannot wait to see the positive ripple effects of this training throughout our classes this spring and beyond. Stay tuned for the next MAX U event that will be at the Lacey location in May.
