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24e Master Trainer Paul Contorno, Sr. with a personal training client at the 24e Pelham gym location — 24e Master Trainer Paul Contorno, Sr., left, with personal training client Paul McPherson, right, celebrate a productive training session at the 24e Pelham gym. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Been thinking about getting in shape, but feeling a little apprehensive? That’s called “gymtimidation,” and we recently met a Birmingham trainer who shared why, how and where to get past it in the Magic City.

24e Health Clubs Master Trainer Paul Contorno, Sr., is living proof of how keeping a fitness routine can pay off far beyond initial goals.

In 2010, he was 44 when his doctors diagnosed him with Parkinson’s disease. Instead of following their advice to dial back his exercise to a more moderate level, he doubled down. Now, at age 60, Contorno is preparing for his first bodybuilding competition.

Read on to learn more about his health journey, how 24e Health Clubs have been part of it and how they can be part of your own story.

Quick reference

24e Health Clubs in Birmingham amenities + programs

24e lead 2 How to beat 'gymtimidation'—3 tips from an inspiring Birmingham trainer — 24e Health Clubs’ five Birmingham locations offer a mix of amenities and programs suited to their communities. (Bham Now)

Woman exercising by swimming pool at the 24e Health Clubs Pelham location — 24e Health Clubs’ five Birmingham locations offer a mix of amenities and programs suited to their communities. (Bham Now)

If you’ve been around Birmingham, you’ve surely seen 24e Health Clubs’ five locations around the metro—Gardendale, Trussville, Downtown, Pelham and Hoover.

Each club has amenities and programming unique to its neighborhood. For example, the Pelham location is popular for its aquatics facilities and postpartum program for new moms.

Here are a few things you’ll find in common across most of them:

Membership plans for any budget
24/7 access
Personal training add-on option
Group fitness classes (except Hoover)
Circuit training (except Downtown)

👉 Check out the 24e Health Clubs website to see and compare all of the unique amenities and programs by location.

3 tips to get started + build a gym habit

24e lead How to beat 'gymtimidation'—3 tips from an inspiring Birmingham trainer — To set a gym habit, Contorno recommends starting with a group fitness class or simple weight training, focusing on the routine and commitment first. (Bham Now)

“As corny as it may sound, the biggest weight in the gym is the front door. When you open it and walk through, what you’ll find is that most people will be willing to help you.”
_{Paul Contorno, Sr., 24e Master Trainer}

For beginners, Contorno recommends starting at 24e and:

Join a group fitness class to ease into the place, the routine + make friends
Sign up for personal training, even for just a few months, to create a plan + learn machines
Start with the basics—bench + shoulder press, curls, squats, one group class + build from there

👉 Request a FREE day pass to visit one of the locations, no strings attached.

Contorno’s fitness, health + personal journey

Paul Contorno, Sr. and Tammy Contorno after a workout at the 24e Pelham gym — 24e Master Trainer Paul Contorno, Sr. with his wife, Tammy, and training client Paul McPherson. (Photos 1 + 3 courtesy of Paul Contorno, Sr.; center: Bham Now)

If those tips aren’t inspiration enough, Contorno gladly shares his story in hopes of motivating others.

Shortly after receiving the diagnosis, Contorno went through a divorce, and their two children left for college. He firmly committed to keeping two things consistent: work and the gym—a decision that set the foundation for many good things to come:

Meeting his wife, Tammy, who set the wheels in motion for his personal training certification in 2020
Joining 24e Pelham as a trainer, group fitness instructor + bodybuilding coach
Keeping a strong physical health baseline, which has helped keep severe symptoms at bay

“24e has treated me very well, and I don’t take that lightly. They understand my situation and treat me with respect, and in turn, I give them the utmost respect. I believe that’s what all of our members find here, and I urge people to check us out.”
_{Paul Contorno, Sr., 24e Master Trainer}