★ 5

Loved reconnecting with Chris. His is the gift combo of Personal Trainer as well as massage. Happy to recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Massage at our Key Largo home was outstanding! Chris knew exactly what to do when I pointed out some tight areas. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

It was amazing. I feel like a new person.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is a real pro, he knows his stuff and practices with real consideration for where his client is at. He did some great deep tissue work for me after consecutive days of fishing had me pretty tight. I will be a regular!

Source: Google

★ 5

I had the absolute pleasure of receiving a massage from Chris, and I can confidently say it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. He came to my home, which was not only incredibly convenient but also allowed me to fully relax in the comfort of my own space. From the moment he arrived, Chris was professional, respectful, and completely focused on creating a peaceful, healing atmosphere.

His technique is exceptional — every movement was purposeful and perfectly attuned to what my body needed. He intuitively found areas of tension I didn’t even know I had and released them with care and precision. I felt completely renewed by the end of the session — relaxed, restored, and even a bit taller!

Chris is not only highly skilled, but also kind, grounded, and clearly passionate about his work. If you’re looking for a top-tier massage therapist who delivers a spa-quality experience right to your door, look no further. I can’t recommend him enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is very talented! The body work was great-relaxing and at the same time released muscle soreness/tightness. He can do it all!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is awesome! Getting my body back in shape, and feeling better every day!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is a great guy. My wife and I came in for a tempering session . Chris is very knowledgeable and such a cool guy. The treatment was euphoric and such a relaxing time. We slept so good that night. Take a look at the rest of his gym and amenities while there. Chris is the real deal . Thanks again !

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is Exceptional! I was seeking outdoor training with a fitness coach and Chris came highly recommended - I required someone knowledgeable to guide me through the proper steps to achieve enhanced strength, happiness, and overall well-being. And, to maintain my accountability. I am grateful to have made the correct choice!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris has such a gentle way about him. The body tempering that is does has been
a game changer for me. He is very knowledgeable and continues to seek new ways to heal and help his clients. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I met Chris as he stopped in our gym one day and gave a sample treatment so I booked a full treatment with him. And in one session he fixed my plantar fasciitis with his body tempering. I stood up and didn’t have to limp my first three steps like usual! Truly amazing and I can’t wait for my next session!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is awesome! He came to our rental house and gave me and friends the best workout. Such a nice and easy guy to be around and yet kept us motivated and working hard.
Plus, he also gives a really great massage so some women opted for that as well. Can’t say enough great things!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is a very talented and experienced massage therapist. He took the time to talk through whatever needs and issues. I get regular massages and this one was by far one of the best. He is very knowledgeable and highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris gets it. He pushes me at the right pace, watching my form and ensuring I’m getting the best results while avoiding injury. I’ve been reluctant to get started because of some recent injuries/surgeries. Chris develops a unique program for me to ensure I recover and build my strength back. I could not be happier.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been training with Chris in group settings and private sessions on and off for a few years now, and I want to share how much I love the variety and the effectiveness of his work... without being overly pushy he gets me strong and lean in only a few weeks! He's great. Although what inspired this review today, is the body work he did on both my partner and I today. It's a method of massaging the body with rollers of different weights called "Body Tempering". In only a few minutes, he can do what a regular massage might accomplish if you had 2 or more very strong therapists working on you! So cool. Very much recommended!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Work out with Chris...he's awsome! I started training with him when I moved down to the Keys 3 years ago and am still with him today. He is motivating, patient and caring and he goes above and beyond to customize my workouts around my wrist injury, as well as any other ailments that my occur. He recently added body tempering into the mix and all I can say is WOW! I often struggle with lower back pain and it helps relieve it tremedously! Train with Chris and be sure to schedule some body tempering session with him, you won't regret it.

Source: Google

★ 5

BTW is awesome and has so much to offer!
Chris makes the workouts fun while being sure you are getting the most out of every exercise by doing them correctly. He tailors every workout to your specific needs. Chris recently introduced me to Body Tempering, a recovery method that is amazing! I can say I'm tight here, this hurts, l'm sore...and he can magically make it all disappear! I love it and highly recommend you give it a try. My son is a high school football player, I just scheduled him a session...I'm sure he is going to love it!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great workouts! Many new and fun exercises. I totally recommend Chris.

Source: Google

★ 5

Enjoyed my first body tempering experience. Chris was great and i'm looking forward to my next time. Recommend to anyone to give it a try.

Source: Google

★ 5

Highly recommend Chris for your fitness needs! Very knowledgeable! Perfect size studio for one on one personal training or group classes!
Will for sure be a regular.
Thank you Chris for a great workout.

-Jenna Heck

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris has made exercising fun for me again!! I used to go to the gym 3-4 days a week and just got tired of it. I haven’t worked out in about 4 years until recently when my husband started training with Chris….my husband asked me to go with him one day and I reluctantly went. I couldn’t believe what an amazing workout it was and just in a few short weeks I’m already seeing a transformation! I look forward to our training sessions and now go with my husband 3 times a week! I feel great and love that Chris has bought my love for exercising back into my life!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great workouts! Always challenging, never boring!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing trainer! Highly recommend

Source: Google

★ 5

I have only been working with Chris for a month but WOW!! He is so compassionate ~ yet, he also is aware that if you want to build strength you have to do the work! He is super knowledgeable and I feel very safe in his care! Our sessions leave me tired and energized at the same time! I am so excited to be working on my strength again~I can't wait to see my progress over the next few months!! THANKS Chris!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is a warm and compassionate trainer! In personal sessions he really works to make sure you learn and understand how to correctly execute exercises so you get the most out of them. In the studio, there are a variety of machines and floor equipment to use to keep classes interesting and fun, and you come away from sessions feeling like you accomplished a well-rounded workout! Studio workouts are by appointment only, and everything is sanitized between appointments. I feel very safe working out one on one or with a small group of friends during the pandemic. His early morning boot camp sessions are held outside and are a great way to get in a solid, socially distanced workout to start your day! I'm glad to be a member of the fitfam, and I highly encourage others to join us!

Source: Google

★ 5

I met Chris over a year ago and have been enjoying his work outs ever since. I’ve worked with several trainers in the past and have always had a good experience but I really enjoy the group classes that Chris facilitates! He is a very knowledgable certified trainer and keeps us motivated:) Our sessions are always changing and Chris keeps it fresh with a great mixture of cardio and strength training. It’s perfect for any stage that you are in with your exercise regimen. Our group classes are really a Fit Fam work out ... you truly feel like you’re part of a healthy & happy group. I look forward to our work outs every week! Thanks Chris for your dedication to all of us!

Source: Google

★ 5

I trained with Chris while visiting Islamorada and was very impressed. His knowledge of and passion for wellness contagious. I highly recommend BTW if you’re visiting the uppers keys and looking to get a workout in.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris Merrell and BTW has brought a level of fitness instruction and motivation to my life that I really never thought possible. Focus on all the aspects of wellness/fitness are used at every class and training session. Plenty of positive feedback on both form and effort. Well rounded workouts with lots of options for intensity. You are only competing against yourself here, even in the class settings. Workouts are varied in structure - it's not the same thing every time you go. Use of TRX and Weck methods/equipment help keep you engaged and challenged all the time. Oh, and he's a nice guy too. Give BTW a chance - you will not regret it.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training with BTW for almost seven months now and I cannot say enough about how truly wonderful it is! Every workout is different, utilizing functional movements and equipment in fun and challenging ways to work up a sweat (hello, hoola hoops!). While everyone has their own personal fitness goals, it is empowering to come into a group fitness setting that focuses on strength and wellness over physique and aesthetics. Chris is always friendly, helpful, and offers constructive feedback/modifications as we work through our circuits.

The classes are also affordable, offered regularly to meet all schedules, and conveniently located in the Upper Keys! Cannot recommend enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

I had not participated in group fitness classes in over two years when I found Beyond Traditional Wellness earlier this year. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up or make progress, but I quickly picked it up and began to love it! I come to circuit training even on my weekends, it really has become part of my life! I used to hate battle ropes, but I have become stronger and no longer dread them. Not only have I been able to see the progress and results of going twice a week, but I have made friends in this fitness family. Chris and everyone make newcomers feel welcome regardless of what their level is, if they are locals, or visiting. I’m eager to see what my next personal accomplishment will be and hope to see new faces!

Source: Google

★ 5

I used to go to a gym and workout on my own. I struggled to stay motivated and got bored often. I am so thankful that I found the Boot Camp classes at BTW! I now only work out with BTW and I genuinely look forward to each class. I love that every class is unique and that the exercises are both physically and mentally engaging. The FitFam at BTW is very supportive. The group environment keeps me motivated and I definitely never get bored. Chris’s approach to training is constructive and encouraging. He has been very knowledgeable in regards to an injury I have and helping me modify my exercises to heal and strengthen the area. Compared to other gyms and classes that I've found in the Upper Keys, the classes at BTW are very affordable and more personalized! I feel like I’m at personal training with a group of friends, not at Boot Camp. I’m so happy I found BTW!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working out with Chris for almost a year now. I can tell you that every class I take is different! Chris does an amazing job of changing up things so you never get bored. If you are new to fitness or have been working out for a long time his boot camp classes are an excellent choice. The new studio has really great equipment. If you have never tried a SkiErg before, I suggest signing up for a class to check that machine out. It is a fun, yet killer workout! Another awesome thing about BTW, they are probably the most affordable classes in the Keys. I highly recommend checking them out!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training with BTW and Chris for four months now and I can't say enough about how wonderful my experience has been. Chris is a certified professional trainer with great expertise. He takes a coaching-mentality to training, so you never feel judged or out of place. Each work out is customizable to your skill set, which allows you to see your growth over time. I love the small-group classes and how affordable they are! The environment at BTW is so supportive and unlike any other gym on the island - BTW is truly a community! I really can't recommend this place enough - 10/10 the best place to work out in Islamorada and the Upper Keys!

Source: Google