Personal Trainer Opening Studio In Downtown Safety Harbor

Jared Carter is not a fan of exercise "fads" like Zumba, CrossFit and P90X.

He admits while those methods of getting in shape can be effective in the short term, the amount of intensity required in order to get immediate results can often be detrimental or even harmful to participants in the long term. 

That’s one reason Carter, a longtime personal trainer and owner of Move Forward Fitness, sticks to the tried and true basic principals of physical fitness. 

“My approach is there are three things people need to do to make a physical change: the right nutrition, moderate aerobic exercise and concern for muscle definition,” he said.

“Usually when people try to get fit, they’re missing one of these components,” he added. “We make sure they get all three.”

Carter grew up in Gainesville and received his degree in exercise science from the University of Florida before moving to Philadelphia and opening his own studio. 

Years of competing with bigger gyms, along with a growing disdain for the cold weather, made he and his wife decide to relocate back to the Sunshine State.

“We found Safety Harbor and fell in love with it,” he said. “I love all the parks for my family, which was one thing that drew me to the area.”

Carter immediately began seeking out a spot for his business, and quickly settled on the small space on the top floor of the Safety Harbor Square building at 500 Main St. 

He said he doesn’t require much room because his training is done on a one-on-one basis, and he uses machines and equipment that have multiple purposes. 

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Carter recommends a 13-week cycle for his clients in order to achieve the best results; sessions are typically one hour, with the intensity ramping up as the program progresses.

“The first couple of weeks are the strength and growth phase, next is the muscle shaping phase and then the endurance phase, with shorter, more intense workouts.” 

“At the end of the cycle we start again, because the results get better and better each time.”

He said his clientele consists mainly of men and women between the ages of 40 and 70, and they all pretty much share the same goals: to lose weight and get fit.

Carter said his expertise — he’s also a certified strength and condition specialist — and his experience can help anyone achieve the results they desire.

“Everyone has their own ideas of what they want to do. whether it’s to lose weight, reduce blood pressure or increase endurance and energy," he said.

“I just want to help you get to your goals.”

Move Forward Fitness

Address: 500 Main St., Suite K

Phone: 727-515-5318

Hours: Call for appointment

Website: www.moveforwardfitness.com