MaxOut, Exton

In 1975, MaxOut’s founder, Dr. Michael Mac Millan, began a study of muscle development that culminated in the invention of his proprietary MaxOut tower. Designed to increase weight training’s effectiveness, the system became the basis of the gym's trademark 60-minute, once-a-week workout. According to Mike Barwis—MaxOut’s head strength and conditioning trainer and a veteran college coach—the tower “allows us to put our bodies under stress safely … which can in turn increase our results in a short period of time.”

This dedication to achieving a measurable outcome is reflected in every aspect of MaxOut’s workout facility. Here, clients heft specially designed weights in the state-of-the-art strength studio or practice yoga, spinning, or Zumba during group fitness classes. Small-group and personal-training programs offer more individualized attention and motivation. Sprinter Matt Crowell teaches a specialty speed-training regimen, building athletes’ quickness with high-speed treadmills instead of migratory winged sneakers.