What Brought a Cedar Falls Gym Owner to Tears?

After a close race, we named the Cedar Falls for best place to workout in Cedar Falls.

Part of the criteria to win was comments and reviews, and we at Patch were impressed with the high level of enthusiasm fans showed in those reviews. We wanted to share a few of the things people said, for both Farrell's and , the close second-place finisher in the contest.

Both Farrell's and Next Level are workout centers featuring intense 10-week fitness programs.

Lauri Lumm-Usher, who co-owns Farrell's with her husband Chris Usher, said she was out of town for part of last week, and so at first wasn't able to read the comments people were leaving about her gym. When she got home and her husband showed her what people had been writing, she said she broke down.

"Tears came," she said. "You wouldn’t expect that that would be the case, that for a gym people would say those things. I think that there are a lot of great places in the Cedar Valley. And I think the unique thing about these kind of programs is they are really intensive, and we try to really pay attention to the people there."

Here are some of the things people had to say about Farrell's:

Patrick Newstrom: "Farrell's (FXB) is simply amazing and life changing...which is due to the absolutely wonderful owners (Chris & Lauri), excellent instructors, & a completely fun, positive & encouraging environment! FXB has not only changed my life physically but given me mental toughness, self-confidence & a winning attitude."

Lindsay P.: "The atmosphere at Farrell's is unparalleled!! It truly is a family that is always waiting with open arms for that next member. I not only got amazing workouts everyday and amazing results, but I gained some of the best friends that I've ever had!"

Mark Lavallee: "A life changing organization. I've personally lost nearly 60 pounds since joining and that's in great part due to the hard workouts and support system that they have in place. They make it fun and exciting to be part of the team and really let you succeed as an individual. You must check it out yourself."

Here are some of the comments people left in support of Next Level:

Cortney McCarter: "If you are looking for a program to transform your life NLXF is the place to be! Amazing physical transformations are a great part of this 10 week program, but NLXF offers so much more. I have made so many new friends, pushed myself harder than I ever thought possible and have gained self confidence."

Megan Olmstead: "I have never been addicted to working out...I am now! I was very scared when i first started....but the fear has turned into courage and confidence."

Courtney Fauver: "Next Level Extreme Fitness is a life changing experience! It's not only physical, but mental as well. There are days I cannot believe what I can push myself to do! This program is so much more than a fitness program they have taught me how to eat right, how to push myself and not give up, and most importantly Next Level has given my confidence back. Everyone in these classes are all so friendly and motivating and have become like a second family to me! Being a part of the Next Level Family is not just going to the gym for and hour or so everyday, its something you take with you all day everyday."

The contest was part of our Readers' Choice 2012 series, which seeks to find out from you, Patch readers, which places in Cedar Falls get top honors.

Starting Monday, readers will be able to vote in Cedar Falls Patch's next Readers' Choice 2012 Poll on the best Downtown Cedar Falls Bar to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.