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EIF Co-Founders Erin and Joe Aben, grew up in Anne Arundel County and both attended St. Mary’s Elementary school in Annapolis. Erin often jokes she always knew she would marry Joe and even wrote about him in her 4th grade diary! Joe attended DeMatha Catholic High School and earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he lettered in varsity football. Erin attended Severn High School and Boston College and captained the Women’s Varsity Sailing Team. The summer of 1995, Joe & Erin ran into each other again and the rest was history!

  • EIF’s roots trace back to the summer of 1994 when Founder, Joe Aben, attended a “Nautilus Training” certification course in Dallas, Texas. There he was taught the (exercise) science behind proper resistance training and the application of superiorly engineered strength equipment. Joe also learned the importance of precise exercise form from the physical therapists at the University of Virginia while rehabbing his football injuries.

    Upon graduating from UVA, he worked as the Fitness Director in a commercial health club, obtaining his Personal Trainer, Conditioning Specialist, and Medical Exercise Specialist certifications. Joe was fortunate to be mentored by strength training industry leaders Coach John Philbin, Bob Sikora, and “Maximum” Bob Whelan. Joe quickly felt the desire to create his own training program and protocol to reach more people, so he made the difficult decision to leave the big box gym to go out on his own and create “A Total Fitness Concept,” an on-site personal training company.

    Running a “one-man operation” and traveling from location to location was very fulfilling but also came with certain limitations – time, namely, and not enough of it! During the next 5 years, Joe’s wife, Erin, began researching and purchasing selective pieces of strength equipment and storing it in their townhome garage in the hopes of one day using said equipment in their own brick and mortar studio space.

    In the spring of 2004, dreams became reality when the Abens opened Excellence In Fitness Personal Training Studio, located in a 1500 square foot facility in Arnold, MD. Things happened fast after that, including hiring 2 part-time employees within 6 months of opening. Within a few years, the EIF staff (about 2 full-time, 2 part-time coaches) and clientele were busting at the seams. To accommodate demand (and space), EIF Annapolis opened its doors in the summer of 2008.

    For the next 5 years, the amazing team of Professional Fitness Coaches put their noses to the grindstone and assisted hundreds of individuals with achieving mind-blowing results. So much so that in 2013, the original EIF Arnold got a new, bigger home in Millersville with a 2800 square foot facility. Both EIF studios received facelifts and updated renovations in the summer of 2023.

    Erin & Joe Aben are extremely proud to have developed their Body of Excellence (BX) Protocol & Program into the “Ultimate Personal Training Experience.” As a result, they now have an in-house certification program, BX Training Academy, which all new EIF Coaches must pass. The Abens are equally proud of the incredible clients who have chosen to patronize EIF over the last 20 years. They have graciously voted EIF the best in the area with numerous accolades such as best personal trainers, best overall workout, best nutrition program, and best gym amenities.

  • “EIF gives great, personalized workouts from trainers that care. The results were easy to see from my Navy fitness test. Before EIF I did 44 push-ups and 60 sit-ups. After two months at EIF, I did 76 push-ups and 80 sit-ups, achieving a personal best and much higher overall score."

    —Blake S.

  • "As a yoga practitioner for the past 10 years I have been flexible and enjoyed a variety of asanas and breathing techniques. After developing arthritis in my knees, my practice became more limited and I was losing muscle mass. Since I became a client, I have developed muscle mass and greatly improved my strength. I also find that all the Professional Fitness Coaches focus on my goals, adapt training routines to fit my physical limitations and always challenge me to continue improving."”

    —Richard B.

  • “In one word: professionalism. The Team listens to your personal goals, understand limitations and customize your program accordingly. I couldn’t be happier. The facilities are exceptionally clean, welcoming and yet make no mistake about it; there is a job to be done!”

    —Allyson S.

  • "I’ve gained muscle, lost weight, and considerably lowered my body fat. My energy levels are off the charts and it’s been very easy to accommodate the timing, no more excuses to skip the gym."

    —Randy W.

  • “It’s been worth every penny. I searched out a program with fixed appointments to hold me accountable and keep me motivated. I looked at many options and chose EIF based on their reputation and individualized process. Not only do the trainers keep me pushing as hard as I can but they are knowledgeable and helpful on every subject from form, to diet, to helping with injuries and preventing them. I’ve gained muscle, lost weight, and considerably lowered my body fat. My energy levels are off the charts…highly recommended!” Randy W. “I am certain that EIF played a huge role in my recovery! I am ready to move forward to continue to get stronger, and to feel better in all aspects of my life. The transformation has been so overwhelming and amazing that my husband and youngest daughter now work out with EIF!! I am grateful and blessed!

    —Dr. Pauline P.

  • “Individualized training. Knowledgeable, expert, and professional staff who are personable and focused on my conditioning. Clean environment and the equipment is always operable. The layout is designed to move me through each training session with as little rest as possible in a fashion that provides me the greatest impact for my time invested."

    —Bob G.

  • “I love everything! The friendly trainers that greet you everyday. The fact that my workouts are planned by the time I walk in the door. The fact that the trainers track everything from weights per machine to even seat height. The trainers’ knowledge of anatomy and body mechanics. And the ability to adjust workouts to avoid sore knees or other injuries.”

    —Andrea L.

  • “I have been truly amazed at what the trainers can do to both build my 65 year old body’s bone density as well as sculpt my aging muscles, I have been lifting weights on my own without much impact on physicality. Not only do they coach you through the workout, they offer their healthy eating advice, depending on whether you want to gain strength and muscle or lose bodyfat. I love these guys.”

    —Kathleen D.

  • “Personalized attention. The trainers really listen to and understand my fitness goals which have changed since I started my EIF journey. Losing 20 lbs in 3 months and moving towards getting back in shape has made me focus on getting fit, proper nutrition and participating in activities that I have not done in 15 years. These guys motivate and push you towards that next level.”

    —Chris R.

  • “I don’t think it would be an understatement to call my truly excellent time at EIF a life-changing experience. I now exercise 6 times a week, have completely altered my diet, and have seen positive changes in all aspects of my life. I doubt I could have been as successful without the help of your amazing trainers. I haven’t felt like a “client” at EIF, but part of a team! And I learned a tremendous amount about topics like nutrition, body movement, strength building, and exercise safety. I feel confident about maintaining my own fitness program and setting new goals for myself. Thank you!"

    —Paul K.

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