Brad Pugh lightening bolt

22 Reviews
location-icon Virtual Training Only
vaccinated COVID-19 Vaccinated

About Brad

At Shaping U LLC, we have been helping clients in the fitness and nutrition industry for over 20 years. Our founder, Brad Pugh, is a nationally certified personal trainer with extensive experience in the field. He was first certified by N.F.P.T. National Federation of Personal Trainers on March 4th, 2002, and has since acquired certifications in nutrition as well.


 


In 2012, Brad opened his own Group Personal Training and Nutrition coaching gym in Pelham, AL, followed by another one in Vestavia, AL, in 2016. Our dedication to our clients earned us the title of Birmingham's Best Gym in 2012, and Brad was voted Best Personal Trainer (Runner Up) in 2010 by Birmingham Magazine.


 


We take pride in being one of the best local group training gyms in the Pelham/Helena/Alabaster area, and we owe this success to our team of amazing personal trainers. With their help, we provide our clients with the best personal training and coaching experience possible.


 


In November 2021, Brad took a bold step and launched Shaping U Online - a new and improved online platform that delivers the best nutrition, training, and accountability coaching programs. The results were outstanding, and Shaping U Online grew at an incredible pace. We hired the best dietitians, nutritionists, and personal trainers to cater to our new family of online clients.


 


In July of 2022, Brad sold his part of the in-person/in-gym Shaping U Fitness business to concentrate solely on growing and improving Shaping U Online Nutrition & Training -ALL IN! We have since changed the name of Shaping U Fitness LLC to the NEW Online-Shaping U LLC.


 


Our mission at Shaping U LLC is to deliver amazing results with every program we offer. We are known for over-delivering because we love what we do, and we put our clients first in everything we do. Brad will continue to prioritize his clients as Shaping U LLC now serves clients all over the U.S.


My favorite client story

I have a woman client-27 years old that has lost 61 lbs in 6 Months time...she has about 25 lbs left to go. She did this weight training and cardio done with our HALF OFF- "6 Month Total Body Transformation" Program. : )
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My training experience

Three books that substantially influenced me were Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding", and Bill Phillips' "Body For Life" and "Eating For Life." These were not just books but my life's philosophy.

Areas of Expertise

  • Core and Balance
  • Nutrition
  • Strength Training
  • Weight Loss
  • Muscular Definition
  • Muscle Gain
  • Posture
  • Sports Performance Training
  • Wellness
  • Flexibility and Mobility

NCCA Accredited Certifications

NFPT Certified Personal Trainer

Who I Especially Like Working With

Beginners, Brides-to-be, Law Enforcement, LGBTQIA, Middle-aged, Overweight/ Obese, Seniors, Women, Youth

Medical Conditions Experience

Stress

ShapingU PT is the best thing that has ever happened to me! Brad is wonderful! I have already seen results in a short period of time, and I look forward to what's ahead! :-)

Lindsey J.

Very knowledgable trainer!! Great gym with a wonderful atmosphere. I have trained with a lot of trainers at all the big name gyms and my experience at Shaping U has been better than any places I've been in the past. They do so much more at Shaping U than just train with weights. This is the only place around that actually takes a ton of one on one time with you to figure out your goals and help you achieve it through exercise, weight training, diet, motivation, and education on overall health and fitness.

Heidi B.

I trained with Brad for only 3 months, and got amazing results in that short of time! With his meal plan and workouts you can't go wrong. His program is dummy proof, if you follow what he says you will get the results you want!

Ray D.

Great workouts, great trainers & great environment. I have never done any weight training and was very nervous about beginning. Brad made me feel very comfortable, along with other trainers, and also made it enjoyable. I have learned a lot and feel stronger. I still have a long way to go but I plan on continuing that journey at Shaping U! I've met some wonderful people there as well and it feels almost family like. I strongly encourage everyone to give it a try...I love our Morning Crew!!!

Karen S.

My experience with Shaping U has been great. I am really seeing results already and I have only been a member for a few weeks! Brad is extremely knowledgeable about the weight loss process and is always willing to answer questions (which I have a lot of), offer advice and motivation! I am already on the road to weight loss and I know I am learning the process from the best!

Sarah A.

"Intensity and consistency is key" was Brad's favorite statement to me when he caught me slipping. If you're looking for a fun, family environment Shaping U is the place for you. Just follow the plan and you will see substantial results.

Shante W.

I'm a 44 year-old guy, and Before Shaping U, I hated the gym, I hated working out, and I was horribly out of shape (go figure!) 12 weeks later, I love the gym, I love working out, and I'm down 12% body fat, down 18lbs, I'm stronger than I've ever been, I feel great, and it's entirely thanks to Brad and his staff. The environment is outstanding, and there's just enough pressure to keep it positive and fulfilling. I love the people I work out with, and I look forward to every session. Shaping U is changing my adult life for the best.

Greg M.

Brad is a great trainer. He is committed to the success of each client and makes adjustments as needed to ensure each client reaches his or her unique goals. The gym itself is unassuming and its clients are very open & friendly. I have all of the trainers easy to work with and create a collegial environment. I highly recommended Brad and his staff to anyone seeking personal training.

Janet R.

I have just completed my third week of training with Brad. After 2 1/2 weeks, I had lost 6 pounds, 5 inches and 6 percent body fat. I totally enjoy his workouts. He watches closely to make sure I am doing my workout properly so I get the most from my workout and don't injure myself. Brad is a top notch trainer and I highly recommend him. I also enjoy the fact that he has a chef and I can order my meals. This is the best thing I've done for myself in a long time and I feel lucky to have such great trainers.

Judy C.

Love working with Brad at Shaping U. He has been great helping get my nutrition and exercise working together so I can reach my health and fitness goals and look good by bathing suit season!!!

Savanna C.

I love this gym! Brad Pugh is spot on. He has helped me put together a meal plan I can live with! Teaching the correct way to eat without deprivation! I have learned to eat more healthy and believe me this is the key. I'm the person who needs guidance. Brad is there every step reminding me of form and drives me to want to be better. He encourages me and has taken the time to learn my personality so he knows what drives me to do my best. The atmosphere in the gym is like a family. I have met new friends and no one judges! If you are looking for a great place to work out, get in shape or buff up Brad can help with all of these. I am so glad I found Shaping U!

Jane H.

I love the training here! Brad and his team are all amazing! He takes pride in his work and will do whatever it takes to ensure that his clients are dropping weight. He also recommends great tasting foods and different cooking styles. I have had trainers before but none as reasonable, honest and caring as the team at Shaping U. They're great!

Ariel G.

Most miss it on the diet plan not Brad. Brad was very knowledgeable and helpful. The workouts have been great! I would highly recommend this trainer and gym to anyone that is serious about losing weight and getting in shape!

Paul H.

Have had nothing less than outstanding service and help since joining Shape U! The staff and other members are kind, supportive, and welcoming! I would definitely recommend this fitness gym.

Nasheka P.

I highly recommend Shaping U Fitness!! I started this journey hoping to see physical results and I definitely have, but even more importantly is the overall well being of myself. I'm a better, wife, mom, employee, etc. My family is enjoying the "new" me too!!! Big thanks to Brad and his crew for making us healthier and happier!!????

Robin S.

I needed a push to get back in the gym after having my daughter. Brad's 12 week program was exactly what I needed to get my motivation going and not want to just go home and sit on the couch. I now want to go to the gym.

Kelsey W.

You won't find anyone better than Brad to keep you motivated, and to push you to be a better version of yourself! He always makes you feel extremely comfortable, even if you have never been in a gym a day in your life! I love being part of his shaping u crew!! I'm beyond excited to start out my 2017 in his newly renovated gym. ????????????????????????????

Whitney P.

I have not started the program yet, but the consultation was positive and Brad seemed excited to help me achieve my fitness goals. I'm confident I am begining my journey with a good mentor!

Stacy T.

The atmosphere at this gym is like an episode of Cheers where everyone knows your name but instead of alcohol it's cardio, weights, sweat and LOTS of Encouragement. I love this place and would highly recommend it!

Denise B.

Brad is a cool and awesome guy. Will have you feeling good about being healthy. He is always available for questions along the way.

Cedrick R.

Brad is a cool and awesome guy. Will have you feeling good about being healthy. He is always available for questions along the way.

Sylvia K.

Wonderful. Really good trainer helps with everything and makes sure you're doing everything right

Daniel A.

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