Owner Leigh Hawkins grew up with a desire to take care of his body as well as those around him. He was surrounded by a family who liked to hike and go out for group jogs. Leigh's father would allow him and his brother to tag along to the gym and see what exercise was all about. Unable to afford a gym membership, and encouraged by their father's example, Leigh and his brother decided to build a gym of their own in the basement of their home. It was there that Leigh first envisioned his dream of owning his own studio. He would invite friends and family to join him, and show them how to perform a variety of exercises. All of Leigh's hard work in the "gym" allowed him to compete successfully throwing the shot-put and discus.

Though he did not get a scholarship, he was invited to join the track team at Appalachian State University. Leigh was very fortunate, because ASU had just begun providing classes in exercise physiology. With excellent coaching and hard work in the weight room, Leigh was able to win 11 southern conference titles, 3 MVP awards, and 2 school records while at ASU. His success in track and field, as well as in the classroom, led him to pursue his master's degree in exercise physiology at James Madison University. Earning his master's degree, while coaching younger athletes, Leigh developed the skills necessary to educate and motivate individuals.

After running a fitness program at a resort in Virginia and working for a personal training company in Charlotte, he decided to start his own fitness studio in 1994. After Leigh acquired office space in South Charlotte, he opened up Certified Fitness Systems. It was then that he realized he was living out his dream to help others take care of their physical well-being.

In 2007, Leigh was recognized for his track accomplishments while at ASU, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Leigh's experience as an athlete, as well as his education in the classroom, has allowed Certified Fitness Systems to be a successful fitness studio. Leigh feels very blessed and thankful for all those who have enabled him to share with others his desire to provide individuals with the guidance necessary to lead a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Qualifications & Credentials

• Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology,
  James Madison University
  
• B.S. in Exercise Physiology,
  Appalachian State University
  
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist,
  National Strength and Conditioning Association
  
• Health and Fitness Instructor,
  American College of Sports Medicine
  
• Optimum Performance Trainer,
  National Academy of Sports Medicine
  
• Resistance Training Specialist,
  Focus on Fitness
  
• 17+ years of experience

“I perform some soft tissue manipulation and trigger-point therapy when clients are suffering from restricted range of motion or pain, allowing them to focus on their exercise routine. This is for clients that are suffering from discomfort in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. If it appears to be more serious or is chronic pain I will refer them to a neuromuscular massage therapist or chiropractor.”