Testimonials

August 2026

I joined MOVE two years ago and every day since I have regretted waiting so long to seek Destini’s guidance. I met Destini in the early 2000s, when I was teaching Exercise Physiology at the University of West Florida, where I had the pleasure of working with her both as an undergraduate, as well as a graduate student. Destini was an excellent student, and I am now discovering that she is an even better teacher. 

Motivation was never my issue; exercise has always been part of my life. But, as I aged, I came to realize that my standard routines were no longer effective: I was losing both strength and flexibility, and felt it was time to seek the help of a professional trainer. 

I was looking for a trainer with both practical experience as well as the scientific knowledge to develop a safe and effective strength training program tailored to my needs. I found that at MOVE. The small group personal training format Destini offers is the perfect mixture of individual attention and fun group interaction. Even though we follow the same basic workout, Destini modifies the exercises based on each participant’s personal needs. In this way each participant’s safety is assured.  

I taught Exercise Physiology for much of my adult life, and at the age of 67 I intellectually understand the changes that my body is undergoing. But it is Destini who has helped me grasp what those changes have meant in terms of exercise and fitness. She is making it possible for me to age more gracefully than I would have on my own, and since most of the people in my small group are also in their 60s or older, I know that this is true for others as well. Destini is an exceptional teacher and mentor, her MOVE program important for many Pensacola residents. 

~Petra

I attended classes at Destini Robinson’s MOVE for only three months, from

May through July in 2025, but this marked a crucial period in my life, since,

after suffering a heart attack in March of 2025, a stent was placed in my heart.

I underwent a month of cardiac rehabilitation at Baptist Hospital, which is

where my return to health began.

But the hospital discharged me after a month, and for my real return to fitness

I am indebted to Destini, who designed a course of physical activity that over

three months gave me the confidence to attempt England’s Coast-to-Coast

Walk, a hike of over two hundred miles from the Irish to the North Sea. That I

succeeded in completing this trek is a testament to Destini’s program.

What is particularly impressive about Destini is her ability to tailor her small

group workouts to the individual needs of the 6-10 students who normally

attend each session. She knows the needs and abilities of each of her

students and, as they move from one activity to the next, she assigns weights

and modifications that are designed to avoid injury and maximize

performance. I never felt at risk in Destini’s program, for I saw very quickly how

she protected each of her students and helped them achieve their goals.

Destini is a dedicated teacher, deeply committed to the health and safety of

her students. At an important moment in my life, she was there to guide me

through a crisis and helped me return to a fitness that I feared might be

beyond me. I respect her knowledge and admire her concern for her students.

She is a consummate professional.

~Harold

August 2026

I have been part of MOVE. for four years, and I originally started attending online classes because I wanted to become stronger and healthier while having the guidance of a personal trainer at a reasonable price.

At 49, I really appreciate how knowledgeable Destini is about training people of different ages, fitness levels, abilities, and even working around injuries or limitations. I never feel like I have to keep up with anyone else—the workouts can be adjusted to meet me where I am while still challenging me to get stronger.

The online classes have made it easy for me to stay consistent, and after four years, that says a lot! What has kept me with MOVE. is the personalized attention, accountability, and knowing that I’m being coached by someone who truly understands how to train each person as an individual.

I would recommend MOVE. to anyone who wants to get stronger and healthier with knowledgeable, personalized coaching that can meet you at whatever stage of life or fitness level you’re in.

August 2026 

I was fighting Osteopenia, a precursor to osteoporosis, and working out with weights at a local gym.  I was pretty much on my own with little help from the staff when friends encouraged me to join MOVE.   So I did, and about a year later my DEXA scans showed strong, healthy, dense bones.  No more Osteopenia.  MOVE. offers small-group individual training in a friendly atmosphere where the workouts are never boring, never routine, changing week after week.  Our trainer, Destini Robinson, holds a Masters Degree in strength training and knows what she is doing.  She always has eyes on you and never lets you overdo it.  MOVE. has brought me new friendships and the ability to do just about anything I want.  

I joined MOVE. at 62 and am now 79 and going strong.  At 79, I can dance, skip rope, run, and hike for miles.  I am stronger now at 79 than I was at 40.   

All thanks to Destini and MOVE.       

August 2026

After fracturing five vertebrae in mid-2023, I found that months of traditional physical therapy wasn’t enough to get me back on the golf course. It was a good start, but I needed a more targeted approach to rebuild my core strength and thoracic mobility.

In February 2024 I joined Move., owned and operated by Destini Robinson, a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). I chose one of her small-group classes for individualized strength and conditioning workouts as well as for camaraderie with amazing classmates, some of which have been at Move. since it opened 17 years ago. Destini closely monitors everyone in the class to ensure proper form, and she graciously provides alternative exercises whenever health issues or limitations arise.

Thanks to my 2.5 years at Move. my core is strong, my spine is protected, my thoracic mobility is good, and I am back on the golf course. I plan to train here indefinitely and highly recommend Move. to everyone.

Sincerely,

Barbara Martin

August 2026

I wanted to share my experience with MOVE., which I joined in January 2021 after retiring from a 45-year career in banking. Prior to retiring, I had little time for regular exercise. Retirement provided the perfect opportunity to focus on my health, with the goal of becoming more active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

A friend recommended MOVE., and although I was initially intimidated by the equipment, Destini was incredibly welcoming and supportive. She is patient and always takes the time to assess my personal needs and abilities, making necessary adjustments when needed. Thanks to her encouragement, knowledge, and support, I quickly began looking forward to my workouts. The other class members were equally welcoming, and I have gained many dear friends as a result.

When I first joined, our daily warm-up included running intervals. I initially told Destini that I did not run and did not want to start, but she didn't accept my excuses. Eventually, I became comfortable with running and grew to enjoy it. As a result, I have since completed several 5K races and even a half marathon. Additionally, a group of members now meets every Saturday morning to walk and run together outside of class. I would have never achieved this without the support of Destini and my MOVE. family.

The small class dynamic at MOVE. provides a highly supportive and encouraging environment for personal and physical growth. I have experienced significant improvements in both my physical and mental well-being. Because of this incredibly positive experience, I highly recommend MOVE. to anyone looking to improve their health and lifestyle.

August 2026

I am currently a 69-year-old retired attorney and retired UWF professor. I have been a client of MOVE since September 2024. When I first attended a MOVE class, I had no intention of “joining” or making a regular habit of it. However, after I attended that first class, I have been coming back ever since. My participation in MOVE has been life changing.

Over the years, I have taken many exercise classes and gone to many gyms, but it was a chore to get there and get through the boring routines. I’ve tried in-person and virtual exercise classes. I’ve tried group classes and individual training sessions. None seemed to stick with me. It was just more trouble than it was worth.

Since starting with MOVE, I have definitely come to appreciate the individualized coaching that is offered in the small group environment. Many members of the 8:15am class are in the prime of their lives (60-80) and naturally, we have physical issues that have come with aging. MOVE allows the Coach to tailor exercises so as not to aggravate physical issues but yet still get the most out of movements that will help with our strength, mobility, balance and conditioning.

When I leave MOVE each day (I attend 4 days each week), I feel like I could do anything I put my mind to do. The accomplishment of the exercises and the encouragement from the Coach stays with me all day providing a great source of energy. The exercises are not “routine” …every day is different. There is no time or space for boredom. The Coach explains the “why” of the exercises and how each exercise impacts our body. It’s truly a dynamic classroom.

Another unexpected benefit of MOVE is that the members of the class have bonded. The people in this class come from very diverse backgrounds/education/experiences. Yet, we find so much in common and are able to find the joy in exercising together. The members of the class started encouraging me to participate in 5k races. In fact, almost every Saturday, we do our own private 5k without competition and afterwards, we all go out to have breakfast together.

Prior to MOVE, I had not done any “distance” walking/jogging since high school. Since September of 2025, I have completed six 5k races! My family members and friends cannot believe that I have been so consistent with MOVE classes and with completion of so many 5k races. Many have said that I am not the same person I was two years ago.

To anyone who is considering joining: This is not like those other places. Just try it for one week. 

I think you’ll see/feel a difference!

August 2026

Before joining MOVE., I Barb Partrick, did not participate in exercise classes.  I was a runner and thought that was adequate exercise.  I chose  MOVE. Because a runner friend told me about the individualized coaching and small group environment.   I had recently retired and thought, well,  give it a try!  Boy, am I glad I did!  

I chose to train with MOVE. since 2019.  The owner, Destini Robinson, listened to my concerns, did a strength evaluation, took measurements, and mapped out a plan for me.  I joined the morning 8:15 am class, affectionately known as "The Golden Girls".  The daily workouts were varied, from weight/strength training, to cardio, stretches, mobility, and balance were all beneficial to me.  

One thing I can say about Coach Destini Robinson is that she truly wants the best for all members.  She continues to learn by attending conferences and working on her Ph.D. so she can be the best strength and conditioning coach.  I've gained strength not only in my body but in my mind as well.

If you are looking for a place to exercise and be a healthier you, come to MOVE.  The friends I've made at this gym are supportive, fun, and caring!