AFAC Gym Wins BusinessRate’s “Best of” 2025 and 2026 Thornton Gym Award

Adventure Fitness Athletic Club (AFAC) is proud to celebrate an incredible milestone, being named the BusinessRate Best of 2025 and 2026 Thornton Award Winner in the Gym Category. For owner Susan Schaffner, this recognition is more than just an award, it’s a reflection of years of dedication, passion, and commitment to helping people transform their lives through fitness.

Susan has always believed that a gym should be more than a place to work out. It should be a supportive, welcoming environment where every member feels seen, encouraged, and empowered. This award is a meaningful reminder that AFAC gym is fulfilling that mission every single day. It’s also a celebration of the strong, loyal community that has made AFAC what it is today.

What Is the BusinessRate “Best of” Award?

The BusinessRate Best of Award is a prestigious recognition given to businesses that consistently demonstrate exceptional customer satisfaction and service excellence. Rather than relying on nominations or applications, this award is determined through objective analysis of verified Google Reviews, making it a true reflection of real customer experiences.

BusinessRate evaluates factors such as:

Overall review ratings
Volume and consistency of feedback
Authentic customer experiences
Reputation within the local community

This means winners aren’t chosen by a panel. Instead, they’re chosen by the voices that matter most: the customers themselves.

For AFAC gym, this recognition is especially meaningful. Thanks to our over 300 five-star reviews, the award represents the genuine experiences of members who have found value, support, and results at the gym. Each review tells a story of progress, confidence, and community, and AFAC gym is deeply grateful to every member who took the time to share their feedback.

A Community Built on Support and Appreciation

Behind every five-star review is a person who felt encouraged, welcomed, and inspired. AFAC gym’s success isn’t just about equipment or programming. It’s also about the people we serve every day.

From first-time gym-goers to seasoned athletes, members consistently highlight:

The welcoming, non-intimidating environment
The encouragement from staff and fellow members
The sense of belonging that makes workouts enjoyable

This award belongs just as much to the Thornton community as it does to the gym itself.

Other Awards Won by AFAC Gym

The BusinessRate recognition is just one of many honors AFAC has earned over the years. Most recently, in both 2024 and 2025, Adventure Fitness Athletic Club was voted “Best of the Best” Workout/Fitness Center by readers of the Northglenn Thornton Sentinel, a publication owned by Colorado Community Media.

These awards are particularly special because they come directly from the local community. Being chosen by residents of Thornton and surrounding areas reinforces what AFAC gym strives for every day: to be a gym that people trust, recommend, and feel proud to call their own.

Why AFAC Stands Out in Thornton, Colorado

A Team That Truly Cares

At AFAC, the staff isn’t just knowledgeable, we’re invested. Certified personal trainers and team members are committed to helping each individual reach their goals, whether that means building strength, losing weight, improving mobility, or simply feeling better overall.

Members benefit from:

Personalized guidance and support
Trainers who prioritize safety and proper form
A motivating and encouraging atmosphere

Amenities That Elevate Your Experience

AFAC goes beyond the basics by offering a range of amenities designed to support recovery, wellness, and convenience, including:

Cryotherapy for recovery and inflammation reduction
Hydro massage beds for relaxation
InBody 770 body composition analysis for precise tracking
A climbing wall and cave for functional fitness
Private lockers and showers
A kitchenette for convenience
Daily sanitation to maintain a clean, safe environment
A supportive bariatric fitness community

Unmatched Strength Training Equipment

AFAC gym boasts one of the most extensive strength training setups in the area. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced lifter, you’ll find everything you need, including:

Dumbbells, kettlebells, and barbells
Powerlifting platforms and squat racks
Full cages and trap bars
Cable systems and stacked weight machines
Smith machines and landmine stations
Leg press, hack squat, and targeted muscle machines

A Wide Variety of Cardio Options

Cardio at AFAC gym never gets boring thanks to an impressive selection of machines:

This variety allows members to customize workouts and keep their routines fresh and engaging.

Specialty Equipment You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

AFAC takes fitness to the next level with unique equipment designed for functional training and performance:

TRX suspension systems and battle ropes
Jungle gym setups and cargo nets
Resistance sleds and Versa Pulley systems
Power Plates and VIPRs
Boxing and kickboxing gear
BOSU balls, medicine balls, and slam balls
Tires, sledgehammers, maces, and clubs

This diverse range of tools allows members to train in creative, effective ways that go beyond traditional workouts.

More Than a Gym—A Lifestyle Destination

What truly sets AFAC gym apart is its philosophy. This isn’t just a place to exercise. It’s a place to grow, connect, and thrive.

AFAC fosters:

A judgment-free environment for all fitness levels
Long-term lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes
A strong sense of accountability and encouragement
A community where members celebrate each other’s wins

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Commitment to Excellence

Winning back-to-back BusinessRate awards is an incredible achievement, but AFAC gym isn’t stopping there. The team remains focused on evolving, improving, and continuing to provide the highest level of service to its members.

From expanding offerings to enhancing member experiences, AFAC gym is committed to staying at the forefront of fitness in Thornton.

Celebrating Success Together: Thank You, Thornton!

This award is a celebration of everything AFAC gym stands for. It represents the hard work of the staff, the vision of Susan Schaffner, and most importantly, the unwavering support of the community.

To every member who walked through the doors, left a review, or shared their journey, thank you. Your trust and enthusiasm are what make AFAC not just an award-winning gym, but a truly special place.

Here’s to continuing the journey, stronger, healthier, and together.

If you’re not a member yet, we hope you’ll visit AFAC gym today to speak to our team about our affordable memberships and personal trainers. AFAC gym is committed to supporting your health and wellness efforts, so you’ll see the results you’re working so hard for. That’s why we were voted the best gym in Thornton, Colorado, and have hundreds of 5-star reviews.

To learn more about our top-rated gym and our incredible array of strength training and cardio equipment — as well as our unique offerings and amenities like daily group classes, cryotherapy, InBody 770 assessments, hydro massage, personal trainers, and our rock climbing wall and cave — please contact us or visit for a personalized tour. Our team will be happy to help you. For more information and assistance, you can also contact our gym owner, Susan, at 720-849-0245 or susan@adventurefitness.club.