Liza Smith
Owner of Progress Fitness
Liza Smith is the Owner and Founder of Progress Fitness, a functional training gym built on the mission “We Change Lives!” A native of Hermitage, PA, Liza blends analytical strength with a deep commitment to people and community, a combination that has shaped her leadership and success.
She earned a degree in Actuarial Science from Elizabethtown College and later obtained her Secondary Teaching Certificate from Penn State University. She also holds a Personal Training Certificate from The American College of Sports Medicine. A natural math whiz with a talent for problem-solving, Liza applies both strategy and heart to her work as an entrepreneur and coach.
For more than 12 years, she has successfully operated Progress Fitness as a woman-owned business, creating a results-driven, supportive environment where clients grow stronger physically and mentally. Known for her ability to genuinely connect with others, she is widely regarded as an exceptional coach and inspires lasting change.
Liza also gives back through her annual participation in a St. Jude Workout Against Cancer, helping raise more than $50,000 for childhood cancer research. Above all, she is most proud of her college-aged son and daughter, who remain her greatest motivation and joy.
What advice would you give to young women who want to make a difference?
Chase your dreams! Don’t let anyone else define your limits or decide what’s possible for you. Discover what truly makes you happy, the work that brings you joy and purpose, and pursue it wholeheartedly. When you believe in yourself and take pride in what you do, that confidence becomes contagious. Fulfillment in your own journey naturally empowers you to uplift and inspire those around you.
Can you share a moment when you realized your work was making a real difference?
One story that has always stayed with me is a simple, heartfelt moment involving one of our married couples. The wife had been training with us for years and finally convinced her husband to give it a try. About three months after he started, hunting season rolled around. I’ll never forget the excitement in his voice when he told me how different it felt being out in the woods. He couldn’t believe the increase in his stamina. Instead of getting winded from walking the trails, he felt strong, steady, and capable, like he could stay out there all day. It was such a simple victory, but such a powerful one. Moments like that make us incredibly proud of the work we do!
What do you hope your impact on this community will be five or ten years from now?
I hope our impact in the community continues to grow, allowing us to reach more and more people, inspire them to get moving, and help them feel strong and confident in themselves.