At Reason Fitness, we believe some of the strongest athletes don’t just lift weights—they lift each other. And there’s no better example than Charles and Auge Martin, a father-son duo who spent four years side by side at 5:00 a.m., building strength, discipline, and a bond that would carry them far beyond the gym.
Now, Auge’s training has taken him to new heights—literally. He’s currently a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy, having earned one of the most prestigious and competitive college acceptances in the country. But the foundation for his success was built right here—rep by rep, day by day—with his dad.
“This is my church,” he says. “It’s where I come to take care of myself so I can take care of others.”
Charles found Reason Fitness after years of trying to stay healthy on his own. A longtime professional and father of two, he had already gone through marathon training and 600+ SoulCycle classes. But something was missing—he needed a space that matched his values, challenged him physically, and gave him community.
He found that at Reason—and brought Auge along for the ride.
Auge was just entering high school. At first, leaving behind the fun, unstructured workouts with friends wasn’t easy. But over time, he began to embrace the structure, the coaching, and the quiet accountability of working out next to his dad.
Every morning, the Martin Men showed up—rain or shine, tired or energized. That consistency became a cornerstone of their routine and their relationship.
“For us, it was never about being the strongest in the room,” Charles says. “It was about being present.”
Those early mornings helped Auge stay focused, organized, and ahead of the curve—not just in the gym, but in school, relationships, and life.
From Teenager to Cadet: The Transformation
As Auge began to pursue his goal of attending the Air Force Academy, everything mattered—grades, leadership, athletic ability, and fitness level. Charles became both his training partner and his biggest encourager, helping him stay injury-free, dial in his routine, and build habits most teenagers only dream of.
And it paid off.
Now a freshman at the United States Air Force Academy, Auge is using the discipline forged in those early-morning workouts to thrive in one of the most demanding academic and physical environments in the country.
For Charles, Reason Fitness is more than a gym. “This is my church,” he says. “It’s where I come to take care of myself so I can take care of others.”
He’s proud of his son, of course—but more than anything, he’s proud of how Auge shows up. With quiet consistency. With humility. With strength.
And now, with a future of service and leadership ahead of him.
Advice to Other Families
Charles encourages parents to get involved early. “Bring your kids with you. Let them see how adults train, grow, and carry themselves.”
Auge adds: “Find your limits…together. You’ll learn what you’re good at as a team, and where you need space. That honesty creates connection.”
👉 Watch the Martin Men’s Story Here
Whether you’re building a bond, breaking personal barriers, or preparing for your next mission in life…the Martin men remind us that strength is forged in consistency.
And legacy starts with showing up.
