Boutique Gyms Booming – Naomi and Christi in the news!
April 8, 2009 – Fox KCPQ 13 News
When you think of the gym, what comes to mind? Rows of treadmills, bicycling machines or weight benches in a huge, warehouse-like space? Some smaller, so called boutique gyms are really starting to spring up and give the big boys a run for their money.
Don’t let the name mislead you. Boutique gyms are all about breaking a sweat. Forget the fashion show ladies – you know what we’re talking about.
“You’ve got to watch what you wear. You get to get dressed up to go to the gym,” says Andrea Dalaly.
Then there’s the confusion. Matt Jarvis sees it all the time.
“They walk in the door and don’t know what to do, so they either walk on the treadmill or stay away from the machines, or they stay home and the membership keeps billing you every single month.”
But that’s where these boutique gyms are different on two fronts. One – many offer monthly sessions rather than memberships. Take Vera Fitness for example.
“When their session expires, 95% of our clients actually renew,” says Patricia Diaz-Kismarton, co-founder of Vera Fitness.
Two – since these centers emphasize small group or personal training, Diaz-Kismarton says, “normally if you want personal training, you need to pay $80 or $90 per hour. Here you get in groups of four and you share the trainer.”
But personal trainer Christi Masi says make sure that while you try to save money, you don’t waste your time.
“Doing something you really like and enjoy is the key for going long term success. It doesn’t have to be the hardest. It doesn’t have to promise instant results, but if you like it and you look forward it, it’s the perfect thing for you,” says Masi.
One workout option is the ever popular pilates. Also, something called Crossfit – a short-burst, high energy, 30 minute workout – is also pretty popular.
For you high intensity folks, try a personalized boot camp. Christi Masi runs a few of those and says the things her clients like most about them is the sense of comradery everyone feels.
“If you’re with a group or someone there to motivate you, you’re willing to do it and work your hardest. When you’re on your own, you do that,” says Masi.
For more information, check out the following websites:
http://www.verafitness.com
http://www.healthy-bride.com
Tags: Boutique Gyms, Gym alternative, non gym workouts, Workout options