Did you go to the gym today?
If you're a member of Get in Shape for Women, a new workout studio that recently opened on 249 Newbury Street, the answer would be a solid yes.
The space offers small group classes, a personal trainer, full workouts, and nutritional services.
“It’s the complete package,” said Back Bay location owner Tiana Celesia. They're celebrating their grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony tonight at 5:30 p.m.
Is it right for you?
The gym opened in January, and 25 people signed up in the first month. It's mostly women living or working in Back Bay, but ages range from 20-year-olds to 70-year-olds, with a high percentage of busy professionals. The workouts are only an hour, but a pack a punch that's a lot more effective than most people's three hours at the gym, said manager Liz Taber.
"You get everything out of every minute you put into it," she said.
Get in Shape for Women is for people with clear goals who want to take control of their workouts. In other words, it's not for everyone - and they don't accept everyone.
Those interested in joining start with a free trial session, followed by a consultation to determine if the program is a right fit. They look for people who are serious about sticking with it. Sessions start at $19, and once you join you buy a package of classes and sign up for weekly time-slot that fits with your schedule.
It's considered an appointment, and missing your appointment is highly discouraged.
“We’re making the commitment as well,” Celesia said. “And we want them to succeed."
To that end, the staff takes an active role in making sure you stay on track.
“We might text you during the day ‘Have you had your water?’" Taber said.
The workouts themselves
The studio itself is small, but with state-of-the-art equipment and more than enough room for the group classes of four people max at a time.
Workouts consist of 60 minutes of high intensity interval training in weights and cardio. A personal training is on hand to instruct and motivate you throughout the class. There's an easy-to-see calorie counter on the wall and all the machines are voice-based "so you can really focus on what your doing and not worry about counting," Celesia said.
While maintaining the same base of weights and cardio, the workouts themselves vary from week to week and focus on different areas of the body.
"A lot of folks wonder, 'if I sign up for a year is it all going to be the same'?" Taber said. "Not a chance."
There's also a supportive atmosphere among the women. Because you've signed up for a set time-slot, your usually working out with the same people.
"I know for myself, I've really development friendships with the people I'm working out with," Celesia said.
The workout is also followed by a nutritional component that explores body fat, bone density, proper eating, and more. The plan is tailored to each individual - and to top it off you can make your protein drink on the way out the door.
For Celesia and Taber, it's been an effective way to get in shape, and they hope other women can take advantage of the transformation as well.
"There's nothing," Taber said, "like seeing folks nearing the end of the month, and seeing results."
