After experiencing a stroke last November, my doctor advised me to adjust my diet and incorporate cardio and weight training to improve my heart health. Although I made dietary changes, I recognized that I needed more effective physical activity other than my daily dog walks.
I struggled with exercising on my own for several reasons. I was unsure if I was doing the exercises correctly, lacked self-discipline and motivation. Despite my good intentions, I found myself using my spin bike as a place to hang my clothes. I joined a spin studio for motivation only to end up in the ER with rhabdomyolysis, because I let my pride override my inexperience and overexerted myself.
I explored other exercise options like rowing, running, and gym classes, but I couldn't find a supportive environment. It felt like the support disappeared once I became a member. Clearly, I needed a fitness studio where I could receive consistent guidance without intimidation and where I felt comfortable asking for help.
In December while walking my dogs, I came across BFT Little Italy with a big "Coming Soon" sign. Excited, I immediately emailed the studio and received a prompt response from Curtis, the general manager and owner. I was thoroughly impressed with Curtis. He explained the concept of a group strength training gym. It was evident that this was different from my previous gym experiences, and my gut told me Curtis had a genuine passion for health and fitness. Believing that BFT Little Italy was exactly what I had been searching for, I made the wise decision to invest in my health, viewing it as a lifelong commitment.
As I prioritized my health, vanity took a backseat, and my focus shifted to overall well-being and longevity. After joining, Curtis invited me to a meet and greet where I had the pleasure of meeting the other owners, Leanne and Gary, who exhibited the same passion and pleasantness as Curtis. What impressed me the most was their consistent communication during the gym's construction phase. Grand opening was scheduled for March. They kept me informed, offered training sessions at my home to prepare for the opening, and extended invitations to pre-opening events. I had never witnessed this level of dedication before.
When I first heard about group workouts, I envisioned a large class with one instructor and everyone doing the same exercises simultaneously. However, BFT's approach was different. The program is fun, motivating, intense, and unlike anything I have ever experienced. I recommend checking out BFT's Little Italy website for in-depth information on their innovative, progressive, and results-driven programs. I'm currently in my third week at BFT and today I had an Evolt 360 body scan, a tool to help track my progress. The BFT coaches are phenomenal! They've helped me stay consistent, working at my level while still challenging me. The environment is one where even other members are always supportive and motivating, and we all work together, regardless of our fitness levels.
My health-scare forced me to make a serious lifestyle change, but I give credit to the BFT coaches for their passion and commitment and for keeping me motivated and in right form. Ā Each workout is challenging, but I surprise myself with what I am able to accomplish. I book my classes weekly, treating my program as a job that pays for my longevity.
Walking home after a workout, I cannot help but feel an immense sense of pride and invigoration. Being a member of BFT Little Italy feels like being part of a loving family that provides me with the tools necessary to keep up with and witness the growth of my precious 2-year-old grandson. BFT Little Italy is truly unique, and I believe the key difference lies in the genuine love and passion they have for what they do. It shines through in how they treat one another and their members. Joining BFT Little Italy has been one of the most valuable investments I've ever made. Thank you, BFT...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreIām nearing my 150th class with Body Fit Training and cannot recommend BFT enough for the beginner or advanced athlete!
First, the Classes are incredible!!!!! Iāve tried many of the different Group classes and Gym Chains out there and BFT definitely has the best because of the sheer variety. Classes alternate between Cardio and Weightlifting. There is also a Balanced/Stretching class once a week, Run Club once a week, Core classes, Boxing/Kickboxing Classes and more. Additionally, if you are interested in tracking your heart rate and Zone training - they have all the latest technology available, Apps, Dashboards and Leaderboards to track your performance. Classes are always changing up the activities - so you are learning dozens of different exercises every week. So even if you just try BFT for a week or a month - you are going to add dozens if not hundreds of exercises to your inventory.
Second, MORE Activities! I also like BFT because they coordinate other fitness activities as if their group classes are not enough! Thereās a Run Club that meets every week and they also do races. Every quarter there is an ā8 Week Challengeā which is a comprehensive 360 degree program that includes team and individual competitions, body composition analysis, nutrition plans, individual coaching, fitness benchmarks, social activities, specialized classes, and even prizes. They are also adding a HYROX training program which Iām very excited about. So I really like how BFT is always continuously improving, offering new programs and innovations all the time. You will never get bored. There is always something new.
Third, Coaches and Staff are incredible! Thereās always two and sometimes even more coaches on the floor so you always get plenty of individualized attention. You can ask questions anytime on technique, modifications, etc. The coaches are awesome - upbeat and energetic - even at the 5am classes! And persistent with your health goals ā¦. I dropped out for a month because of my work schedule but Curtis - the co-owner would check up on me, other Coaches - Kailey and Angela would run into me - and got me back on track! Even while Iām writing this - Curtis just messaged me checking in on my nutrition planning! And they all bring their own specialties - Kailey the Runner and in charge of Run Club will motivate the Beginner to Advanced. Angela - runs the stretching classes and will hook you up with free Stretching sessions. Curtis - the legendary Athlete and Comedian of Australia - will have you cracking up during workouts with his jokesā¦.while teaching you about Alexander Hamiltonā¦.. while teaching you proper exercise technique ā¦. while trying to get you to sign up for the latest fitness challengeā¦. I kid you notā¦.
Fourth, Community! BFT is different from any other group class in that you are often paired with one or more individuals. Or if you bring a friend or partner itās fun to pair up for all the activities. So in addition to the training, you meet a lot of incredible people, develop awesome friendships, and push each other. BFT also does regular social outings from coffee to baseball to bars - not to mention all the fitness group activities we do outside the Gym (Run Club, Hiking, Races, Community Fitness Programs, etc.).
Fifth, Facility and Equipment! You wont find a more comprehensive Gym in the city. BFT has every piece of equipment imaginable for the Beginner to the Advanced weightlifter. Whether you bench 10 pounds or 200 pounds - they have it! The facility is beautiful (2 blocks from the Harbor) and always immaculate. The water station is state of the art - I bring all my water bottles to fill for the day! :)
Anyways, Iām grateful to have found BFT. Nothing better to start your morning with a group of incredible people, incredible coaches, incredible classes, and challenging yourself with over a dozen incredible...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreThis reviews has been a long time coming so please read to the end. I started my fitness journey in late March after years of making excuses to take care of my fitness. However I did not start at BFT. After a few months at another gym and not seeing any results in terms of weight loss, muscle growth, and injuring myself because I wasnāt warming up/cooling down and going hard for no reason I decided to give BFT a try. To his credit, co-owner Coach Curtis, was very persistent in his communication until I finally decided to give him a call. During our first conversation, he asked me about my fitness goals, challenges, and he even mentioned helping me with weight loss and nutrition which immediately caught my attention. Curtis even invited me to try a class to get a feel for the BFT experience. During my first cardio class I saw how other members were friendly and inviting, the gym was clean and organized, the coaches made sure to explain how to properly perform all of the exercises and sets. The class also included a warm up and cool down stretch. After further conversations with Curtis about my struggles with weight loss and nutrition and how he would help me learn to track, journal, and comprehend macros and micros I decided to give BFT a shot. Over the past 6 months, BFT has helped me reached various fitness milestones such as losing 30lbs (Iām down to 160lbs and can fit into skinning clothes I havenāt worn in years). My relationship with food and nutrition has transformed for the better. I now eat healthier and I can track my micros and macros. My sleep has also improved, averaging 8hrs per night or more. Most recently I also completed my first BFT 8 Week Challenge, something that I would have never seen myself doing.
Many of my family and friends have also noticed how my health and fitness has greatly improved. BFT is a gym that provides you with a holistic approach to fitness. Every week, classes with alternate between weight lifting, cardio, or a combination of both. Members can chose from early morning to afternoon and evening classes. Sundays are dedicated to mobility and flexibility ensuring that you are stretching muscles and preparing for the following weekās classes. All of BFTās coaches are also amazing and very fun individuals who enjoy coaching, playing great music, and most importantly understanding each memberās fitness goals, challenges, adapting workouts if needed, and ensuring that no one gets hurt. In the 6 months Iāve been coming to BFT, Iāve never gotten injured or pushed myself to the point of hurting myself. And last but certainly not least, the BFT community is full of amazing people who are friendly, supportive, and encouraging of one another. BFT also engages with the Little Italy community at various events and hosts various workshops on nutrition, preventing injuries, and promoting up and coming small businesses. I am happy to be a member of BFT and honestly donāt see myself anywhere else. This is a gym where you will get and see results if you are willing to put in the work, and where you will find a community of coaches and members who are extremely supportive. Thank you BFT and hereās to many more fitness milestones being achieved in...
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