Anytime Fitness brings 24-7 health experience |
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Marcus "Mr. Fit" Austin, a personal trainer and co-owner of Anytime Fitness Westfield, demonstrates the ease of using the facility's cardio equipment, which each have 17-inch flat screen television, touch screen interface, iPod and iPhone docking stations and USB connectivity.
Reminder Publications photo by Katelyn Gendron
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May 2, 2011
By Katelyn Gendron
Assistant Managing Editor
WESTFIELD — Marcus "Mr. Fitness" Austin, of Springfield, believes that "if you really want something, you have to go for it!" And that's just what he and his friend, Alex Lalos, did.
The two have become the latest franchisees of Anytime Fitness, one of the largest 24-hour, year-round fitness club franchises in the world. The 6,000 square-foot facility, located at 415 East Main St., officially opened on April 29 and with it, an ownership team dedicated to wellness for all who seek their counsel.
"I'm going to do everything I can to make sure this is the premier location with the trainers and aerobic instructors to help people reach their goals," Austin said, adding that his motivation for becoming a personal trainer was to help others. "When [clients] reach their goals or when they do things that they didn't think they could do like running a mile or pushups or taking on the free weights section in the so-called men's section of the gym, [that's what's most gratifying for me]."
Lalos echoed Austin's sentiments. "It all began with a desire to help others. We want to promise our members that they'll get that one-on-one attention. Our success is based on their success. We just really believe that people can have better health," he said, noting that obesity is an epidemic in this country.
Austin, owner of Marcus Made Me Fit, has more than 10 years experience as a trainer, receiving his master's degree in public administration and business from American International College. Lalos is a military veteran who previously served 14 years with the Springfield Police Department, earning his graduate degree from Western New England University.
The two, who are in their 30s, believe their academic and professional experiences will provide added benefit to those at Anytime Fitness.
Austin explained he's laid out the facility with the best interests of his clients in mind, noting that cardio and weight machines do not face one another, preventing people from staring at one another.
The gym also has the latest Life Fitness cardio equipment, complete with touch screen interface, 17-inch flat screen TVs (in addition to the larger ones mounted on the walls), iPod and iPhone docking stations and USB connectivity to track one's progress.
Safety and security are paramount at Anytime Fitness, Lalos said, noting that members have their own keys to access the gym 24-7, which is monitored by a security system via closed circuit television. During non-staffed hours, those attending the gym can wear personal safety devices, which, if pushed, alert emergency personnel immediately. Also mounted to the wall is an additional panic button and a defibrillator.
"You'll be safer working out here than in your own home," Lalos said, noting that members are also given his and Austin's cell phone numbers in the event of an emergency or for other inquiries.
Membership with Anytime Fitness, which is limited to prevent overcrowding, is $30 per month, with no enrollment fee required. The membership includes a free fitness consultation, admittance to any of the 1,500 Anytime Fitness clubs worldwide and access to anytimehealth.com, which provides nutrition counseling and other health information.
For additional information about Anytime Fitness Westfield, call 579-5364 during staff hours, Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or send an e-mail to WestfieldMA@anytimefitness.com.
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