Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristie Forni.
Kristie Forni started up ABSolute Fitness in April 2013 with one goal in mind: to pass along positive energy and the type of motivation you need to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
“I am a proud mother of 3 teenagers, ages 17, 15 and age 13. Two boys and a girl. I feel so fortunate that I can do what I love on a daily basis without feeling like I am “going to work” and I still have the balance of being a great Mom, wife and here for my family.
Prior to opening up my own studio, I was a group fitness instructor, spin instructor, TRX instructor and personal trainer at various studios and gyms in the north shore for 5 years.
Following my passion and teaching others that fitness truly is a lifestyle is just something that felt natural, not like a “job”. In 2012 I reconstructed my basement and garage into a training area as well as a fitness place so to speak. From there, I knew that being bound to my house was just not how I imagined being as successful as I wanted to be.
My history leading up to becoming a fitness instructor is nothing short of being heavily involved in sports throughout my elementary, middle school and high school years. From the age of 7 years old, I played basketball, soccer and softball. I was a 3 sport high school varsity athlete and I was sure and determined to continue my passion for sports through college if I could. I am a former college basketball athlete with a bachelors degree in Finance from UMASS Dartmouth.
My love for fitness has just been a big part of who I am. My husband said to me one day in 2013 “Do you always want to work for other people? Do you see yourself teaching at all these gyms or do you want to be your own boss one day? “. He gave me the push to go on my own. He gave me that support to go out there and see what I could do to be bigger and create a place for others to be better. He said, ” try it, if it doesn’t work, then you teach like you are doing and you’ll still do what you love to do”.
At the time he was out injured from his job due to a very unfortunate accident which turned into 2 years of him being out of work. It was for sure a rollercoaster with many surgeries that lied ahead which we did not foresee. Even still, his support and belief in me with so many unknowns around us is why it was meant to be. Was I scared? Of course!
Having kids also at the ages of 12, 10 and 8 at the time was making me the question “Do I take this leap and see where it goes”? I didn’t know how this would play out. But, my heart was telling me to just go for it because I had the passion and fire to do it! In April 2013, I was solo and I opened our first location in North Reading, MA. I started with about 30 members. I taught 24 classes/week by myself. I was there at 5:15 am, 6:00 a.m. as well as all the late morning classes.
Within 6 months, memberships doubled and I then hired 3 instructors to form a small team behind me to offer different classes and a variety of experience. In 2015 I built a spin room and added a spin program. 5 years later, April 2018, we are a team of 10 instructors, we have more than tripled our memberships and we recently just relocated to a brand new, larger facility located at 3 Teal Road Wakefield, MA.
We have such a unique team of instructors that possess the foundation of skills necessary to teach safe and effective fitness classes, regardless of what fitness level you are at. Our studio offers such a dynamic variety of classes from indoor cycling, boot camp, Pilates, cardio interval training, strength conditioning, and many more different types of classes.
Our classes will give you that push you need to get maximum results because what we offer will allow you to embrace physical activities that can make a big difference in your overall health and fitness. Our instructors are energetic, passionate and very much inspiring. Each class is specifically designed to get you results that you need. Unlike continuous steady workouts, these classes lead to better and quicker results.
ABSolute Fitness is on a continuous path to success and promise once you join you will see why. Our “circle of power” will help you along your journey to a better health of mind and body.
Has it been a smooth road?
It certainly has been a rollercoaster. To say anything other than that would fall short of the truth. It takes time to build a business, a strong business and a steady business. The fitness industry, like many other industries, is very competitive and saturated. We make it our mission to create classes and programs that separate us from others. We don’t necessarily follow the “trends” to fit in.
We create programs and classes to actually stand out. We create classes that will remain consistent and motivating. Hitting a few bumps in the road makes for a stronger leader and solid business behind that leader. My favorite saying is “Fall seven times, get up 8”.
That statement is true in every sense. You become a stronger person by experiencing challenges and struggles. You learn from it to better yourself and to better your business.
In a nutshell, it is not a smooth road. As an owner, you play more than the role of an instructor. You are the marketing person, the finance person, the contact person, the creator of what message you are sending to your followers, you are your own DJ creating playlists, your own designer of your classes and more. Would I trade it? NOPE! It is my passion, I endure the bumps in the road and savor the moments of success.
The biggest struggle is remaining different from your competitors. There are many studios and gyms in the local area. Our mission is to keep people motivated and consistent because what we offer is enticing and different than others.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with ABSolute Fitness – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a unique class-based, personal training based studio. We specialize in cycling, boot camp, interval training classes and strength training. We offer many different types of classes under this umbrella. We are known for our spin program interval classes (such as Tabata, battle rope interval, kickboxing and such).
The thing I am most proud of is focusing on “US” and not others. We have a mindset to stay positive, think positive, breathe positive. When you think that way, you get positive results. Looking back at the past 5 years, I would have to say the proudest thing is that we are here, we have relocated, we are going strong and that says a lot. With the competitive nature of the business, we are in the right spot and have a strong team that keeps us growing and teaching.
We are different in the sense that it is very personal and truly like a fitness family where we are. You are not just a number when you are here. Each instructor knows each member and the members all know one another. It is like a 2nd home when you are here. There is no competitive nature that has members feeling like they can’t attend a certain class. Each person is made to feel like they belong and feels like part of a team and encouraged to be the best they can be.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The best thing about Boston is that we are located 20 minutes north which makes it convenient for people to attend our facility. We are a high-end studio but close to home! We are right off Rte. 128 not far from Rte. 93 as well.
Convenience is a key component to working out at a place that you love and not far from home.
Pricing:
- Unlimited Membership: $99/ month
- 10 Class package : $150 (4 month expiration)
- Teachers, EMS, Fire, Police, Military: Get 15% off all memberships and packages
- New Members: First 3 classes are FREE
- Student Unlimited discount: $80 / month
- Student Discount: $140 (10 class package (4-month expiration)
- Ages 60 + Unlimited Discount: $85/ month
- Ages 60+ discount: $140 (10 class package) – 4 month expiration
Contact Info:
- Address: 3 Teal Rd. Wakefield, MA 01880
- Website: absolutefit.net
- Phone: 9788152611
- Email: kristie@absolutefit.net
- Instagram: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABSolute-Fitness-647507268597729/
- Facebook: Instagram: abs_fit
- Twitter: Twitter: https://twitter.com/absolutefitnr
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
