Today we’d like to introduce you to Pat Agostino.
Pat, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Peoplefit Health and Fitness Center opened for business near Woburn 4 corners in 2004. The facility was opened by two brothers and their wives. Three of the four owners are physical therapists. The concept for the facility came from the problem of how to help people to exercise that may have a medical issue, as well as how to create individualized fitness plans that cater to each individual’s needs. The answer was Peoplefit Health and Fitness Center, a physical therapist, family owned fitness center.
Has it been a smooth road?
While opening a 7 day a week business that required coming up with over $500,000 in build-out, equipment and start-up costs was a challenge, the Woburn, Lexington, Winchester, Burlington, and Arlington communities embraced us from the start and allowed our business to be successful over the past 13 years.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Peoplefit Health and Fitness Center story. Tell us more about the business.
All members who join Peoplefit begin their membership with two one hour appointments. The first is an evaluation by a physical therapist and a review of the member’s health history and exercise goals. The second appointment conducted by an exercise physiologist who takes the physical therapy evaluation, and the clients goals and develops an individualized exercise program that caters to the member’s needs. At that point the member is free to come in and exercise on their own, or may decide to work individually with an exercise physiologist. They may also decide to take classes, such as Zumba, Yoga, strengthening classes, balance classes or core classes.
The two things that we are most proud of are the dedication and professionalism of our staff and the success that our members have had exercising at out facility. Helping a member to run her first 5K, or helping a member lower his blood pressure to a point where he can come off his blood pressure medication are equal sources of pride and inspiration for us.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Eight years ago we were asked by one of our members to come into her home and exercise with her elderly husband who had completed a rehabilitation program, but was now getting weaker. From that one client experience we launched Peoplefit At Home. Peoplefit At Home sends one of our 10 physical therapist and massage therapists into people’s homes for one on one exercise and massage. For our older clientele, the exercise we provide has been able to help to keep them healthy and independent. For some this has been the difference between staying at home or entering a nursing home. For our younger, healthier clients we have been able to assist them in reaching their fitness goals in the comfort of their own homes.
I foresee that the fitness industry will shift towards fitness as medicine with more individualized exercise programs that address an individualized health needs.
Pricing:
- Pricing for Peoplefit is $99/month plus a one-time evaluation fee. This includes 7 day unlimited access to our facility, most group classes, assistance from a dedicated floor assistant, and three month follow-ups with an exercise physiologist. For Peoplefit At Home rates, please call 1-855-PT4-HOME (1-855-784-4663) or visit our website at www.peoplefit.net.
Contact Info:
- Address: Peoplefit Health and Fitness Center
237 Lexington St. Woburn, MA - Website: www.peoplefit.net
- Phone: 781-932-9332
- Email: info@peoplefit.net
- Facebook: Peoplefit Health and Fitness Center
- Twitter: @PeoplefitHFC
