Reception area, Healthworks, Coolidge Corner
Walking into Healthworks in Coolidge Corner recently, I was bowled over by how tuned in it is to what women really need. Forget that the facility is full of light, meticulously clean, and beautifully designed to the point it could easily be mistaken for a spa. Healthworks is about fitness on a woman’s terms (insert a host of angels singing here). There is no cookie cutter approach. There is no shortage of equipment. There is no push for every woman to be the same size. There is no lack of support once you sign up.
With that in mind, during a visit to Healthworks in Coolidge Corner, I was bowled over by how tuned in it is to what women really need. Forget that the facility is full of light, meticulously clean, and beautifully designed to the point it could easily be mistaken for a spa. Healthworks is about fitness on a woman’s terms (insert a host of angels singing here). There is no cookie cutter approach. There is no shortage of equipment. There is no push for every woman to be the same size. There is no lack of support once you sign up.
What there is, in abundance, is a focus on the health of the whole person. Imagine that!
Fitness Director, Lesley Willis provided me with a thorough tour of the facility. Like every member of the staff I observed, from the reception desk to class instructors, she clearly was excited about and enjoyed being at Healthworks. The vibe was contagious.
Newbies Aren’t Left In the Dark
As Lesley described the process for new members, I was struck that the focus was on treating each woman as an individual (again, cue the host of singing angels). After undergoing an assessment – medical history, nutrition, body metrics, etc – new members are paired with a trainer to create a plan. The trainer designs a custom fitness regime that meets fitness goals, schedule, budget, training style. New members are offered one group and two personal training sessions to get started.
From the start, Healthworks’ staff goes out of their way to educate members. This applies to setting goals, creating a training program and understanding how to create healthier habits outside the gym. It’s about adopting fitness as a way of life, not forcing women to squeeze into the image the media pushes on us from birth.
Variety, It’s a Good Thing.
Cardio Deck, Healthworks, Coolidge Corner
Most group classes are held in the aptly named Group Fitness Studio. The class offerings are varied, and reflect each instructor’s personal style and fitness philosophy. Lesley noted that members often gravitate towards an instructor that most closely fits their goals and style. It’s not unusual for members to work out with the same instructor 2-3 times weekly.
Healthworks hosts their own Pilates Studio where group, private or couples instruction is offered in a variety of packages that accommodate pretty much any schedule, budget or fitness need.
There is also a Spinning Studio where the equipment can either be used for a solo workout or as part of a class. Classes are ticket-based and led by instructors that keep everyone motivated. There are even LCD lights switched on during evening classes to keep it fun.
Several fitness programs offered, each focusing on specific training or goals. The Burn Program focuses on interval & strength training. It is a high intensity workout, but tailored for all levels.(Check out the GTS – gravity training system- if you get the chance). Boot Camp also involves interval & strength training, but pre and post testing are done to quantify your results. Drop 10 is a weight loss program offered as a group or private program. The 8-week program focuses on tracking nutrition and developing healthy habits, and even offers online stats for members to track their progress.
By far, the coolest, in my opinion, was TRX. At first, I couldn’t wrap my mind around how a bunch of straps hanging from the ceiling would work. The program was initially created by Navy Seals and is offered as a one-on-one program with a trainer. The movements didn’t sound too difficult, but as Lesley guided me on the correct form, I could feel it pretty fast. It is a very effective workout!
Like many gyms, there is a cardio deck and weight training area too. Both areas feature cutting-edge, well-maintained equipment. Everything on the cardio deck is AV ready. You can plug in your IPod or check out the movie selection that rotates every other week while you exercise. Some machines even have a USB port for members to import personalized programmed workout. A far cry from the usual, the Espresso Machines are a programmable cross between a video game and an exercise bike. Races, courses, level and group challenges can all be programmed into your workout. Seriously, variety is the watch word.
Lesley explained that workouts are more effective and members are more likely to keep at it if they are engaged and interested. It felt like all the equipment was chosen specifically to that end.
A Healthy, Positive Alternative
Changing Area, Healthworks, Coolidge Corner
Healthworks’ locations are spread across metro Boston, and there is even a facility in Salem. There are slight differences between facilities when it comes to schedule and classes offered, but members can work out at any location. Lesley remarked that it’s not uncommon for members to exercise in a club close to work and another close to home.
What repeatedly struck me was how the philosophy that fitness is a way of life comes into play constantly at Healthworks. Sure, weight loss programs are offered, but within the context of promoting overall health of the whole person. Beyond the physical benefits to members, this perspective is huge in building women’s self-esteem as well. (again, cue the host of angels)
Clearly, the engaged customer service, well-maintained facilities and highly-qualified, highly-trained, highly-motivated staff make a huge difference in setting Healthworks apart from other fitness centers, but it doesn’t end there. A portion of net revenue goes towards the Healthworks Foundation. The Foundation runs two centers open to low income women and children that offer fitness and nutrition programs
The bottom line, though, is that Healthworks is a healthy, positive place for women.
Catie Hayes, Editor
