Working out just got a lot more fun: a smattering of new fitness studios have opened in Westport recently, offering high-end, customized, and boutique classes and programming. Whether you’re looking for strength training, cardio, barre, or just an all around great sweat, these new spots are here for endorphin-boosting-bursts.
Countdown Fitness
25 Sylvan Road South
countdownfit.com
This personal-training-only studio, founded by Anel Dzafic, opened in March, though his Greenwich location has been kicking butts since 2015. The name comes from Anel’s technique, where he “counts down” to total muscle burnout. “Because we lift weights slowly and mindfully, we minimize the risk of injury,” he says. “We're able to squeeze a full week of strength training into a 30-minute session.” (Yes, that’s right—once a week, just 30 minutes!) The dark, moody studio makes you feel like an absolute bada**. “I love how efficient and effective the workout is,” says Anel. “We make meaningful changes to people’s strength.”
BFT
403 Post Road E
bodyfittraining.com
There are 300 BFT (that stands for Body Fit Training) studios worldwide, but the Westport location opened in December of last year. The boutique studio specializes in group fitness, offering 14 class types, from strength to cardio to boxing. But they have one thing in common: the classes are part of a program, designed to build on each other and progress your fitness. There’s a strong emphasis on teamwork, but the workouts are open to anyone. “The workouts are always different, and you will walk away having learned something new to make your next workout better,” says co-owner Gama Blanco.
Forme Barre
580 Post Road E
formebarre.com
The ballet-inspired workouts at this boutique studio are ever-changing, so no two classes are alike, says owner Tyler Ingram, a retired ballet dancer. “Forme Barre produces a lithe, lean, and well-defined physique, in the mold of a classical ballet dancer,” he says. The studio, which also has locations in Greenwich, New Canaan, and Nantucket, opened last September. In addition to in-person classes in their warm, inviting studio, they’ve got classes online, which you can watch on-demand or live. While the expert programming and experienced teachers evoke a top-notch ballet academy, Tyler stresses that Forme Barre is for everyone.
Recess Performance Club
276 Post Road East
recess.fit
“This is much more than a workout,” says founder Eric Johnson of his brand-new 3,000 sq.-ft. fitness mecca. Membership includes access not only to Eric’s expert group, semi-private, or private training (his clients include Scarlett Johansson and Charlie Puth!) but his recovery tools, too, like an infrared sauna, red light therapy, and cold plunge. The expertise and energy in Eric’s workouts is unmatched. “A group pouring their hearts and sweat into a challenging workout and knowing they have embraced becoming comfortable in the uncomfortable keeps my fire going to be the best coach I can be,” says Eric.