With more than 20 years of coaching and training under his belt, Mark decided this year to take his lifelong calling in wellness to a new level.
In February, Mark Blancato opened The Apex at 60 Village Place, a gym where athletes of every level and discipline can either start their fitness journey, explore new workout regimens, or fine-tune their high-end athletic abilities.
There are five coaches and each of them are trained in numerous disciplines, such as strength training, aerobics and endurance, as well as training for athletes involved in school and college team sports and local team leagues.
The former strength and conditioning coach at New Britain High School, Mark's 7,500-square-foot gym includes a large batting cage area where local sports teams and the general public can train, as well as room and equipment for strength training.
The services and programs at The Apex, he said, represent an amalgamation of his experiences in health and fitness, and incorporates the talents and experiences of his coaches.
“It’s an athletic center where anyone can come and work on their craft,” he said. “It’s a mix of everything.”
The Apex offers personal and small group training, full team coaching, yoga, sports training, baseball cage rentals and full/partial turf rentals.
Chelsea Gomes, a Glastonbury-based wellness and fitness coach specializing in women's fitness, partnered with The Apex and said Mark and the coaches at the gym will provide a wide range of health and wellness initiatives, in addition to athletic training. She offers a variety of classes and personal training at the facility and feels additional partnerships and services will be beneficial.
“We’re getting more involved and networking with other health and wellness related businesses and professionals, like chiropractors offices, fitness clothing stores and massage therapists,”she said.
“We’re trying to capitalize on everything that we can fit in here,” Mark added. “We’re making sure everybody on our team has enough time and space to provide the training and guidance that our clients need. We provide years of experience, and the equipment needed to provide an edge to any experience level. ”
Coach Mike DiStefano is the director of Return to Play Training at the Institute for Sports Medicine at the University of Connecticut. He focuses on the safe and effective return to activity after injuries for athletes of all ages and abilities.
Coach Zachary Bohling is the strength and conditioning coach at Glastonbury High School for all sport and Coach Baylor LaPointe is the full-time baseball trainer at The Apex. He has extensive playing and training experience and is very popular among Glastonbury's youth.
