Worcester Business Journal

30 Worcester Business Journal | Fact Book 2017 | wbjournal.com I n January 2011, Bonnie Lefrak opened the doors to the Fitness Asylum in Shrewsbury with one goal in mind: to help others become happy, healthy, empowered individuals with an extended life span. What she didn't anticipate was that her single facility would become three, changing lives in unex- pected ways and becoming a vibrant community of individuals with shared values. What can a person expect from the Fitness Asylum when she walks through the door? We are open seven days a week and have a variety of programs and classes to suit everyone. We feature 90+ boot camps and 15 specialty classes each week to offer the maximum in flexibility. There is no lack of opportunity, but we are not advocating exces- sive workouts. Our philosophy is not "more is better." If you come in two or three times a week, it's a win. Consistency is the key. We have 25 instructors and 60 staff members who are all invested in our mission. At one time, they were clients and serve as ambassadors and models of our facility. In addition to fitness programs and classes, what else will clients find at the Fitness Asylum? To achieve optimal health, we focus not only on exercise, but also on nutrition and psychological factors. We help people feel empowered and cultivate good habits. The community environ- ment at the Fitness Asylum clearly demonstrates the value of con- necting to other, like-minded individuals. Our clients realize that you can't undo 40 years of bad habits in 12 weeks. You have to be in it for the long haul to achieve long-lasting change. Your tagline states: "Your transformation starts here." Can you explain what you mean? We are all about transformation. We help women, and a few men, change from the inside out. By that I mean we help individ- uals get back to taking care of self. We embrace the psychology of change related to habit formation. There is a direct link between becoming fit to reaping overall lifestyle benefits. When you become healthier, the effects spill over into the rest of your life, both personally and professionally. People are bombarded with information about dieting, weight loss and exercise. We try to cut to the chase. We eliminate the mistaken notion of quick fat loss and help our participants realize that you have to sometimes take baby steps on the road to good health. We aren't doctors but operate on science and have helped thousands of people become healthier. And that means not only losing weight, but also reducing inflammation, cholesterol and blood pressure, achieving better blood sugar levels and becoming more engaged in life, all the things that lead to better health. We help people feel confident and healthy on the inside as well as on the outside. What differentiates the Fitness Asylum from other gyms, studios and workout facilities? Our specialization in transformation programs sets us apart. We see life in a different way and understand what makes a fit- ness program work. We foster a sense of connection and belong- ing, whether you are first-timer, a veteran exercise enthusiast, recovering from an injury or carrying excess weight. Our mission is to be accessible to everyone and help people move to their own personal next level. Every journey is different, but we help people reach their destination. We are much more than just a workout facility. The Fitness Asylum: Your Transformation Starts Here Owner: Bonnie LeFrak Addresses: 56 Summer Street, Shrewsbury 65 Shrewsbury Street, Boylston 90 Cherry Street, Hudson Phone: 617-967-0042 Website: www.fitness-asylum.com Fitness Asylum How is the Fitness Asylum connected to the greater community? Fundraising and giving back is a major part of our mission. We hold two or three major events every year. All the money we raise during our Swing for a Cure goes directly to the University of Massachusetts. We also raise funds for Make-A-Wish MA/RI and have raised $9,500 for the organization. We also support Children's Hospital. Informally, some of our members get together and solicit items for baskets that we raffle. These activities help our community band together and demonstrate we are not just a place to work out. As a business, we have core values regarding those in need. We are trying to bring awareness to great charities. What do you foresee for the future at Fitness Asylum? We are looking to partner with like-minded experts. By that, I mean other businesses that focus on health, such as naturo- paths, nutritionists and other alternative and traditional practi- tioners. We have already heard from a number of physicians in the area. They tell us they have seen dramatic health improve- ments in some of their patients who are also our clients. Their biomarkers are better since coming to the Fitness Asylum. We intend to continue helping to transform the lives of everyone who walks through our door. Fitness is always evolving, so we will continue to innovate, listening to what our clients need and want and creating programs that solve problems, create solu- tions and inspire results. FB Bonnie LeFrak S P O N S O R E D S E C T I O N C E O I N T E R V I E W

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