FITLoft, a fitness studio formerly known as D*FIT, is preparing to welcome a larger crowd by expanding its range of amenities. The studio has been under the ownership of siblings Kara Hermes and Jason Hermes since last November, and they are excited to enter a new era of health.
Kara Hermes has been involved in the fitness industry for 24 years and worked as an employee at D*FIT for the past three years. When the previous owner, Daniela Costanzo, announced she would sell the gym, Kara and her brother took over. Since then, they have launched new initiatives, such as reopening the cafe, expanding yoga classes, opening seven days a week, and partnering with a physical therapist to provide a holistic approach to fitness.
Kara and Jason hope the convenient location of the gym at 4 Erie Street—directly behind Walnut Train Station—will bring new members. Alongside locker rooms for members to shower and change, the renovations include a general wellness room where members can indulge in reiki, aromatherapy or a hot stone massage.
“I can work out, shower, grab lunch, get a massage, sit in the steam room, and then jump on the train into the city,” Kara Hermes said.
The family-owned business aims to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for gym-goers. The team at FITLoft will evaluate intake forms and recommend certain classes or curate workouts with a personal trainer for all new visitors. FITLoft offers over 40 group fitness classes like cardio, strength training, dancing, boxing and spin classes. They also provide one-on-one personal training and small group training.
The motto of FITLoft is “Where strength meets community in Montclair,” and Kara and Jason want to make the space versatile for the community. With high school sports popular in town, FITLoft intends to help keep local young athletes at the top of their game. “We are starting to offer a lot more teen training. There are many athletes in this town with sports like football, ice hockey, and lacrosse, and we want to be the answer for when they want to train for the sport,” Jason said.
FITLoft welcomes all ages and fitness levels and is not exclusively for working out. The space, with large rooms and in-house kitchen, is also available to rent for private events. For a birthday party with a fun twist, book private spin classes for your guests. Businesses can also hold employee bonding events, including cooking classes.
Though FITLoft is excited to share its new amenities with the community, the new owners’ priority is being a safe space for people to start their health journey.
“All ages, all fitness levels, welcome. There’s really something for everybody here,” Kara emphasizes.
For more information on FITLoft, visit their website here.