By Virginia Dean
The grand opening celebration of T2B Athletics is scheduled for next Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Okemo Marketplace. The newly-located business offers personal training, weightlifting, cross training, massage and high-intensity interval training workouts.
“It’s going to be low key,” said owner Brandon Durham. “It’s to show the public around our gym and to give information about the classes that are offered.”
T2B Fitness Athletics is one of the newest members of the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC). Fellow OVRCC member Du Jour Restaurant, also located in the Okemo Marketplace, will provide refreshments. T2B Fitness is located at 57 Pond Street, Suite A, next to the Chamber’s visitor center.
There will also be a 50/50 raffle benefiting fellow chamber member Black River Good Neighbor Services food shelf.
The mission of T2B Fitness is to cultivate a family of like-minded people that will encourage and develop each other physically, emotionally and psychologically, according to its website.
“We’re here to challenge and lead you to achieve the highest level of sustainable fitness you can reach and to help you get to your goal,” said Durham. “When you have a positive mindset and a positive experience at a gym, the rest should follow.”
Originally from Wappingers Falls, New York, Durham came to Ludlow about five years ago, bought a house and became involved with crossfit, falling in love with its classes.
“I liked the business model and thought I could give it a try,” said Durham referring to T2B Fitness.
T2B also feels that it has an obligation to its members to provide a safe environment in order to succeed.
“We pride ourselves in making that experience easy for you,” said Durham. “Getting out of your shell is hard for people and, for many, it causes anxiety. But we want you to leave your stress at the door for 45 minutes to an hour and change your mindset.”
One of the classes is the T2B Shape Class that offers quick, intense bursts of exercise followed by short, recovery periods. The class gets heart rates up and burns unwanted fat. Equipment includes dumbbells, gymnastic rings, pull-up bars, jump ropes, kettlebells, medicine balls, plyo boxes, resistance bands, rowing machines, assault bikes, various mats, calisthenics, body weight exercises, indoor rowing, aerobic exercise, and running.
The HIIT/Crosstraining Class is an hour long and typically includes warm-ups, stretching and mobility, a skill development segment, and the high intensity workout of the day. Equipment includes barbells, dumbbells, gymnastic rings, pull-up bars, jump ropes, kettlebells, medicine balls, plyo boxes, resistance bands, rowing machines, assault bikes, various mats, calisthenics, Olympic-style weightlifting, strongman-type events, body weight exercises, indoor rowing, aerobic exercise, and running.
“We push you to your limits and you’ll love it,” said Durham.
The calm presence and professionalism of the business’s massage therapist Beth Campbell makes her a huge success who customizes safe and effective sessions that meet individual goals and hopefully exceeds expectations. There are two other massage therapists as well. Campbell will be at the grand opening, offering sample chair massages.
“I look forward to meeting people on Jan. 21 and helping them eventually with their fitness needs,” said Durham.
