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Fitness club gets makeover with new owners
By Lynda Wellman STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated: 01/15/2008 02:34:34 PM EST

The Club on Grove Street in New Milford has a new name, new programs and equipment and new owners.

"We're glad to be part of the community," said Marc Miles, who with his partner Seth Hirschel, is one of the new owners. They have renamed the facility the New Milford Sports Club.

"We're excited," Mr. Miles said. "We know this club has a lot of potential."

Since the new owners took over Dec. 1, several of their plans have already been implemented giving the interior of what was once the Winchester Electronics factory a "fresh polished look."

They plan "well over $100,000 of capital improvements," according to Mr. Hirschel. There are new signs and newly painted "Ralph Lauren Red" walls the owners say will provide a "hip feeling."

"I think the changes are great," said five-year member Michelle Purpora. Others said the new paint job looks great and they are looking forward to the new programs.

Jim Spada, who joined The Club the day it opened 11 years ago, said the change is "fabulous" and with hands-on owners, instead of a corporation, requests are dealt with immediately. He is the manager of trainers at the facility.

Mr. Hirschel, 31, of Manhattan, and Mr. Miles, 33, of Lakeville, also own the North East Athletic Club in Millerton, NY.

They have two silent equity partners in their New Milford club, who also own Printing House Fitness in New York City.

Many of the former staff remain.

Paulette Smith, who was assistant manager, is the new general manager, and Jerry Nechamkin, who has been at the facility four years, has been named director of sales and personal training.
Ms. Smith said the juice bar, which is offering sports recovery drinks and smoothies with nutritional supplements, has been a big hit.

"We're adding a whole food approach," said Mr. Hirschel, explaining they will also be hiring a nutritionist.

"We want to promote a healthy lifestyle," said Mr. Miles, adding there is internet access in the café area with three new computers. "It will be an inviting environment. We want to encourage social interaction."

Mr. Hirschel said the goal is to bring back a family feeling.

New flat screen plasma televisions are already installed. The pool has been drained and cleaned and the pool deck area repainted as part of the face-lift.

"It's considerably cleaner, a welcome change," said member Gabe Szilagyi, who uses the pool exclusively. "It's a nice paint job all over."

"We're rolling out a whole new circuit of strength training equipment mid-January," Mr. Hirschel said, adding they will be offering a variety of memberships, including monthly and weekend memberships. They are also adding a tanning facility that will be open to both members and the public.

Members will see a diversity of program offerings, including belly-dancing, Pilates and Zumba -- aerobic moves accompanied by fast-paced Latin rhythms.

An improved pro shop will offer workout gear, nutritional and sports supplements, tanning lotions, heart rate monitors, even headphones.

Steve Mesh, a lighting designer who travels from New Fairfield to use the club, said, "From what I've seen, it looks good."

The former club owner, the Fitness Company, filed for bankruptcy in July and the new owners were able to purchase the business from the bankruptcy court. They declined to reveal the amount.

"We're really happy the staff and membership stuck it out through tough times," Mr. Miles said, explaining they will be regularly on the premises.

He said they are excited to continue to work with Carlson Physical Therapy and New Milford Hospital to help their clients transition after physical and cardiac therapy. Carlson Physical Therapy operates out of space at the facility.

Mr. Hirschel added they feel honored with the membership they have and have made their initial improvements based on feedback from staff and members.

He said they plan to have a profit-sharing program for all employees who will have a say in how the Sports Club functions. They continue to lease the property from Bruce Weinstein and Gene Rosen.

Mr. Hirschel and Mr. Miles, who at one time worked in Kent at Outpost.com, met about eight years ago when Mr. Hirschel was living in Sharon and both belonged to a fitness club in Lakeville.

Mr. Hirschel, who is engaged to marry Molly Ahrens in July, was a founder of the Lakeville software company eCamp that merged with CampRegister in 2006.

He has a business degree from SUNY Albany. The New Milford Sports Club is his fourth business; he's involved in real estate development in New York City.

"He's the new Donald Trump," quipped Ms. Smith
_________________
~ Marc

Just one more cast...

admin · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:37 pm Post subject:

LOL - Very funny... Im excited to start fishing right down the street here this summer!
_________________
~ Marc

Just one more cast...