Just yesterday, we posted on the recent advancements at 166 Chandler Street, by giving an overview of the latest developments to come to pass. From a new Tappo Pizza in the Thin Man Brewery, to ODL Ortho Lab and Salon in the City Suites. While readers were learning about the suite of updates, I paid a visit to the fourth floor of the building, to talk to owners of F45 Training, Jess Lasagna and Joe Hartrich, who have carved out a significant space for their fitness enterprise.
It turns out that Jess is from Toronto, and Joe is from Buffalo. They began dating in 2013, and got married in September of 2017. As they were flying back home to Toronto, from their honeymoon, Jess learned that a new gym had opened next to her house. The next day she walked over to F45 (Functional 45), and immediately fell in love with the concept – she was hooked immediately. Two weeks into working out at F45, Jess inquired about opening a franchise in Buffalo. Six months after that, she moved to Buffalo to embark upon her new life journey with Joe, and F45.
During those six months, Jess and Joe had heard about the up and coming Chandler Street area, and decided to take a look at the top floor of 166. “We called developer Rocco Termini last January, and two hours later we were driving down Chandler Street, on our way to see the space,” said Jess. “When I first saw the street, the building, and the space, it was very raw, so we had to trust Rocco’s vision. The area reminded me of The Distillery District in Toronto, which I love. With all of the other businesses opening, we knew that F45 would be a great addition to the offerings.”
As far as F45 build-outs go, this one is on the bigger side. The space has a bit of an industrial feel, and is nice and wide open, which perfectly suits the operation. The floor is outfitted with F45 proprietary fitness equipment, giving a professional flair to the gym. Memberships include unlimited classes, seven days a week, so that everyone can work out their own convenient schedules.
According to Jess and Joe, the F45 company is the fastest growing fitness network in history. The couple independently owns the Chandler Street location, but when it comes to the actually fitness spaces and routines, the franchises are very similar – each of the 1400 locations throughout the world accesses the same equipment, programs, etc. They are all intertwined by video technology that can access 3000+ exercises in a database. The video routines correlate with various stations around the gym, making exercising extremely diverse and efficient. Two personal trainers are also on hand to ensure that the group gets the most out of every workout.
Get ready for 45 minutes of high intensity, circuit training combined with pure fun and sweaty high fives along the way.
Each session is 45 minutes long (hence Functional 45 – F45), with the exception of Saturday sessions that are one hour long. The workouts flip-flop from cardio days to resistance days, ensuring that members get full body workouts, while muscles get a chance to relax and rebuild between the cycles. The 45 minute training sessions are broken down into 60 second interval routines, held at stations that range from “sledgehammer” to “the sled”.
F45 is open to all fitness levels. Each of the F45 gyms is built around a tight-knit community – the team training is essential to getting the most out of the program. There are even optional member socials, where everyone is invited to meet up at, say, at The Buffalo Cider Hall, located directly across the street. While getting in shape is important, it’s just as vital to live a balanced lifestyle that includes social team building.
Jess told me that when it comes to training, no one should feel intimidated or left out – the classes are designed to accommodate all skill levels, in a fun, invigorating way, that will ultimately provide members with enhanced self confidence. The 45 minute classes means that you’re in and out before you know it. By immersing into an “innovative, challenging and systemized team training” there is a natural and progressive flow that carries members briskly through the routines.
F45 Training Black Rock is having its soft opening tomorrow, Saturday, January 19 (see Facebook for details). Moving forward, the center will be open seven days a week. Stay tuned for an official grand opening party, to be held towards the end of the month.
Click here to claim your complimentary 2 week trial offer.
F45 Training | 166 Chandler Street | Black Rock – Buffalo, New York 14207 | (716) 525-0009 | Facebook