Fitness forged in Waterbury

Spin and cycle. African dance. CrossFit. Yoga. New fitness centers have sprung up throughout the town. If it moves, chances are it’s moving in Waterbury.

In a town where fitness centers have never outnumbered service stations, Waterbury has suddenly raced to the forefront as a hotbed of holistic activity, divergent approaches to healthy lifestyles and an incubator of hip spaces, where adults hang out to shed pounds, tone muscles and to pump iron with like-minded people.

There’s a fitness explosion in Waterbury.

Waterbury Center’s first 24/7 fitness facility, the Forge Gym at 1930 Waterbury-Stowe Road, features a variety of offerings. The 3,300-square foot gym is in Joel Baker’s newly renovated building, with wood and copper trim, just north of Guptil Road.

Owners Heather and Kyle Smith say they want to offer a clean, welcoming, professional atmosphere.

“Having Kyle as the owner, personal trainer, and nutritional coach keeps costs down for his services,” says a press release promoting the new gym. “The Forge Gym houses three different fitness areas under one roof. The cardio room contains treadmills, ellipticals, Concept2 rowers and the new ski erg. The weight room has the latest weight machines and free weights to build and tone every part of your body. Finally, the focus room boasts medicine balls, balance balls, battle ropes and much more.”

Here’s a rundown on what’s available in Waterbury:

The Barn: Gym & Fitness Center

38 State Farm Road, yellow barn off Route 100 in Duxbury.

Cardio machines and strength-training equipment, plus group fitness classes and a spinning/cycling studio. Small class sizes for interval training, Pilates, flexibility, yoga, conditioning and more.

Offers drop-in classes, day/week and guest passes, punch cards; monthly and yearly memberships that include unlimited group and spin classes. Adult membership starts at $60/month.

Thebarngym.com.

CrossFit Waterbury

53 N. Main St.

Official “box” (gym) for CrossFit functional movement strength and conditioning program. Free intro class plus “On Ramp” program, or personal training sessions, required to join.

Offers drop-in classes, punch cards, monthly and yearly memberships, personal training, boot camp, individual program design. Opened in 2014. Adult membership around $120/month.

Crossfitwaterbury.com, 802-498-4142.

Dave’s Community Fitness
Jazzercise Waterbury

35 Commercial Drive

Opened in 2002 by Dave Morse, this exercise facility features a variety of machines and free weights, plus an aerobics room for Jazzercise, hip-hop, TRX classes and personal training with Concentric Fitness and more.

Jazzercise starts at $59/month.

Bit.ly/davesfitness, 802-522-9201; jazzercisewaterbury@gmail.com; concentricfitness.com.

The Forge

1930 Waterbury-Stowe Road

“Focus,” cardio and weight rooms with a variety of equipment including Concept2 rowers and a ski erg. Adult members can access gym 24/7. New members receive one free personal training session.

Offers monthly and yearly memberships, day passes, punch cards. Adult membership starts at $65/month.

Forgegymvt.com, 414-312-1444

Studio Zenith

53 N. Main St.

“A fitness, wellness and yoga space designed for strengthening the mind, body and spirit.” Cycling, Zumba, yoga and more. Opened in 2016.

Offers drop-in classes, punch cards, monthly and yearly membership, personal training. Adult membership starts at $150/month.

Studiozenithvt.com, 802-598-5876

Zenbarn Studio

Offers classes in yoga, nutrition, meditation, Pilates, a variety of dance styles and more. The space also offers workshop, series and event space for practitioners. Opened in 2017.

Drop-in classes are $10 suggested donation; adult membership starts at $45/month. Zenbarnvt.com.

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A note on pricing: Some gyms offer discounts for age, family members, couples, prepayment, etc.; the prices listed may vary. Check with the facility to get your best rate.

Demographic change

While the uptick in fitness centers may signal greater health consciousness, it also has a residual effect in terms of the community’s overall fiscal well-being.

“There’s a little bit for everybody,” says Zoe Gordon, economic development director for Waterbury.

It’s not just a matter of people seeking ways to stay in shape. Gordon says there’s an influx of young families into the area, both those who live in the town and village or who work in Waterbury but commute from elsewhere, including Burlington and Montpelier.

“There is definitely a demographic change in terms of age,” Gordon says. “More employees are coming to town. Some are millennials. Even if they’re not living in Waterbury but working, there’s a convenience factor.

The notion of Waterbury having more fitness centers augmented by trendy restaurants, pubs and other amenities coincide with what Gordon describes as Waterbury’s “reputation for becoming a hub.”

The state office complex, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Ben & Jerry’s and other employers all contribute to the overall vibrancy and whose workers often seek out the sort of activities offered at a fitness center.

“Our location is incredibly poised for the service industry, really for all industries,” Gordon said.