By Connor Adams Sheets
At first glance, Push Fitness, a new fitness center that recently opened in Fresh Meadows, looks like a tiny storefront sandwiched among Union Turnpike’s restaurants, bars and shops.
The first floor continues the illusion, with a small check-in desk and juice bar, but when patrons descend into the basement, they enter an 11,000-square-foot fitness mecca, outfitted with new, state-of-the-art exercise equipment and clean, contemporary decor.
“The gym is very deceiving. From outside it looks very small, but downstairs there’s 11,000 square feet of fitness facilities, gym equipment, a beautiful classroom and a cardio stadium theater,” said owner Tony Barretta.
Push recently held a “very soft pre-opening” and has served an initial group of customers ever since, according to Barretta, and it will celebrate its grand opening in August. The goal of the facility is to bring a top-notch fitness space to an area with few gym options, Barretta said.
“This gym is basically based on customer service and cleanliness. You’re basically getting all the benefits of a high-end gym — towel service, saunas —without the high-end price tag,” he said.
The center offers a range of courses in areas including kick-boxing, boot camp, pilates, Zumba and aerobics. There is a women-only workout room and its bathrooms are well-appointed, spotless and have relaxing wooden saunas.
The site, at 188-10 Union Tnpk., was previously home to Utopia Bowling Lanes. It is conveniently located in an area with lots of parking on nearby streets. The Push Fitness website currently advertises a $49-per-month special with a $49 start-up fee.
“You can judge by our appearance that we’re more of a fitness center. We’re a fitness gym with a five-star hotel style,” Barretta said. “We’re bringing the neighborhood a new vibe with fitness meets elegance. There’s finally a beautiful new gym here for the neighborhood.”
To become a member of Push Fitness or to find information about rates, class schedules, amenities and more, visit pushfitnessclub.com or call 718-464-7874.
Reach reporter Connor Adams Sheets by e-mail at csheets@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
