By Bill Parry
A drab manufacturing building next to the elevated No. 7 subway line in Woodside has been transformed into a lively and colorful two-story gymnasium.
Blink Fitness, a chain that bills itself as the cleanest and friendliest affordable gym in North America, has opened its fifth location in the borough.
“We are excited to open our doors and welcome the Woodside community,” Manager Michael Fisher said. “We’re sure that Blink will become a healthy, happy hub of activity in the neighborhood.”
The state-of-the-art fitness center, located at 56-02 Roosevelt Ave., was festooned with balloons and banners outside for its grand opening last week.
Inside, visitors and prospective clients will find more than 70 cardio machines, more than 60 strength machines and free weights and many other machines that cover upper body, lower body and core.
Like the other locations in Astoria, Jackson Heights, Jamaica and Ozone Park, Blink Fitness franchises bring what they call a feel good experience to its gyms with plenty of brightly lit open spaces and paint that they say is scientifically proven to enhance your workout and have an uplifting effect on your mood. Even the music is curated with beat and level in mind to keep you motivated throughout your workout the company’s website says.
Staff members are called Mood Lifters, and they are trained to greet customers with enthusiasm and respect. All staff is responsible for keeping the locker rooms and workout areas spotless.
Certified personal trainers are available for those members who wish to create a custom workout tailored to their goals.
Memberships are available for as low as $15 per month with a free start-up personal training session.
In honor of the grand opening celebration at the Woodside facility, Blink Fitness donated 50 one-year memberships, worth over $10,000, to The Child Center of New York, an organization dedicated to strengthening children and families with skills, opportunities, and emotional support to build healthy successful lives.
“As an agency committed to underserved communities and to promoting health and wellness on every level, we share a lot of common ground with Blink,” The Child Center of New York CEO and Executive Director Traci Donnelly said. “We are glad to welcome the club to the neighborhood and look forward to future opportunities for collaboration.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
