thePULSE
There’s a new gym in Worcester, and it’s taking the fitness industry by storm, whooshing in and clearing the way for those of us who are tired of the traditional workouts and are looking for something exciting and challenging with measurable results.
Instead of walking into a facility and playing the “what machine should I use and how much weight should I lift?” game, Peak has programs that are designed specifically for your body and fitness needs, as well as any health limitations you may have. With a knowledgeable staff and an on-site physical therapy clinic, Peak is ready to get you into your best shape.
Michael Covino, president of Niche Hospitality Group, whose name you may recognize as the entrepreneur behind some of Worcester’s more popular restaurants (Bocado and Mezcal ring a bell?), actually worked as a physical therapist for years before turning his attention to the booming local restaurant business.
“I have a passion for fitness and have always wanted to have a conditioning facility that was not only a gym that offered functional training for adults, but also a facility that would be great for preventing injury and enhancing performance for anyone from the high school athlete to weekend warrior looking to keep that competitive edge,” Covino said.
And as with everything else he touches, Peak Fitness has been a successful venture in this respect, catering not only to adults, but also offering training and conditioning programs for all ages, including mobility and strength training for kids using their own body weight.
Another stand-out and completely unique feature at Peak is the availability of four batting cages in the 10,000-square-foot facility. Covino wanted to fuse his passion for baseball and work that into the design. Peak offers 10-week baseball and softball camps for those who love the sport, and it also has a juice bar for a refreshing and healthy break. It also offers more than 40 different boot camps each week for every level and interest.
“The boot camps are awesome because regardless of your level,” Covino said, “You are going to get a good, safe workout that gets your heart rate pumping but also targets muscular strength and endurance. They are great total-body workouts with a motivating coach that will hold you accountable to give it all you have.”
Each of the boot camps, group strength programs and movement-based classes are designed by licensed physical therapists and strength coaches, and all workouts can be modified for anyone with physical challenges or recovering injuries, making the workouts perfect for absolutely everyone.
“There is a strong emphasis on injury prevention and proper technique to maximize performance on the field, as well as a strong culture that focuses on attitude and respect to build better students and people,” Covino said.
I asked him to define the difference between simply getting fit and athletic conditioning.
“Fit is a very personal definition,” Covino said. “For me, fit is being able to do all of the things that I want to do without fear of injury, and that ties in with athletic conditioning because I still like to run around and participate in organized sports or run a race. Fit can be whatever you want it to be: having more energy, getting stronger, losing weight … whereas athletic conditioning is preparing an individual to participate in something that requires athleticism so that they can perform at their highest level without getting hurt. I think that life can be an athletic event, so I think you will see that our fitness and conditioning often merge together to help many individuals get to where they want to be.”
Personal one-on-one training is available at Peak with Elite- and Master-level trainers for 30- or 60-minute sessions, and there is an introductory offer available on Peak’s website. Imagine what you will feel and look like after twenty-four 60-minute sessions; you’ll be ready to rock the summer clothes in no time.
Peak Fitness is located at 712 Plantation St., Worcester. For more information, visit peakfitnessworkouts.com.
By Jennifer Russo
Strange, but I can’t seem to find where the original owner of Peak Fitness, Paul Lee, is mentioned. This seems odd to me as Peak was a successful gym for years before Mr. Carino was ever involved However you would never know from the multitple interviews Mr. Covino has done about Peak Fitness. Where I came from we were taught to give credit where credit is due. I guess that is not the fact here. Truly a bit narcissistic, no?