Jennifer Russo

So, you’ve decided to start a workout routine, maybe for general health and wellness or to train for a specific sport or event. You sign up for a gym membership, throw on some workout clothes, and walk through the doors to hear the loud clank of weights and the hum of treadmills. Now what? 

For many people, stepping into a gym can feel intimidating, with crowds of people, rows of equipment they may not know how to use, anxiety over where to begin, uncertainty of what questions to ask the staff…sometimes all of this is a barrier that keeps people from pursuing fitness altogether.   

Thankfully, Above the Bar is a new fitness center that recently opened its doors in Shrewsbury, with a mission to help athletes and others in the community discover their strength through truly individualized personal training. 

“Fitness should be challenging, but still fun and approachable,” said Above the Bar owner and trainer Brian Cody. “This is a space where every person who walks in gets the attention and guidance they need, whether they’re a competitive athlete, a busy parent, or someone just starting their fitness journey.”

Brian, a Shrewsbury native who initially went to college on a scholarship for rowing, realized that he didn’t love the sport as much as the fitness aspect of it, so he transitioned to another school to study health education while also working as a personal trainer because he wanted to help people navigate their fitness journeys. 

After spending a lot of time working in different gyms, he found he really wanted to create something more aligned with his coaching style – a highly individualized model where clients feel empowered to make lifestyle changes that benefit their overall health, built on a trusted relationship cultivated by open conversation and working one-on-one.

With clients of all ages, Brian and his other NASM-certified fitness coach, Kimiko Gomi, specialize in creating programs based on the needs of each client, whether it be a youth athlete training for performance or an adult who is looking to explore strength training.

“I love working with young athletes, being a positive role model in someone’s life and seeing that moment when something really clicks is amazing – and I try to instill certain disciplinary aspects that they can carry onto their teammates – mostly a mentality of what it means to work hard so that they can excel more in a sport, but understanding how to push past limits without injuring themselves,” says Brian.

With personal, small group, and online training options, everything is tailored to fit each client’s specific goals and preferences. Everything is built upon the three tenets of quality, discipline, and accountability, and the gym believes in meeting people where they are, then helping them exceed their own expectations. This approach is already resonating – with positive testimonials that highlight the encouraging atmosphere, and clients noting improved strength, speed, energy, and confidence. 

Beyond the workouts, Above the Bar aims to become an impactful part of the area’s wellness community, with an emphasis on education, teaching proper form and sustainable routines alongside strength training. They hope to soon expand by offering small group classes, such as yoga and other fitness offerings that create opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to move their bodies, learn healthier habits, and connect with others who share similar goals.

“I also have the goal of becoming a fitness destination and sports hub of sorts for athletes who want to learn how to build a stronger foundation that not only improves their performance on the field or court, but sets them up for success long-term in both sports and life,” shares Brian.

With its combination of personalized coaching and community focus, the gym hopes to inspire locals to quite literally rise “above the bar” in their own health and fitness goals.

Above the Bar is located at 151 Memorial Drive in Shrewsbury and is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM. For more information, visit their website at abovethebarathletics.org or call 774-312-3852.