Bored at the gym? Get ready to try these new workout places coming to the State College area
Maybe your gym routine has become stale and you’re looking for some inspiration. Maybe it’s become too pricey. Or maybe you’re looking to stay on top of your weight as the holiday season approaches.
No matter the reason, Centre County has options for would-be exercisers, including three new fitness studios that plan to open in Happy Valley. Hotworx, Pure Barre and Treign Fit are in various stages of opening. Here’s a look at what they have in the works.
You may want to bring a towel to Hotworx
A fitness chain known for ratcheting up the temperature during workouts is preparing to open near State College, the latest player to jump into Happy Valley’s burgeoning fitness market.
Hotworx — which markets itself as one of the most efficient 30-minute workout programs in the fitness industry — plans to open early 2024 at Hills Plaza, co-owner Stephanie Restivo said.
The studio would be the first to open in central Pennsylvania. The chain operates a handful of locations in the Philadelphia area, as well as one near Pittsburgh. There are more than 500 locations nationwide.
“Every business owner is going to have some nerves at some point, but I do feel really confident in the fact that this concept will work well in this area just because it’s been so successful in so many other markets. We’ve got a great location in State College,” the first-time business owner said. “I think there’s other fitness concepts in the area that are highly successful. With the student population coupled with the local community, we’re very confident it will be successful.”
Memberships start at $59 per month once the studio opens. Those who purchase a membership before opening day will be offered a reduced rate; Restivo was unable to immediately say how much those memberships will cost.
Hotworx is set to open in a 2,000-square-foot location that was previously home to Verizon. The lease was signed earlier this month, Vita and Vita Realty Corp. President Anthony “Tony” Vita said.
About four people are expected to be employed by the business, including one full-time general manager, Restivo said.
“Anytime you’re spending a lot of money to open something before you start making money back, there’s time of trepidation,” Restivo said. “But I’m feeling very confident about it.”
She and her husband, Mike, each dreamed of becoming entrepreneurs. The State College couple previously lived in Texas, where there are more than 100 Hotworx locations.
Once they became familiar with the company’s brand, they knew opening their own franchise location was something they wanted to pursue.
Hotworx is a virtually-instructed exercise program that uses what the company describes as 3D training — heat, infrared energy and exercise. There are eight different 30-minute workouts (like hot yoga and hot Pilates), as well as three 15-minute high intensity interval training workouts.
The studio is scheduled to be open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Find a spot at the Pure Barre
Pure Barre tentatively plans to open in late December or early January at 19 Colonnade Way, owner Erin Ruggles said. The 1,950-square-foot fitness studio offers a workout regimen that combines elements of ballet, Pilates and yoga.
The business, Ruggles wrote in an email, strives to create a “supportive and empowering environment where our clients can tone their bodies, build strength, and boost their confidence.”
It would be the first Pure Barre in Centre County. There are more than 600 locations nationwide. The business offers a variety of instructor-led classes, including an intro class for newcomers.
“I’m in a state right now of strictly anticipation. Back in 2019 whenever I first received the rights to the franchise, I was so excited that I was almost in disbelief. I couldn’t believe that this was going to be my life and that I was going to be able to do something that I was so passionate about full-time,” the first-time business owner said. “I was in a state of shock for probably six months. I was like, ‘Is this really going to happen? This is amazing and so exciting.’ Right now, I’m just ready to go. It is strictly anticipation, excitement. I’m antsy about it. It just feels so good and it feels so right to finally be able to open our doors.”
A Founder’s Rate membership currently costs $129 a month for life, Ruggles said. Upward of 15 people are expected to be employed, including two full-time positions.
After graduating with a degree in theater, Ruggles worked as the general and sales manager of a Pure Barre in Pittsburgh. She said she “absolutely loved it” and knew she wanted to open her own franchise after she learned State College was one of the business’ available territories.
“State College was always the place that you went to whenever you wanted something exciting to do for the weekend. You’re like, ‘Oh, let’s go into State College.’ It was such a big deal,” Ruggles said. “So I was like, ‘Wow, that would actually be incredible. The clientele would be a nice mixture of students as well as people that are local to Centre County.’ ”
The studio is scheduled to open at 5:30 a.m. weekdays and 7:30 a.m. weekends. It will close at 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Friday and noon on weekends.
In addition to Hotworx and Pure Barre, Treign Fit is planning to open at 339 Benner Pike. No opening date has been announced.
