Where in North Jersey can you find a fitness center with $1 million brand-new, top-of-the-line equipment, personal or virtual instruction, a “cardio theater,” a movie room to work out in, and friendly, smiling employees ready to answer any questions?
If you live in Bayonne, you don’t have to go far, just to Broadway, between 19th and 20th streets. Retro Fitness is open for business, and if you check it out, you’ll find a world of fitness equipment, knowhow, and services.
Among the special offerings are separate spin (32-bike) and group fitness studios, virtual spin classes, virtual group fitness training, and day care services.
“We have 18,500 square feet and three floors of exercise areas, which enables us the luxury of running spin and group fitness classes simultaneously,” said co-owner Peter Buonocore. “All of the fitness and spin classes will be Les Mills program.”
There is cardio equipment on all three floors of the facility.
On staff is a personal training manager, and each member who joins is entitled to a complimentary consultation where they can discuss their fitness goals.
Cross training for Retro staff is a priority and is helpful to clients.
“Each staff member is trained to properly use each piece of machinery in the gym and are instructed to assist any member with the use of that machine,” Buonocore said. “Our goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations in the area of customer service.”
A signature service at Retro is the smoothie bar on the first floor which serves nutritious drinks for those looking for a break during their workout.
“One thing that sets Retro Fitness apart is our exclusive ‘Cardio Theater,’ where there’s an actual movie theater containing pieces of cardio equipment,” Buonocore said. “Members can enjoy full-length PG movies on a huge movie screen in a theater-like atmosphere.”
Another benefit is the gym’s Passport membership, meaning Bayonne members who are out of town – or out of state – can still work out at no extra charge at another facility. And with more than 100 in the United States, that’s a lot of flexibility.
“With that same tag, you can go to Jersey City, but also Florida, Georgia, and California,” said Buonocore. “So Bayonne people are free to work out all over.”
On opening day, Michael Marcano of Jersey City was working out and enjoying the Bayonne gym.
“That’s the great thing, you can jump to Jersey City, West Orange, Secaucus,” he said. “It’s nice. You’re a member of a gym, but a member of all of them. Sometimes you come to a different one just for the variety.”
Buonocore is a Bayonne guy himself, growing up on Avenue A, and with family still here.
This is his first gym and first business here, and he’s happy to be investing in the Peninsula City.
“The city of Bayonne has by far the easiest-going people I’ve ever done business with,” Buonocore said. “They’re extremely business friendly.”
Retro memberships are available at two levels. Basic is $19.95 a month, and allows 100-percent use of the gym. The VIP option includes unlimited child sitting, tanning, group fitness, and spin classes.
Gym hours are 4 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday; 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
“There’s something for everybody,” Buonocore said. “From beginners to experienced, to get our members in the best of shape.”
E-mail joepass@hudsonreporter.com.