Getting in shape takes work, and so does running a business. Especially a small business that makes it to its fifth anniversary. Hardbodyz Fitness has been in the workout business since 2010, and it is celebrating this Saturday with a free day of activities for the community.
Stephanie Gencarelli, one part of the family clan that owns and runs Hardbodyz, says it has made it this far by listening to its customers and incorporating their suggestions into the business. They’ve added a spin studio and more Saturday hours, expanded the parking lot and brought in more equipment, like hack squat machines. They’ve also made themselves part of the Verona community by supporting sports teams and community fundraisers.
“My dad, brother and I are always here at one time or another,” Gencarelli says. “People talk to us. They feel comfortable telling us what they want and we listen. We’re in an industry to serve people and so it would be a big mistake if we didn’t listen.”
That listening has helped to define Hardbodyz’ goals for its next five years–and beyond. Gencarelli notes that Hardbodyz is much bigger than it might look from its Bloomfield Avenue facade: It’s got 8,000 square feet of workout space because it wraps around behind the two storefronts next door. But she hopes that it can grow even bigger in the future. She says the family (brother Louis Gencarelli Jr., father Louis Gencarelli Sr. and her occasional spin class teacher mother Susan Gencarelli) will be looking to add trainers, equipment and maybe even more space.
For now, they will be celebrating, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday. There will be prizes, free body fat testing and free samples from the supplements company Eat The Bear, training specials and enrollment fees will be waived for anyone who joins that day.
“The first five years has been a whirlwind and a learning experience,” Gencarelli says. “We want to keep learning and growing.”
