Couple says speedy workouts no sweat

BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

FARRAH MAFFAI staff Leeanne Davis of East Brunswick works out at the new facility on Route 18. EAST BRUNSWICK — It’s quick and it’s simple.

That’s what Joseph and Rosemarie Alessi say of the workout offered at Ladies Workout Express, which opened recently at 253 Route 18. The fitness center promises results for women who stick with the circuit program.

Joseph and Rosemarie, first-time business owners, live in Sayreville where Rosemarie was raised. Joseph is originally from Lawrenceville.

Since their own town already had a similar workout center, the couple chose a spot in nearby East Brunswick.

FARRAH MAFFAI staff Rose and Joseph Alessi demonstrate how to use one of the new pieces of equipment at Ladies Workout Express in East Brunswick. “We’re in kind of a sleepy shopping center,” Joseph said of the location, which is near The Gap and is soon expected to see other new businesses

move in.

The fitness center, part of an international chain, held a grand opening Oct. 16.

Joseph is a trainer himself, but the center also employs a full-time trainer.

“Fitness is my life, so this was my dream — to bring fitness to people,” Joseph said.

Their program takes 30 minutes and involves the use of machines, a Reebok step and a platform. The goal is to help women get a lean, toned appearance, said Joseph, who is a black belt and bodybuilder.

The fitness center has 24 stations, and the routine begins on a machine, then proceeds to a Reebok step. Another machine follows that, and then a platform. The process then begins again, with different machines, platforms and Reebok steps.

There are eight machines in all, eight Reebok steps and eight platforms, all placed in a circle for ease of use. A 30-minute workout means hitting each of them at least once.

“You use every one in a 24-step workout,” Joseph said. “Some workouts use them more than once.”

The workout uses interval training, the purpose of which is to raise the heartbeat using a machine and then lower it on a step or platform, he said.

“Interval training is like an hour and a half workout in 30 minutes,” he said. “You’re compressing your workout into 30 minutes.”

After working hard on a machine, the trainee is able to get a bit of a breather on the less strenuous step or platform.

“You never stop or rest though,” Joseph said.

The whole workout is done to music, and trainees are told to change stations on cue.

“Every 30 seconds or so, the voice comes on and says to move,” he said.

Workouts vary, with some allowing trainees 30 seconds a station, others 40 seconds and some 60 seconds.

Rosemarie, who has two children, said she can relate to moms who don’t think they have the time or energy to work out.

“I can relate really well to moms. I fell in love with the 30-minute workout,” she said of a program she came upon at another gym.

She noted how she had put on weight after having her children.

Joseph said that members can use the workout every day if they like, and that he often recommends coming in every other day and also on Saturdays.

“You should do it every other day when you first start, to get a feel for it,” he said.

Anyone beginning an exercise program should first get a medical checkup, he said.

The workout provides both aerobic and anaerobic benefits, he said.

The workout uses hydraulic machines, so no eccentric, or downward pressure is felt. That’s what makes the machines safe and also prevents muscle soreness, he said. It also prevents trainees from getting a bulked-up look.

The equipment is adjustable in terms of resistance, he said, and the settings are changed weekly.

What kind of results can one expect?

“A person can absolutely expect to change their life dramatically,” Joseph said, noting that regardless of weight loss, they will reap rewards such as increased energy and less stress.

Rosemarie said she is particularly proud of the center’s Fit Teen Program. That allows for any mom who signs up to bring her teenage daughter to the center for free.

Memberships are for one, two or three years, Joseph said, and they start at $29.95. The business offers discounts to New Jersey Education Association teachers and employees, as well as senior citizens and members of Weight Watchers. Group discounts are available.

Joseph said that members can use the workout every day if they like, and that he often recommends coming in every other day and also on Saturdays.

“You should do it every other day when you first start, to get a feel for it,” he said.

Anyone beginning an exercise program should first get a medical checkup, he said.

The workout provides both aerobic and anaerobic benefits, he said.

The workout uses hydraulic machines, so no eccentric, or downward pressure is felt. That’s what makes the machines safe and also prevents muscle soreness, he said. It also prevents trainees from getting a bulked-up look.

The equipment is adjustable in terms of resistance, he said, and the settings are changed weekly.

What kind of results can one expect?

“A person can absolutely expect to change their life dramatically,” Joseph said, noting that regardless of weight loss, they will reap rewards such as increased energy and less stress.

Rosemarie said she is particularly proud of the center’s Fit Teen Program. That allows for any mom who signs up to bring her teenage daughter to the center for free.

Memberships are for one, two or three years, Joseph said, and they start at $29.95. The business offers discounts to New Jersey Education Association teachers and employees, as well as senior citizens and members of Weight Watchers. Group discounts are available.