Burlington’s newest workout studio is open and ready for business.
STRIDE Fitness, owned and operated by Brenna Kessinger, opened its doors to clients in November of 2022, with the goal of creating a community mindset with an inclusive feel and a focus on the mind-body connection.
Kessinger, who lives in Burlington, knew she wasn’t the only one who felt lonely and bored during the last few years. As a mom to young children, she didn’t have many options for burning off her pent-up energy and resetting her mental health. Running became the answer for her. But, despite the physical and emotional benefits of exercise, solo running is no less isolating than being at home.
During a business trip to Chicago, Brenna signed up for treadmill classes at STRIDE, and, she says, “I fell in love with how it made me feel,” and after taking a free trial class (available to anyone) at her Burlington studio, I definitely agree. Very similar to a spin class with its darkened room, neon LEDs and energetic music, STRIDE classes use interval training and weights or other fitness activities to make the workout anything but a boring treadmill run. And, according to Kessinger, their Woodway treadmills are top-of-the-line, simulating outdoor running better than the traditional treadmill while also providing shock absorption to protect damaged joints (like my poor knees).
Walkers and runners alike can benefit from and feel welcome in these classes, which use heart rate monitors to focus on individual effort. One of STRIDE’s founding principles, in fact, was to make the workout accessible to anyone, at any fitness level, who is cleared by their doctor for walking, jogging, or running. From the client whose doctor told them they need to start walking for their health—and their life—to the ultramarathoner who needs to stay at peak shape, anyone who can walk or run is welcome and encouraged to meet their individual goals.
And, say Kessinger and Athletic Director Kristin Fabbri, individual goals take many forms. The duo says they are much more focused on the mental health benefits of running than with traditional metrics like weight loss. Their goal is to create a fun, empowering, community feel—and, so far, it’s working.
STRIDE is having is member appreciation event this week from Friday to Sunday.
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Friday, January 6 – 5:00 and 6:15 workouts with live DJ, Adam, from Party Excitement, and clients and prospective clients can stick around and get to know more about each other and the studio afterward.
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Saturday and Sunday, January 6 and 7, there will be takeaway breakfast provided by the Bagel Bar, along with:
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Classes at 7:30, 9:00, and 10:30
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12:00 – Gait analysis and sneaker shop: On Your Marx Running will videotape you on the treadmill, analyze your gait, recommend a pair of shoes, and then videotape you afterward to compare your gait.
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2:00 PM – Injury prevention clinic from HDPT. Learn how to protect your body from injury from skilled physical therapists.
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Non-members can to take advantage of these offerings—just book the class you want to attend and come see what it’s all about. Anyone who becomes a member between now and Sunday—and current members who refer new ones!—will also receive a $50 gift card to the retailer of their choice.
STRIDE Fitness is located in the Shoppes at Simonds, 156 Cambridge Street.
