Boutique Fitness Trend Continues to Flourish.

WESTERN NEW YORK — Row, run, plié, or squat. Any way you look at it, Western New Yorkers are spending quality time working out and getting fit, but they’re not always doing it at brand-name gyms.  Some are hanging out at smaller studios as the trend of boutique fitness continues to soar.

“A couple years ago when we first opened, there really wasn’t that many. Now there’s kind of been an explosion of them,” said Racael Jarose of Barre Centric.

The International Health, Racquet, & Sportsclub Association reports these boutiques now comprise 21 percent of the $22.4 billion U.S. health club market.

Jarose started Barre Centric in 2012, a studio that incorporates ballet, Pilates, and yoga into 55-minute sessions. Class size ranges from 10-20 people at any given time.

“We always have motivating music, a motivating classroom,” Jarose said. “Also provides a social atmosphere as well.”

Just down the road, Orangetheory Fitness features 1-hour high-intensity interval training. Trainers split up classes into cardio and strength blocks as heart-rate monitors track members’ progress on a screen.

“The trainer is there to guide you through the whole workout. They help with fixing form, keeping it proper, making sure no one is getting hurt,” said trainer Caroline Michalak.

Quite possibly the biggest thing that encourages people to join these smaller studios is the one-on-one attention from instructors in a group setting.

“The girls give you individualized attention. They always encourage you to do your best,” said Jacqueline Rueda, who recently completed her 250th Barre Centric class.

Eliminating “gymtimidation” is another reason behind the success. Members say they don’t feel like they have to compete with others around them.

“They know what your abilities are; they push you. If there’s something you can’t do, especially me with an arm injury, they’ll work with me,” said Orangetheory member Lauren Foster.

“Even if the trainer is talking to everyone, it ends up motivating you even more,” Michalak said. “Anything that compliments the members is going to boost their self esteem and confidence in their workout.”