Fitness studio celebrates sixth anniversary at flagship location
Hit It! Fitness, a fitness studio with two suburban Chicago locations, is celebrating its sixth anniversary at its flagship studio in Roselle with a "Masquerade Ball." This event, which is open to the public, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24.
Founder Constance Contursi Barker, a Glendale Heights resident, began her fitness journey nearly 18 years ago as a regional manager for a large, corporate health club. She struck out on her own in 2012 to start a business after realizing she wanted to provide a more client-focused and personal approach to individual fitness; something she believed was missing in the corporate fitness environment.
Her goal in opening her first location was not only to help people get physically stronger through customized fitness plans tailored around client goals, but also to strengthen the local community by supporting and fundraising for local causes and organizations through, and with, her clients.
These ongoing efforts have helped Barker to form what her clients say is a family atmosphere that is supportive, encouraging and provides accountability for them to stay focused on reaching their fitness goals.
"Our story is about having a tribe of people who are dedicated to more than just a workout; they are also about having a commitment to one's self and giving back while building a family dynamic," Barker said.
Barker's core business philosophy manifests itself in the way she personally connects with every potential client to learn about their goals, and to determine if there is a mutual fit. She believes strongly that joining as a member of Hit It!Fitness member is a commitment on both sides.
"We fix problems, bottom line," said Barker. "If you call and say, 'I am looking for a place to work out,' that is not who we are. We really are a family."
Hit It! Fitness offers group exercise classes, personal training, small group training and nutrition coaching at both locations. One of the many aspects that sets the studio apart is its use of music as an integral part of the fitness experience. The head trainer and fitness instructor, Kevin Barker, is also a professional DJ who hand-selects and provides original soundtracks for workouts, so music is specifically choreographed for each class that is offered.
Both of the studios are identical in their offerings, and classes are tailored specifically for participating members. One of the promises of Hit It! Fitness is that no member will go through the same workout twice. Classes are appropriate for individuals of all fitness levels and ages. Barker prides herself on offering modern workouts that are cutting edge.
Members also are given plenty of opportunities to participate in an array of fundraisers that support organizations in the local community as well as Hit It!'s community members.
The Oak Park location has previously held fundraisers to support the local animal shelter, Animal Care League, where members donated money and supplies for the organization. A yearly bra drive campaign, in partnership with Free the Girls, helps support sex trafficking victims who use the donated bras to open businesses to support themselves. Members of the studio also have raised money for one of their own who donated a kidney to an individual in the local community.
A member drive will be held Monday, Jan. 15, to Sunday, Jan. 21, where each location is offering free classes for potential new members. The Oak Park location will be partnering with Academia, a culture learning center, who will be offering free child care at the Oak Park location on Jan. 15, 19, 20 and 21.
Hit It! Fitness' Masquerade Ball anniversary event will be held Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Roselle location, 800 Lake St., Unit 110, Roselle IL, 60712. Masks are encouraged to be worn and formal attire is required. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items to benefit the United Methodist food pantry in lieu of an entrance fee. Pre-registration is required at hitit.com/events and attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
For more information about Hit It! Fitness, along with classes offered, visit hit-itfitness.com.