Robert Gardner is opening
PT in the D, a small personal training studio located in the
Julian C. Madison building at 1420 Washington Blvd. The 1,300 square foot facility features equipment ideal for strength training and cardiovascular exercises as well as a private shower. The business officially opens the first week of February.
PT in the D specializes in one-on-one personal training sessions. Training for small groups of two to six people is also available. Gardner isn't looking to expand class size, preferring to keep sessions small and private. The smaller the group, the easier it is for Gardner to tailor each session to clients' needs and goals.
Working in fitness since 2007, Gardner attended Wayne State University, where he received a degree in exercise science. He then worked as a personal trainer at the
Boll Family YMCA downtown. It was there where he got the idea to open his own studio. Working downtown, he says, helped him develop a network of clients. And while personal training studios are popular in many American cities, it's a business that hasn't taken off in Detroit -- yet.
"I think it's good to start PT in the D now versus five to six years from now when rent will be higher and maybe there will be more similar businesses," says Gardner. "It's a good opportunity. There's more and more demand for this type of business. People are wanting to get healthier."
With more people moving downtown, Gardner sees the potential for more clients. He estimates that 75 to 80 percent of his client list live either in downtown, Midtown, or Corktown. The rest are commuting to work from the suburbs.
PT in the D offers personal training sessions by appointment only.
Source: Robert Gardner, owner of PT in the D
Writer: MJ Galbraith
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