A retired city firefighter finds new success as a fitness boutique owner

by Jessica Jones-Gorman • Photos By Alex Barreto

When the boutique fitness craze was starting to blossom four years ago, ushering in a wave of exclusive spin classes, toning barre sessions, and total body boot camps into the city health scene, Tricia Rega and the small family of trainers and clients she was building at Limitless Fitness Studios were already ahead of the curve.

“I’d wanted to open a fitness studio for a long while,” noted Rega, who grew up playing sports and eventually ventured into the world of triathalons as an adult. “I knew that a space that focused on group fitness would be a hit on Staten Island, which up until that point really only had a handful of big-name gyms.”

Rega opened shop in a 900-squarefoot space on New Dorp Plaza in October of 2012, just when small fitness studios were starting to appear across the city. She taught TRX and spin classes, and added a few Pilates and yoga sessions, which slowly garnered the trainer a following. Within a year and half of opening, she expanded the studio, breaking down the wall to an adjacent vacant storefront to create an area for more stationary bikes.

“It gave us more room, but six months later we were completely maxed out on space again, so we moved to a location on New Dorp Lane that offered 3,200 square feet,” Rega said. “Within three years of opening, we were able to triple our space—it was a wonderful thing.”

Limitless now offers a range of classes on three floors: the top level is dedicated to kickboxing, the main level is reserved for classes like Pilates, Zumba, Insanity, and P90X, and the lower level contains 18 bikes for spin sessions.

“This is definitely not a regular gym,” Rega explained. “There is hardly any equipment…no treadmills or weight benches. Instead, we offer a range of group classes—a total of 50 each week—and every workout can be adapted for everyone in our wide demographic. Our clients range in age from 18 to 60, and are many shapes and sizes. Our classes are appropriate for all levels; trainers offer modifications for particular movements, and are aware of each member’s limits and challenges.”

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Limitless also recently merged with nearby Some Like It Hot Yoga and Wellness Studio—each offering discounts on packages at either facility— and when Third Rail Fitness recently lost its location, Rega invited Matt Gallo and his staff to train in her studio.

“Third Rail moved in with us, and it’s worked out well, allowing us to offer even more options to our members,” the owner said.

Limitless Fitness
322 New Dorp Lane / 718.351.6847
limitlessfitnessstudios.com