The Playground Adds Fun to Serious Fitness

Remember the days of long ago, when as a kid you skipped and stomped and hopped, threw balls, jumped rope, and rolled down hills for hours at a time? It would never have occurred to you that what you were doing was exercise. You just knew it was fun.

It is these child activities and movements that West Hartford fitness trainer, Glenn Marcella, offers in his new fitness center called, appropriately, The Playground.

Located in the former Inner Kur site at 977 Farmington Ave., in the parking lot behind the Lasalle and Farmington Avenue shops, The Playground is what Marcella, the co-founder and fitness director, calls “Serious Fitness for Adults.” But those looking to get in good shape might be shocked at how enjoyable this “serious” workout can be.

“My partner, Karen Roche, and I came to the realization that the activities that are so natural for young children can be applied to an adult workout that is very challenging and fun at the same time,” remarks Marcella.  

He certainly knows a thing or two about getting people into shape. The veteran fitness researcher, instructor, and former owner of The Center Studio published his first fitness book earlier this year entitled, The book details 50 different exercises based on using your body weight and eschewing the usual fancy equipment. Thirty of the exercises can be done alone and 20 should be performed with a partner.

In the book, Marcella outlines his idea of an uncomplicated workout based on the activities and movements enjoyed by children. It was the popularity of the book that inspired him to create “The Playground.”

“I came to the realization this model should be our driving theme. The workout is fresh, the training is diverse and well-rounded – and it works,” notes Marcella.

After Marcella closed The Center Studio in July 2009, he joined forces with Roche at the Inner Kur. Once Marcella and Roche had decided on a new direction for their business, they closed it late this summer and proceeded to renovate the space in order to freshen it up.

They painted and removed walls. The result is a more open, airy space that lends itself to a lot of unhindered movement. Marcella calls the energy in the spot “contagious.” The fitness center is somewhat reminiscent of a school playground or gym with balance beams, slide boards, monkey bars, ladders and swings available for the women and men getting in shape. One-on-one personal training is offered, as well as all-women or co-ed group workout sessions.

Marcella is full of energy, as a top notch trainer should be, and is very enthusiastic about the new direction of the business. “I’ve been training for years. This workout model is powerful, special and unique.”

On Saturday, Sept. 24, The Playground will be holding a grand opening ceremony and open house from 7:15 a.m. to noon. There will be complementary workout classes from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. and from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. There will be free refreshments, giveaways and tours of the newly remodeled facility. Enter their raffle to win a one- year free membership. For more information call 860-236-8800 or go to The Playground’s website.