For some people, walking into a fitness facility can cause sweaty palms, a racing heartbeat, and shortness of breath, but not because they’re working out so feverishly. It can happen because people (including me) get nervous, thinking that in a gym they’ll be judged, or worse, look foolish. However, at f.i.t. first in training you will never feel judged but only welcomed, whether you are a novice exerciser or a seasoned athlete.F. i.t. first in training is a group fitness center newly re-located to 15 North Main Street in Bellingham from Hopedale. F. i.t offers a wide variety of group exercise classes to both men and women. It is serious about fitness and committed to helping its clients reach their goals no matter what they are. F.i.t owner Deb Dushku says, “We welcome the novice exerciser, and we challenge the seasoned athlete all in the same space, at the same time. We offer a wide variety of group fitness classes that are all taught in a multi-level fashion, so everyone is always left feeling accomplished.” Upon entering the gym, you’re greeted by the smiling faces of owners Deb Dushku and Victoria Lynch. It is immediately obvious that these two women are passionate not only about fitness and keeping themselves in shape, but also about applying that dedication to the members of their center. Deb has been involved in all aspects of fitness for over 20 years. She has held her AFAA Primary Group Exercise Instructor certification for more than 12 years, and is also individually certified to teach many group fitness formats, including TRX Suspension Training and Mad Dogg Spinning. Deb is also a seasoned personal trainer and is very active in supporting charities and advocating for animal rights. Victoria, too, holds several certifications, including an AFAA Primary Group Exercise Instructor certification, HKC (Hardstyle Kettlebell Certified) Instructor and Mad Dogg Spinning Instructor certification. Victoria is a trained Zumba Fitness Instructor as well. Additionally, the other instructors on staff at f.i.t., Lisa Sleboda, Erin Welch and Paul Dushku, all hold varying certifications in Mad Dogg Spinning and/or TRX Suspension Training. If knowing how dedicated the owners and instructors are to their work isn’t enough to entice you to join f.i.t., then the facility itself surely will be. F.i.t. is a spacious and immaculate 3,600-square-foot facility. Just beyond the main entrance is their TRX Suspension Training and Spinning room. Suspended from the ceiling is a “metal contraption” that supports their TRX Suspension Training System. The “contraption” is actually a carefully devised system of bars and metal, designed by Paul Dushku, that safely anchors each TRX. TRX Suspension Training is a cutting-edge workout that harnesses one’s own body weight to create resistance as one trains. All at once TRX can tighten the core, strengthen muscles, and increase balance, stability, and flexibility. Just beyond the TRX area is a wellstocked children’s room equipped with puzzles, games, crafts, and much more.It is surrounded by large windows so that parents can view their children’s activities at all times, and the children can see mom and dad work out. Child care is $2 per child per class. It is available Monday- Friday during mid-morning classes. Adjacent to the TRX and Spinning room is a spacious and brightly lit fitness room where the large majority of group fitness classes take place. Upon entering this room one is left with a sense of awe; there is brand-new fitness equipment everywhere you look—freestanding bags for kickboxing classes and a variety of dumbbells, kettlebells, and barbells for muscle conditioning, kettlebell, and boot-camp classes.The spacious floor leaves ample room for large Zumba classes while steps and risers are neatly packed in the corner waiting to be used for aerobics-based classes such as Sport Step. It is safe to say that with so many classes and the varying equipment to choose from one would never miss the mundane treadmill of the large impersonal gyms. Classes are held every day of the week, weekdays beginning at 6 am (5:45 am on Wednesdays) and weekends at 8 am. There are mid-week classes into the evening, beginning as late as 7:30. Classes average about 15 people per class, but can have as many as 25 for a popular class. The TRX classes are strictly small-group training and never have more than 7 people at a time, thus promoting a personal training feel to the class without the personal training expense. F.i.t. offers their clients variety throughout the year; for instance, in the warmer months they hold boot-camp classes outside, and they offer outdoor cycling classes with Paul Dushku.The outdoor cycling classes are a bonus open to members. Paul is a seasoned cyclist, so Members have the opportunity to learn cycling techniques and enjoy some group rides. F. i.t. first in training prides itself on being a group fitness center with a personal trainer feel to it. Deb and Victoria know each and every client and their needs and goals. They say, “We are committed to helping each of our members reach their goals in leading a healthy lifestyle. We want our clients to get the most out of their workouts. We want them to train ‘smart.’ ” Part of helping their clients get the most out of their workouts is by offering New Leaf Metabolic Testing. F.i.t. is proud to be the only facility in the area to offer this. If you are looking for the most accurate assessment of your metabolism, then New Leaf Metabolic Testing will help you gain that insight.Results from this testing offer detailed inforMation about caloric needs and about how the body burns fat. You’ll know, from a sound scientific perspective, what your body requires to operate at its best. So whether you’re looking to lose weight, increase your fitness level, or better your performance, you will be armed with science-based individual data to get you to your ultimate fitness goal. On Saturday, November 6, 12—5 pm, f.i.t. will host a Grand Re-Opening/Open House, offering new membership specials, a tour of the facility, and refreshments. This is a great opportunity to meet the owners and instructors and learn what their unique approach to fitness is all about.So if you are out and about, just pop in and say “Hello.”f. i.t. is a family-friendly facility so, if you are on your way to a soccer game or out for errands, bring the kids as well. The following Friday, November 12, at 6:30 pm, they will hold a Zumba Ladies Night Out. It is open to the public, and owners Deb and Victoria promise it will be a party! It is a great opportunity to come out and see what the Zumba rage is all about. Victoria says, “Zumba is a great way to burn calories while having fun. We just move and have a lot of laughs. The time flies by.” F. i.t. first in training is a friendly, knowledgeable facility, staffed by great and dedicated people. It truly has something for everyone, as well as a membership package to fit every budget. You can learn more about them at www.firstintraining. com, or by calling 508-966-5fit (5348) with any questions.