Photo courtesy Dracut Economic Development
At first glance, the space at 1242 Lakeview Avenue that houses Longevity Strength & Conditioning doesn’t look big enough for a fitness studio.
But when you realize that Longevity’s whole purpose is small-group and one-on-one personal training, it all makes sense.
“We like to call it a ‘gym boutique,’” said co-owner Erin Gannon, who, along with partner Josh Valdez, opened Longevity on January 6.
Dracut Economic Development held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Longevity Strength & Conditioning on February 1.
The space is in the same building as Brite Kleen Cleaners and once housed Elegant Tailor & Design, which moved to 1777 Bridge Street last year.
It’s about 650 square feet – small compared to some gyms. Josh and Erin aren’t concerned.
“We couldn’t have found a better location,” Josh said.
The cozy confines allow Josh to work more closely with each client, rather than having large classes with a trainer who can’t possibly give each individual the one-on-one treatment.
“At a traditional gym, people don’t know what they’re doing,’ Josh said. “You’ve got 10 to 15 people, exorbitant fees, and you’re losing the personal touch. Sometimes the trainer will be up in front of the class on their phones, not even paying attention.”
According to Longevity Strength & Conditioning’s Facebook page, its training style emphasizes “individual attention to our clients by limiting the classes to a maximum of 6 participants per session, ensuring a highly focused and personalized experience for each client. … Our goal is to inject a personal element into each workout to create a sense of accountability and motivation …”
Longevity Strength & Conditioning owners Joshua Valdez and Erin Gannon, center, cut the ribbon on February 1 surrounded by friends and family. Representing the Town of Dracut are, at far left, Selectman Jennifer Kopcinski, and at far right, Selectman Alison Genest. Both are also co-chairs of the Economic Development Committee. (PHOTOS BY DRACUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)
Josh and Erin plan to let other personal trainers use the space on weekends, when Longevity is closed.
They also plan to host pop-up events, like a recent event they held for Strength of One, an online gym-apparel store.
Josh specializes in boxing training, high-intensity interval training (commonly known as HIIT), tabata, boot camps, and weights, and is also a nutritionist and can help with meal planning.
Erin is a yoga instructor and core instructor. She hopes to add yoga classes to Longevity’s schedule.
Josh and Erin met at another Dracut gym about a year ago, and Josh became her trainer.
“He had the passion and the drive and the following,” Erin said. “I’ve worked with many trainers, and he is by far one of the best. He proves himself day after day.”
Josh used to be a tech consultant, “but my dream has always been to have my own gym,” he said.
“I’m living my dream,” he said.
For more information, email Longevity Strength & Conditioning at longevity1242@gmail.com.
