New Fitness Center Ultimate Body Factory Opens in Pittsfield

Ultimate Body Factory has officially opened its doors in the Allendale Shopping Center located at 5 Cheshire Road in Pittsfield. The newly established gym occupies a renovated 8,500-square-foot space and is co-owned by local fitness enthusiasts AJ Bowman and Geoff Powell. The duo aims to offer a fresh approach to fitness in the region, addressing a perceived gap in available services.

Bowman, who is also the founder of a sustainable accessories business called Boatman, expressed excitement about the venture. He stated, “Geoff is well-respected for his expertise. For me, fitness is a passion, and I love working out. We met at other gyms, and we became friends.” Their conversations about creating an ideal fitness center eventually led them to develop a concrete business plan in early 2024.

The journey to opening Ultimate Body Factory involved significant planning and overcoming financial hurdles. They secured funding through a loan from Lee Bank, which Bowman credited as instrumental in making their vision a reality. He noted, “They’ve been great and have worked closely with us to make this happen. Frankly, we couldn’t have done it without them.”

Bowman and Powell identified their site, previously home to the Wood Brothers music store, as the perfect fit for their needs. After signing the lease in September, they embarked on remodeling and equipping the facility, while simultaneously building an online presence through social media and a dedicated website.

Creating a Community-Oriented Fitness Environment

Ultimate Body Factory is designed to cater to individuals at all fitness levels, from beginners to competitive athletes. The facility boasts a variety of membership options, including basic monthly fees starting at $50. A cap on membership numbers is intended to prevent overcrowding, ensuring a more personalized experience for all.

“Our goal was to foster a positive sense of community,” Bowman explained. “A gym should be much more than just a workout spot. People should feel a sense of belonging.”

To support this vision, the gym employs a team of six staff members who assist clients and coordinate with certified personal trainers. While classes are not currently offered, Bowman indicated this is a future goal. The gym’s interior features a blend of blue and white lighting to motivate users and includes a small lounge area for relaxation and socialization.

Bowman also highlighted the gym’s focus on comprehensive fitness, with dedicated areas for cardiovascular training and weight lifting. The center houses a turf training area and specialized zones for both strength and conditioning workouts. He noted, “When people first see it, they go, ‘Wow.’”

Equipped for Success and Future Expansion

One of the standout features of Ultimate Body Factory is its selection of premium gym equipment. Bowman detailed their collaboration with SuperFitness, a North Carolina-based equipment supplier, which provided unique machines not previously available in the region. Some notable inclusions are the Arsenal Pendulum Squat, Arsenal Chest Fly and Shoulder Fly, and several Nautilus machines.

“We’ve brought in specific premium equipment that hasn’t been available in this region,” Bowman stated. This emphasis on high-quality fitness tools is part of their strategy to differentiate Ultimate Body Factory from other local gyms.

As the business grows, Bowman expressed optimism about future developments, including the potential for expanding their space within the Allendale complex. “One advantage of being in Allendale is that there are opportunities to add more space as we grow,” he noted.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “People have been extremely supportive and enthusiastic,” Bowman said. “It’s also very satisfying because we believe we are doing something really good for the community.” With its grand opening, Ultimate Body Factory aims to not only enhance fitness options in Pittsfield but also create a welcoming environment for all.