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Fhitting Room’s Original Top 100!

Community • March 3, 2023

In honor of our 10th Anniversary, we’re featuring some of our original FHIXers who have been getting their FHIX with us for the last 10 years! From making our first-ever top 100 list – announced in March 2014 – and still crushing their FHITness goals in 2023, we’re honored to feature this group. Read about why they’ve been getting FHIT with us all this time, their favorite FHIT memories, and more.

Kacey K.

1. Favorite FHIT memory from over the years? 

I have so many fun memories from over the years, it’s hard to choose just one. This isn’t a favorite memory in the conventional sense, but I think it speaks to how remarkable the FHIT Family is. Nearly ten years ago, as I was getting ready for an early morning class a text message had come through that one of my closest friends had suddenly passed away. I was in a complete state of shock, but also had an enormous amount of anxious energy rushing through my body. I didn’t know what to do, but I kept getting ready and made my way to class because I felt like I had to get that energy out. I pulled Eric aside just before class started and shared what had happened. I don’t recall exactly what he said, but I remember that he showed sincere compassion and I felt safe and supported by him and the friends who were with me in class that morning. Fhitting Room is special in that it’s a place you can celebrate birthdays and other milestones, simply walk in and get in a challenging workout, or let out that anxious energy and feel supported when you’re at your most vulnerable.

2. How did you discover Fhitting Room? 

I’m friends with Kari’s sister, Jodi, and a group of us decided to take an intro class together during opening week. The class was led by Ben Wegman, and I was hooked from day one. 

3. How do Fhitting Room classes make you feel? 

Fhitting Room classes are complex and challenging, and I always feel like I’ve accomplished something after each class. I feel as strong in my 40s, as I did in my 20s…perhaps stronger.

4. What kept you coming back for the last 10 years?

I have been a competitive swimmer for most of my life and currently compete on a US Masters team. Initially, Fhitting Room was a place for me to cross-train and help me build strength for swimming. However, what has kept me coming back is the sense of community here.  From the time you enter the studio to the second you leave, you are made to feel welcome and that everyone belongs.  The team working the front desk makes it a priority to learn your name, and for some of us who have a favorite spot in the classroom, they’ll even notice when you’re signed up for a different spot. The classes are high-energy and really fun. The instructors are energetic, approachable, and knowledgeable, and I’ve made some really good friends here over the last decade. 

Recently, after taking a few-year swimming hiatus I got back in the pool and went to my first practice, since 2018. I was initially worried that I wasn’t in “swim shape” and that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with my teammates in the lane. However, that was not the case. I not only had no issue keeping up, but I was also leading the lane, and by my third practice back in the pool I had moved up to a faster-paced lane. I largely attribute this to the Fhitting Room for keeping me in shape so that my transition back into the pool was relatively seamless. 

5. Favorite skill you’ve learned in a Fhitting Room Class?

It is for sure the kettlebell snatch. 

Jodi F. 

1. Favorite FHIT memory from over the years? 

I have so many great memories at Fhitting Room but my favorite memory was this past October taking a class on my 50th birthday with my FHIT friends and the amazing playlist Eric made with all my favorite songs.  It was a really special way to start my 50th birthday.

2. How did you discover Fhitting Room? 

Kari is my sister.  I’ve been there since the start!

3. How do Fhitting Room classes make you feel?

Like I am 30 instead of 50! All of my almost 1200 classes have been taken after the age of 40, and I am super proud of that. Fhitting Room classes are always fun and challenging and I always feel like I accomplished something and feel good about myself after every class. 

4. What kept you coming back for the last 10 years? 

The fun and amazing classes, the progress I see in the weights I use, how after back surgery and a broken ankle I can still take class with modifications, the friends that I have made, and the FHIT family that has become my family through Kari.

5. Favorite skill you’ve learned in a Fhitting Room Class?

 It’s for sure the kettlebell snatch!

Kalpana D.

1. Favorite FHIT memory from over the years? 

Running around the block at the OG 80th street location. It was a fun surprise that Eric used to add to the program and I was a runner so I didn’t mind.

2. How did you discover Fhitting Room? 

I used to live on 80th street when Fhitting Room opened at the end of my block, and my husband suggested I try it out. Before Fhitting Room I used just run in the park for exercise and never took any classes. I didn’t consider myself a “class” person and Fhitting Room changed that. 

3. How do Fhitting Room classes make you feel?

Fhitting Room workouts make me feel great – strong and healthy. After ten years, the classes are still challenging and provide the best workout! 

4. What kept you coming back for the last 10 years? 

The Fhitting Room community is amazing! From the front desk to the instructors to the clients, everyone is so warm, friendly and supportive. I have made wonderful lasting friendships at Fhitting Room. It is hard to describe what a unique community it is but if you are a part of it you understand. 

5. Favorite skill you’ve learned in a Fhitting Room class?

My favorite skill I learned in class is probably a kettlebell swing…in fact I am still learning it! There are always improvements and tweaks you can do to make it better. 

Veronique M. 

1. Favorite FHIT memory from over the years? 

Too many… being celebrated for my milestones have been great memories. To this day, having Eric Salvador make me row on the sidewalk on Lexington Avenue at Fhitting Room’s first location because I would not run around the block, will always be my favorite and funniest memory. 

2. How did you discover Fhitting Room? 

Kari, the founder of Fhitting Room, and I met 12 years ago through our children who ended up at the same nursery school, and when she asked me what I thought of this HIIT boutique gym idea of hers I was hooked from the start and still am.

3. How do Fhitting Room classes make you feel?

I know that no matter how I feel when I get to a class-tired, hungover or in a bad mood, I will feel energized and happy once I take class, no fail! Fhitting Room has made me stronger, it has kept me in shape, kept my back injury at bay, and has kept me entertained for the past 10 years.

4. What kept you coming back for the last 10 years? 

The trainers, the ever-changing programs, the friends I have made there over the years, the fact that I know that the strength I have gained working out there has made me a better tennis player, skier, etc. Did I mention the trainers??

5. Favorite skill you’ve learned in a Fhitting Room Class

 So many… kettlebell snatches, Figure-8’s, anything with a kettlebell really!

Cheryl + Jaclyn

1. Favorite FHIT memory from over the years? 

Taking classes with co-workers. It always brings an extra level of friendly competition and it’s fun to see people outside of their work environment. Taking Eric’s Saturday morning class at the original UES location when everyone on the street would wonder why groups of people were running around the block.

2. How did you discover Fhitting Room? 
We were both clients of Eric when he worked at NYSC on 86th street and taught small group kettlebell classes. He told us about this new place called The Fhitting Room and we never looked back!

3. How do Fhitting Room classes make you feel?
Classes make us feel stronger, more confident, energized, and help relieve stress after a long day.

4. What kept you coming back for the last 10 years? 

The people and atmosphere keep us coming back. The entire staff is welcoming and inviting from the moment you walk through the door. The trainers give personalized attention/correction, are encouraging and supportive (are always willing to help get heavier weights), and have the best taste in music!

5. Favorite skill you’ve learned in a Fhitting Room Class
All things kettlebell but especially kettlebell snatches, deadlifts, and swings.

Daria S.

 1. Favorite FHIT memory from over the years?

My favorite memory over the years is probably winning the women’s category at Survival of the FHITTEST in 2019 for the row + burpee workout. I have never pushed myself that hard and I couldn’t have without Dennys cheering me on and motivating me! 

2. How did you discover Fhitting Room?

Before the 80th street location ever opened I would walk passed it on my way to work every day. The construction of walls around the building had the green kettlebell logo on them with the words “Fhitting Room. Come change in here.”

I had just recently moved to NYC and I was looking for a community and way to meet people. I decided then that that would be my “second home”. I was taking Eric and Ben W.’s classes the day they started, before the grand opening. 10 years and 1.281 FHIXes later, I moved out of the city (so thankful for LIVE!) and I still cannot get enough!

 3. How do Fhitting Room classes make you feel?

Fhitting Room classes make me feel powerful! The benefit of Fhitting Room classes and the community they have created are beyond just physical. The boost in mental health they provide is incredible. I am a happier, calmer, more focused person because of Fhitting Room.

4. What kept you coming back for the last 10 years?

The instructors! The care and dedication they have to Fhitting Room and all FHIXers is incredible. The pride that comes with being an OG FHIXer is pretty up there too! 

5. Favorite skill you’ve learned in a Fhitting Room Class?

Definitely a kettlebell snatch. Talk about feeling powerful!

We are so thankful for our amazing FHIT family and have loved being a part of your FHITness journeys. Our OG FHIXers are proof that Fhitting Room is more than a workout, it’s a community where you can come to feel your best, learn to move safely for life, socialize, and make friends. We look forward to many more years for swinging, snatching, celebrating, and caring!

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