Lexington Minuteman
A new gym has unique approach to fitness

As the temperature rises and the flip-flops and shorts come out, it is clear that summer is rapidly approaching.  For many, this means frequent visits to the beach and health club. 

Lexington has a new choice now:  BodyScapes moved into town in March.  It is not your average health club; there are no membership fees and no monthly costs.  Instead, people order a certain package of workout sessions with a personal trainer.

“People tend to join health clubs specifically for a trainer,” said Alan Smith, co-owner of BodyScapes.  “What we did is take that aspect out of a regular gym and made it possible for someone to work with a trainer, without going through the hassle of joining a gym.”

Along with a simple joining process, BodyScapes located at 1762 Massachusetts Ave., offers a small private, home-like setting as opposed to the average mammoth health club or gym.  The upscale club is always exceptionally clean there is no waiting around to use machines either. 

“Clients schedule appointments with a trainer, come in and workout.  It is an intimate, one-on-one exercise with a trainer,” said Smith, who also stressed how educated and experienced the trainers are.  “All of our trainers have gone to college and are heavily educated in this field, whether its sports biology or exercise physiology; these guys know what they’re doing.”

At the Lexington branch alone, there are three trainers that are available; Mark Caserto, Rich Ruffing and Mitchell Shechtman, who was listed in “Best of Boston Magazine” as the best personal trainer in 2003.  Along with being trainers, Shechtman is the director of Fitness Operations and Ruffing is the manager.

“I feel more focused at Body Scapes than I did at any previous health clubs which means I can do a better job as a personal trainer here,” said Ruffing, who has been with Body Scapes for three years.  “There are less distractions here than you’d get at any other gym.”

Since opening in Lexington in March, Body Scapes has already become popular among many Lexington residents including Allen Sheldon.

“I started coming here when it opened about eight weeks ago,” said Sheldon.  “I signed up for twelve sessions and I was so happy with the results that I signed up for an additional twenty-two and have been coming here ever since.”

The pleasant atmosphere and the expert personal trainers aren’t the only benefit of Body Scapes.  The club also provides state-of-the-art-equipment.  “Anything you have at a gym, you can find here, just on a smaller scale,” said Smith.

Among the equipment is:  two treadmills, two bikes, an elliptical trainer, an arch trainer, free weights and a variety of other items, all produced by Cybex.

All of this equipment is available to individuals during their workouts.  Since they have such a wide array of clients, each BodyScapes workout is customized to fit their specific fitness goals.

“Whether it is to lose weight or get in shape, the program is built around what the client wants to get out of it,” said Ruffing.

The club opened up in April 1997 in Newton under the direction of Smith and co-owner Rob Shapiro, who have been best friends since seventh grade.  Since the Newton club, Smith and Shapiro have opened clubs in Wellesley, the Back Bay and Lexington.

Smith likes Lexington because it fits the mode of Body Scapes perfectly. 

“It’s the right feel and right type of people: educated and motivated,” said Smith.  “Lexington is the right kind of town and although we are constantly looking to expand, we take pride in each location and all of our clients.”

BodyScapes is located at 1762 Mass.Ave. Lexington.