SAUGUS — Fitness franchise F45 officially unveiled its third Massachusetts location at 1565 Broadway in Saugus on Thursday.
The Australian exercise chain’s newest grand opening marks yet another business that has taken part in the influx of development along Route 1 in recent years.
“It’s nice to see some commercial developments,” said Board of Selectmen chair Anthony Cogliano, who thinks the gym’s presence in the area will add to the town’s draw for potential new residents.
“With all the new condos and motels going up near that spot, this will give people a great place to go (for workouts) close by.”
Mark Rozman, who runs the Saugus location along with business partner Lucio Paolini, thinks a gym like F45 — which famous Bostonian Mark Wahlberg has even bought shares in — is something the local fitness community will benefit from.
“The whole concept behind F45 is that it’s community-based,” he said. “We’re social animals, and we like to exercise in groups. It’s great for (health), but at the same time, people develop relationships.”
Rozman says that people who exercise together, stay (friends) together.
“They interact. They’ll text each other, ‘hey, I missed you at class this morning,’ or ‘that was a good class today.’ … (it helps) people reach their goals.”
Although the location first opened its doors on Oct. 12, Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was a more festive affair, with raffles for memberships to F45, as well as “swag bags” containing water bottles, towels, and other workout paraphernalia, and plenty of refreshments.
“We’ve invited the entire community,” said Paolini.
Besides its convenience for nearby residents, Cogliano says the new gym might help ease some of the economic strain placed on the town, which he says stemmed from an increase in residential construction.
“I think a problem we’ve had in Saugus lately is the boom of residential development. We need more commercial development,” he said. “This certainly helps.
“I know it’s a small place, but it’s in a great spot and it’s a beautiful building, and I think what they have to offer is just another good thing for the town.”
Elyse Carmosino can be reached at [email protected].