It's not your average gym: Train 2 Xcel opens in Ridgefield

"Train 2 Xcel is a training-centric, results-driven business which will perhaps be the most important breakthrough in the last 60 years of fitness," explains co-owner of Train 2Xcel, Ari Karp.

Train 2 Xcel, located at 901 Ethan Allen Highway in Ridgefield, is redefining cardio and strength training because "one size doesn't fit all", in fact, it doesn't even fit most. Learn more about this innovative fitness revolution by reading our Q&A with Train 2 Xcel owners:  Mark Bubeck, Ari Karp and Loic Descoutures.

Tell me about the trio - the three owners. Are you friends? Workout buddies?

We have been working in fitness industry together for the last 10 years. We realized that we were studying the same philosophy and we were influenced by the same people. Consequently, our friendship and professional relationship grew very fast. Now, we are business partners.

Why did you start Train 2 Xcel?

Current membership driven gyms are based on a culture of DO IT YOURSELF FITNESS, which is apparent by what every club does or offers. At Train 2 Xcel, results are the cornerstone of our business. The experience we create is the vehicle that makes clients want to come back again and again. Our approach is one of a kind. It combines a unique blend of strength training and interval based conditioning work to accomplish the goal of losing fat more efficiently.

Train 2 Xcel - tell me about the name?

We wanted a name that said it all. “Xcel” is a word that is frequently used however people use it without explaining what they are excelling at. The goal of using the name “Train 2 Xcel” was to convey to others that we can partner with you to commit to your definition of being healthy and fit because everyone who trains, trains to excel at something whether it’s to get stronger, move better, or to look better.

There are many local gyms and personal trainers in town. What makes you different?

Low-price concepts, large, impersonal physical floor plans, no support systems for the majority of the members, nonexistent member service, and a too young, under-trained staff are all part of the large chain approach to fitness. This business plan, based on “Be everything to everybody concept,” has had some serious adverse effects on the entire industry. The problem with this is the need for an almost endless supply of new memberships each month.

Train 2 Xcel does the opposite. Train 2 Xcel is a training-centric, results-driven business which will perhaps be the most important breakthrough in the last 60 years of fitness. While this statement seems simplistic, it doesn’t negate what is actually happening in the industry. We are here to change the old model.

At Train 2 Xcel, you will have a coach at all times- either one on one or in a semi-private setting (2-4 people). The semi-private approach also allows a large number of clients to access a coach each time they work out for a much lower cost than the typical private one on one, however we offer both.

What is a Functional Movement Screen and how does it improve your fitness?

Movement training is groundbreaking, and something that most trainers are unfamiliar with, but is the foundation of training. You have to learn to crawl before you learn to walk, and most trainers are having you run and jump without the ability to crawl because they weren’t assessing, they were just guessing.

The screen allows us to find your weakest link and improve it, this will help accelerate your results and break through plateaus because of increased efficiency. The screen also allows us to see what your chance of injury may be, and allows us to program the best workout possible to make sure that you stay injury free. This way you know what is happening with your training based on fact.

I see you have a nutritional coach on staff. Tell me how this fits into your business philosophy.

Exercise without proper nutrition has a limited outcome. Proper nutrition and proper exercise selection leads to success in all fitness endeavors. We also believe that eating perfect all the time is very difficult to achieve. Therefore, we apply the 80/20 rule. Be great 80% of the time and the other 20%, enjoy life.

Biggest fitness myth?

Crunches are the way to spot reduce fat and get a 6 pack.

This is probably the biggest misnomer within our field. The only true way to develop the “6 pack” is a combination of technically sound training program done consistently, proper diet, adequate sleep and keeping stress levels down. If you look at the leanest human beings on the face of this planet, they are not doing any crunches nor steady state cardio. They are training movements such as the deadlift, squats and chin ups.

Learn more about this innovative fitness business or set up an appointment to visit by clicking here, emailing train2xcel@outlook.com or calling 203-403-3526