Port Washington native Todd Magazine opened Blink Fitness, a premium quality, value-based fitness club, in Hicksville on Dec. 22, making it the newest addition to the Long Island gym scene. Magazine, president of Blink Fitness, said the gym isn’t just your run-of-the-mill exercise facility. It’s a high-quality space, designed with the members’ moods in mind.
“We wanted to bring something that was a little more of a premium to the value sector,” said Magazine. “We’re bringing a better quality product, and when people come here, they can’t believe it’s only $15 a month.”
Blink is located in the Broadway Mall, next to the Panera entrance. Magazine said that the mall’s visibility, as well the availability of parking, were huge influences in the decision to open in Hicksville.
“And plus, there’s not a lot of great health club choices here,” Magazine said. “In this neighborhood, this will be the best option by far by price point.”
The new gym is just the latest in an ongoing renovation project at the Broadway Mall. Over the last few months, the mall has seen the addition of two new eateries—Blaze Pizza and Noodles & Company—with Chick-Fil-A expected to open later this year. The exterior facade facing Broadway has also been replaced with grander, more up-to-date signage and interior renovations have included new walkways and benches. Several existing stores, including H&M and New York & Company, are also remodeling in conjunction with the larger renovation.
The Hicksville location marks Blink’s seventh Long Island location (other Nassau locations include Melville, Baldwin and one soon to open in Valley Stream) and 41st overall. The company has seen tremendous growth since opening in 2011, running on the motto: mood above muscle.
“Every gym talks about physical fitness and big muscles, but most people who come to a gym fail because they’re never going to look like the pictures in the ads,” Magazine said. “The thing that’s universal about fitness is the minute you start working out, you feel good. We focus on the emotional benefits of exercising.”
Magazine noted that while the physical benefits of working out are very important, at Blink, the emphasis was on how fitness makes someone feel. Many aspects of the gym are centered on emotion. Associates are called “mood lifters,” and Magazine said their job is to “make people feel good and get them energized” to work out. Helping the staff get people moving is the music, which is specially curated on beats per minute so members are motivated to keep going.
The colors of the rooms also play a large part. The rooms’ colors weren’t just chosen for style; Magazine said they have been scientifically proven to inspire people to work out. Those lifting in the weight area face a red wall, a “power color” as Magazine describes. The cardio machines are surrounded by a blue that “makes you move faster,” while the stretching room is a calming green.
Cleanliness is also a top priority at the gym, and every staff member plays a part in keeping the facility spotless.
“We’re obsessive about cleaning,” Magazine said. “People want to be in an environment that makes them feel good and cleanliness is a big part of that.”
The 14,000 square-foot fitness club offers members more than 100 pieces of high-quality cardio equipment and 60 pieces of strength-training equipment, including free weights and machines. Members looking for a little added encouragement can utilize the help of one of the numerous certified personal trainers on staff who can provide goal-driven plans. A 30-minute personal training session starts at $27, and Magazine said the sessions are designed to teach members to work out independently.
“Personal training helps teach people how to exercise,” Magazine said. “We teach you and then you can go out on your own.”
Memberships at the gym range from $15 to $25 a month. For more information, visit www.blinkfit ness.com/locations/hicksville.
