Ringing in the New Year usually inspires people to improved themselves most commonly through diet and exercise. For some, such as people who have been injured in the past or suffer from physical ailments, this commitment can be especially challenging.

However, a sense of entrepreneurship coupled with a dedication to improving the lives of others has led one Lexington family to provide a needed service in the area. Peoplefit, owned by four members of the Agostino family who are all physical therapists, provides a safe and comfortable atmosphere for area residents to enjoy a work out without worry of aggravating or worsening an injury or condition. With its doors having officially opened in December, Peoplefit already has enrolled over 100 members and expects those numbers to rise after their grand opening celbration on January 20th.

Co-owners, Pat Agostino and his wife Karen, both physical therapists, saw a growing need for such an establishment while working in the therapy field. Pat Agostino says, "We were frustrated when we would release patients from physical therapy and we knew that they had no where to work out without risk of re-injuring themselves."

The Agostino's felt their patient's needs were virtually ignored by the larger gyms and simply wanted to provide a safe, supportive and comfortable environment where people could maintain or increase their physical well being. Karen Agostino adds, "We were noticing people not getting the proper supervision." The Agostino family sees Peoplefit as a way of bridging the gap between fitness and rehabilitation.

The AGostinos feel strongly that fitness, sports medicine and rehabilitation all converge into the common goal of total wellness.

In order to establish the specific needs and goals of a prospective member, the Agostino team conducts an extensive evaluation designed to develop a personalized and safe program to help their clients safely reach their ultimate potential. Whether you are extremely body-conscious, recovering from an injury or just want to get in better shape.

Every member spends two hours undergoing a physical assessment that includes flexibility and strength tests. The client's heart rate, blood pressure, body fat, and specific orthopedic and medical needs are also evaluated.

Realistic goals are set to create an individual fitness plan that will maximize reults. Clients are re-evaluated every three months to adjust their personal plan and help them reach the next level.

Not only does Peoplefit develop a personal plan to meet specific needs, they also provide an intimate fitness setting where one of the therapists can be on the floor able to see everyone at all times. One-on-one personal training is also available at Peopelfit, along with yoga classes. Pilates classes will soon be added to the mix and is great for those looking for a core workout and overall toning. To make gym access even easier for those in need of the specialattention provided by Peoplefit, a childcare room is also available in the mornings.

In addition to the personal attention and instruction by the highly qualified physical therapists, Peoplefit features SciFit equipment, a company with deep roots in the home medical market and a beautifully designed line of treadmills, bikes and elliptical trainers. The SciFit company has developed an innovative wireless system called Fit-KeyTM, for exercise program prescription and documentation.

Machines are programmed for each member. After being assessed, each member receives a key that is inserted into each piece of equipment. It counts your repetitions, calories burned, heart rate, and tells the user when they have done enough on that particular machine. Ones personal best is also recorded and a summarized printout gives the client a full overview of their workout.

This technique helps the staff evaluate progress, judge whether someone is overdoing and determine if they are ready to advance to a more challenging plan. The equipment is also more advanced in its reliance on air compression rather than actual weights. This kind of resistance is easier on joints and helps prevent injury, especially when it comes to people who might be more susceptible than others. The Agostino family also notes this advanced equipment is also the same used for training the Patriots and the Red Sox.

Peoplefit is open to all but focuses on men over 40 and women of all ages. According to Pat Agostino, the main mission of Peoplefit is "to provide the people of Woburn, Lexington, Winchester and Arlington a place where members can feel comfortable exercising and where they can reach their goals." They understand the larger facilities can be overwhelming and people often feel lost or intimidated while working out. Peoplefit maintains a small gym area, a central stretching station, private rooms for personal training, and a cozy and relaxing changing area for its members. Personal attention and focus on the client's goals is what sets Peoplefit apart. They also exude a genuine concern for their member's progress and ultimate physical well being.

Peoplefit will have a grand opening celebration on January 20 and offer membership with no enrollment fee through the end of the month.