WOBURN -- When licensed physical therapists Jim, Pat and Karen Agostino, along with Jim’s wife Beth, opened Peoplefit nearly a year and a half ago, their goal was to provide a health and fitness center for women of all ages and men 40 and older in a comfortable, non-intimidating atmosphere.

"I look forward to coming because I know I’ll be genuinely received and supported throughout my workout," said club member Phyllis Gleason, when asked to describe her experience at the 6,000 square foot Woburn fitness facility.

Combined, the Lexington-based owners have more than 30 years experience developing individualized fitness programs for healthy people, as well as those dealing with health issues such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiac disease. Each day, Peoplefit’s professional staff strives to help its members meet personal fitness goals, first by tailoring a workout program based on each individual’s needs, and second by offering constant supervision, assistance and advice throughout the process.

The difference between traditional gyms that cater to younger workout-warrior types and his family-run facility, according to Jim, is that Peoplefit is meant for "the rest of the population."

In fact, one of the main reasons the Agostinos opened Peoplefit was because they had become discouraged from seeing many cases where patients were in need of physical therapy, but could not receive it because the insurance coverage had run out following their regular rehabilitations.

"At the end of their recovery program, folks start to feel better, but time is up and there is nowhere to go," said Jim, noting that licensed physical therapists can perform examinations and evaluations, establish diagnoses and prognoses and treat patients who have orthopedic, cardiopulmonary or neuromuscular issues. Because Massachusetts allows physical therapists to practice as independent medical practitioners, people can be treated by a physical therapist without a doctor's referral.

"We are a place people can come after physical therapy or before they need it at all," Jim added about his health and fitness center that sits on Lexington St. near Four Corners in Woburn, a spot that’s central location is conveniently close for residents of Winchester, Lexington, Arlington, Belmont, and Burlington.

Initially, Peoplefit members are given two one-hour assessments with either Jim, who specializes in acute care and rehab, fitness interventions and ergonomics; his brother Pat, a former rehabilitation director at two local facilities and clinical instructor; or Pat’s wife, Karen, who’s expertise is rehabilitation and women's issues.

"In the first hour, we do a full muscular-skeletal exam where we measure the range of motion of all joints and the strength of the muscle groups, and diagnose any existing health issues," Jim said of the initial process. "In the second hour, we do base-line measurements and exercise tasks so we can measure heart-rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. From there, we can design a specialized program, and then monitor people's progress from those original measurements."

After three months of cardio and strength training has elapsed, each member is given a formal re-evaluation to monitor progress and potentially make adjustments to the training program if necessary.

"We see whether people are making their goals or whether we need to modify their programs," Pat said of the three-month re-evaluations.

Peoplefit also offers child care, massage therapy, and group classes for its members, including: Pilates, a form of body conditioning that builds muscle tone, improves flexibility and balance, lengthens the spine and increases body awareness; Yoga, which focuses on increased flexibility and strength, as well as stress reduction; Stretch and Strength class utilizing weights, bands and stability balls to increase muscle strength, flexibility and balance; Core and More class centering on abdominals, lower back, glutes, hip and leg muscles; Back to Basics class designed to strengthening the back muscles to reduce pain and risk of injury; and Tone it Up, a 30-minute exercise class meant to tone arm, leg and abdominal muscles.

"We truly do care about everyone who walks in the door and we have the skills and support level to make progress a reality for them," said Jim’s wife, Beth. "We don't pressure people to join here and we don't need to. Our best source of new members has been through word of mouth because the satisfaction rate is so high."

Jane Boland, who joined Peoplefit over three months ago, said the club provides "a very positive, individualized, intelligent approach to fitness." Fellow member Carole Shoupe agreed.

"I feel that I am in the care of professionals and I enjoy coming to such a clean facility with expert advice, wonderful equipment and an upbeat atmosphere," Shoupe said, noting that the staff has been exceptionally "friendly and caring" since she joined last October.

Jim feels his staff, which includes the owners/physical therapists, personal trainers, class instructors, a massage therapist, a child care provider and administrative personnel, have successfully provided "a comfortable, non-intimidating atmosphere" for its members since the club’s inception, and will continue to do so for many years to come.

"Peoplefit is a place for those who want to make exercise a permanent part of their lifestyle."