It's New to Us by Jean Stratton

FRIENDLY FITNESS: “Customer service is of utmost importance at Can Do. Our program is comprehensive and very welcoming. It provides something for everyone and every age. And we have a very high quality staff. At Can Do and Koi Spa, we are committed to sustainable fitness/wellness for life.” Gina Polevoy, co-owner of Can Do Fitness Club and Koi Spa/Salon in Princeton Forrestal Village, is shown at the club’s reception desk.

Can Do Fitness Club in Forrestal Offers Wide Range of Programs

As its name suggests, Can Do is all about making progress, meeting the challenge, achieving your goal — and having fun while doing it.

“We wanted a name not specific to fitness or martial arts, but that had a positive image,” explains co-owner Gina Polevoy. She and her husband, Stuart Polevoy opened the fitness club in Princeton Forrestal Village on July 4, 2007. This location joins two other Can Do clubs in Edgewater and Short Hills.

The Polevoys thought Princeton would be a good match for their state-of-the-art fitness center, and they were able to establish the perfect site in Forrestal at 121 Main Street.

“Stuart wanted to create something new and fresh, and offer an upscale environment,” says Ms. Polevoy, whose background is interior design, and who had a major role in shaping the club’s attractive design and decor.

Special Amenities

It is impressive — and extremely spacious. Not only does it include all the cardio and strength training machines and equipment, three pools, classes from yoga and Pilates to spinning and martial arts — it also features a spa/salon, club cafe, conference rooms, child care center, handsome atrium lounge with fireplace, and even a dry cleaner.

“Our facility is different from others,” notes Ms. Polevoy. “We have these special amenities, such as the Koi spa/salon, cafe, etc. In today’s busy life-style, no one has any time; people are so tied up with responsibilities. We wanted to offer an opportunity where people could get all they need in one place. They can drop off dry cleaning, get a hair appointment, work out, and their kids can play in the child care center all at the same time.”

The state-of-the-art facility indeed offers something for everyone. Fitness buffs will find all they need in the way of cardio and strength training, including top-of-the-line equipment. Selectorize machines work specific muscle groups, and there is also a separate area for free weights. Cardio includes treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals, and each machine has a personal TV.

In addition, the Parisi Speed School offers training specifically geared for speed and agility for athletes, as well as programs to build self-esteem for all ages, including children as young as seven.

Individual Program

People of all fitness levels and athletic ability are welcome at Can Do, points out Ms. Polevoy. “People who come are all shapes and sizes. This is not an intimidating atmosphere. It is very welcoming for everyone. When you join, there is a free assessment, two personal training sessions, and a Pilates session. The assessment will determine body age, which can differ from chronological age. It has to do with endurance, muscle/fat ratio, blood pressure, weight, etc.”

An individual program is then established for the member depending on needs, age, fitness level, goals, etc. Nutrition counseling is available, if needed, and special programs can be set up for people with specific conditions, such as arthritis, recovery from injury, etc.

Members can choose to work with a personal trainer (there are 17) or on their own. If they choose the latter, floor trainers are always on site to help with correct techniques. It is important to exercise properly to avoid injury, and this is a priority at Can Do.

“Our personal trainers have national certification, and then they have additional training here at Can Do,” says Ms. Polevoy. “All our Pilates trainers have 600 hours of training, and we teach the authentic Pilates program. All of our disciplines are authentic, including spinning, yoga, body pump, etc.

“Also,” she continues, “the floors are all chosen for each specific exercise area. For example, the yoga floors are cork, the spinning area floor is a special composition, and we have Gerstung floors for aerobics, offering built-in foam panels which help to cushion the high impact on the body from jumping.”

Group classes also include the very popular aquatics, which are held in one of Can Do’s three pools (therapy, lap, and spa), and swimming lessons are available for all ages, beginning at six months.

Sparkling Clean

Can Do membership is offered to those 16 and older, but there is also a youth fitness training program, where children, starting at ten, work with personal trainers. The equipment is especially designed for children’s smaller stature. In addition, this program is located in a separate area, as are many of the specific programs. Although the Can Do facility is very large, it is set up in such a way so as not to overwhelm by sheer size and numbers of machines, etc.

The club has upscale locker areas for men and women, complete with showers, body springs, hair dryers, and also steam and sauna rooms. The facility is sparkling clean, a major priority, notes Ms. Polevoy.

After an hour or so of exercise, it may be time to head for the world-class Koi Spa/Salon or the Club Cafe. A sandwich, salad, special protein shake, or other beverage of choice will assuage hunger pangs, and a soothing session at the spa, which features a complete range of massage, body treatments (including hydrotherapy), facials, waxing, or manicure/pedicure for men and women, offers balm for the mind and body.

Named for koi fish, known for their beauty and serenity, the spa, with its relaxed setting, is guaranteed to banish the cares of the world.

“Koi evokes tranquility and serenity, which is the image we wanted,” explains Ms. Polevoy.

The spa offers a variety of packages and summer specials with savings. In addition, there are bridal party specials, programs for moms-to-be, make-overs, including make-up application and lessons, Sweet Sixteen parties, Day of Beauty, and services for couples to enjoy together, such as massages and bodycare.

Another very popular spa service is the unique “sunless” Mystic tanning treatment which offers a healthy tanning alternative.

The full-service salon offers hair cuts, color, perms, styling, treatments, and special occasion up-do’s.

The spa/salon, Club Cafe, and Village Cleaner are open to the general public; Can Do members receive a discount.

A variety of club memberships include single, family, and corporate. Fees are competitive, notes Ms. Polevoy, and a day pass can be purchased for those who want to try out the facility before joining.

The club is open Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday 7 to 7. Club: (609) 514-0500; spa: (609) 720-0099. Website: www.candofitness.com.

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