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Fitness for those ‘After 50’ available at Bethel Park gym

By Jon Andreassi staff Writer jandreassi@observer-Reporter.Com 3 min read
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A50 Fitness is located at the border of Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair at 1752 North Highland Road.

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Rachel Zawodniak, co-founder of A50 Fitness, works with a client.

A new gym in Bethel Park is offering personal training exclusively to those 50 years old and beyond.

A50 fitness is located off Route 19 at 1752 North Highland Road, right next to Bethel Park’s borders with both Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair.

Jason and Rachel Zawodniak opened the gym in May, and they are no stranger to running a fitness business.

The couple previously operated Fuse Fitness Studio along Library Road in Castle Shannon, but closed their doors in 2020 due to the pandemic and moved their business online.

With Fuse, A50 was a program the Zawodniaks offered customers, but has now become the sole focus.

“We’ve trained the general population in the past, all age groups,” said Jason Zawodniak. “But we’ve always naturally helped adults over 50 the best.” 

Zawodniak added that over time their lower intensity, joint-friendly approach led to them realizing that their niche was the 50 and older population.

“Most adults over 50 want something that’s easier on their joints. The last thing they want is a new injury. Especially after 50, those injuries can linger for months and years, potentially,” Zawodniak said.

When A50 opened, they immediately had about 50 clients from their previous operation.

New clients at A50 will receive a one-on-one assessment to gauge their flexibility, mobility, strength and stamina. 

The goal, according to Zawodniak, is to make sure each client gets an individualized workout plan.

“If the person is more advanced and they work out all the time, well then we’re going to give them far more advanced exercises. If someone comes in and they haven’t trained in months, years or decades, we’re going to cater to them,” Zawodniak said.

Zawodniak acknowledged that some may be surprised to walk into the studio and not see any machines or bulky equipment.

“Everything we do focuses more so on full body movements,” Zawodniak said. “The reason we don’t use machines is because people have sat long enough. Sitting is part of the problem.”

Classes at A50 are kept small so clients can get more personal attention. Zawodniak said their clients all have unique needs, but share a similar goal in being able to stay healthy and active.

Zawodniak notes that personal fitness can fall to the wayside as people deal with the responsibilities of everyday life.

“So many adults, they work so hard as a mom or a dad, or a professional. When they enter their 50s, they realize they don’t have the health or body to really do the things that they want to do. Whether that be travel, sports or gardening. Whatever it may be,” Zawodniak said.

Those interested in joining A50 fitness can visit a50fitness.com to apply for a one-week trial. The website also includes training times that have openings for new clients.

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