Mark Doyle has been a gym rat for most of his life. Big Al’s Family Fitness, located at 51 Frost St. in Westbury, offers the retired professional all he could ask for in a gym including state of the art Cybex machines, elliptical machines, treadmills and stationary bikes.
“I am a general workout type of guy and I’m not looking to do heavy duty weight lifting at my age,” said Doyle. “I’ve been coming to this particular location for 12 years to workout and this gym suits me fine.”
Big Al’s, which also has a location in Amityville, officially opened last summer and has undergone many renovations in that time. Before Big Al’s took over, the gym was previously the site of Sweat NY and before that Dolphin Fitness Club.
“We wanted to make this location like the gym in Amityville so we expanded and brought in a lot of new state of the art equipment,” said gym manager, Mike Sini. “We have all the programs and classes that our Amityville location offers.”
Some of those programs include the Silver Sneakers senior fitness classes, spin classes, Total Body Sculpt workout and Boot camp and Insanity classes all taught by various instructors.
Doyle, who considers himself a physical conditioning type, said the gym does a good job of catering to all types of workout enthusiasts.
“There are all complexions here from power lifters to aerobic types and people who are looking to take advantage of some of the great classes they offer,” Doyle said.
The gym also offers multiple programs for children including kickball, soccer, parachuting and a class called Training 101 with Kevin, which helps kids learn the benefits of stretching to avoid injury. There is also a fully staffed nursery/childcare center on premises to help busy parents who are trying to squeeze in a workout.
Sini said that once members sign up to the gym they are entitled to an initial consultation with chiropractor Dr. John Ruddy who will answer any questions they have or look into any possible injuries or ailments that are bothering them.
Big Al’s is not just about the physical aspect of working out. Staff members also work with clients to meet their nutritional needs and help them set the necessary guidelines for a healthy lifestyle through their Good Eats Meal Plan program.
“We have a lot of clients who have the will and desire to workout but not the wherewithal or the time to prepare healthy meals which will help them maximize their workout program,” said Sini. “The program offers nutritional consultation, a chef who prepares fresh meals daily and a choice of getting meals picked up or delivered.”
One unique feature of the gym is the cardio movie theatre room which lets members watch all types of movies on a giant movie screen while they workout on the elliptical, treadmill and stationary bikes. Another added feature is the outdoor turf field.
“It keeps the exercise outdoors and fun,” Sini said. “We also have goals set up to let high school or college level athletes practice for their particular type of sport.”
Former All Long Island football star Jason Gwaltney has been added to the training staff and will help members in their team training needs. His background is in sports specific training and he will help athletes who are trying to succeed at the high school and college level. Team Training focuses on four different training options including foundation, burn, strength and specialty workouts.
Big Al’s offers memberships that are as little as $10 per month. The gym is open Monday through Thursdays 5 to 12 a.m., Fridays 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
