When Poli Moronari received an offer to take over a fitness space in Watertown, she took the opportunity to take her personal training business to the next level and start a fitness studio for women.
Moronari started Nova Fitness, at 222 Arsenal St., in 2020 and has built a following. She offers Pilates instruction, weight lifting with machines and exercises with kettlebells and dumbells, but one thing that sets her apart, Moranari said, is that focuses on each person’s individual needs.
The most she has in a class at one time is six people, and sometimes all six are working on the same thing while other times each person has their own workout.
“If they come and say, ‘Oh, I feel my lower back.’ Even though my plans with them is something else we’re gonna work on the lower back, because we always need to bring the pain back to the the beginning point and take the pain away and then work the muscle,” Moronari said. “I can’t work the muscle when she had the pain.”
She also becomes close with her clients, and many become friends. When someone has a birthday, they sign Happy Birthday before class. But once the workout begins social time is over and Moronari gets more serious.
“I’m very calm, patient, but I’m firm,” she said. “I love to teach. I remember when I was a kid, I always played that I was a teacher. So, I love to do that.”
Many of Nova Fitness’ clients are mothers and are looking to get into shape, Moronari said, and she gives them fitness instruction and morale support.
“Coming over here, they get all the attention and I teach them how to exercise and tell them ‘You can do it.’ I text them at least twon times a week,” she said. “They say, ‘Thank you for the support.’ They have been so happy.”
Moronari grew up in Brazil and played many sports when she was young. She moved to the United States 26 years ago, and worked as a nanny for many years before becoming certified as a personal trainer.
She knew the previous occupants of the space, and when they left to go back to Brazil they asked Moronari if she wanted to move in.
Along with her style of instruction, clients like the atmosphere at Nova Fitness.
“I was checking the reviews. They were like, ‘It doesn’t have those smells like the gym. We love that,'” she said. “And they like it because they can be very comfortable, wear whatever. It’s just women.”
Moronari holds classes throughout the day from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., but she takes a break from noon to 3 p.m. Nova Fitness offers three free personalized classes for new clients. Find out more about Nova Fitness at novafitnesspoli.com