Pittsfield: Berkshire Fitness to host anniversary open house

Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 0:30 GMT by Berkshire Eagle
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Pittsfield Berkshire Fitness Celebrates Milestone with Grand Anniversary Open House

On Saturday, July 14, the familiar neon glow of Pittsfield’s popular fitness center, Pittsfield Berkshire Fitness (PBF), turned up the volume of community spirit as the gym celebrated a landmark anniversary with an all‑open‑house event. The occasion, marked by free admission, special classes, and an array of giveaways, highlighted the gym’s journey from a modest startup to a cornerstone of local wellness. The event drew more than 200 attendees, according to staff, and underscored the growing appetite for comprehensive fitness solutions in the Pittsfield area.

From Humble Beginnings to Community Hub

Founded in 2017 by long‑time Pittsfield resident and fitness enthusiast Michael Rossi, PBF began as a small studio offering group‑fitness classes and personal training sessions. “We started with a handful of yoga mats and a few dumbbells, but the response was overwhelming,” Rossi recalled in a brief interview. “People were hungry for a space where they could feel supported, challenge themselves, and connect with others who shared their health goals.”

Over the past six years, the gym has expanded its footprint to a 3,200‑square‑foot facility on Main Street. The current space hosts a full‑service weight room, cardio zone, swimming pool, and a dedicated rehabilitation center. PBF has also embraced technology, offering live‑streamed workouts, a mobile app for class bookings, and a personalized nutrition dashboard for members. “We’re not just a gym; we’re a health ecosystem,” Rossi added. “Our goal is to make fitness accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyone.”

The anniversary, which marks the gym’s sixth year in business, also celebrates the launch of a new “Wellness for All” initiative—an affordable membership tier designed to attract families, seniors, and students. “We saw a gap in the market for low‑cost, high‑quality fitness options,” Rossi explained. “With this initiative, we’re ensuring that more Pittsfield residents can reap the benefits of an active lifestyle.”

The Anniversary Open House: A Full Day of Fun and Fitness

The event kicked off at 10 a.m. with a complimentary tour of the facility. Guests were greeted by a ribbon‑cutting ceremony featuring a local celebrity, former collegiate swimmer Sara Lee, who helped cut the ribbon to signify the gym’s “open” status to the public. Lee, a resident of Pittsfield and a frequent user of the gym’s swimming pool, took a moment to thank the community for their support. “We’ve seen people from all walks of life come in here and become stronger, healthier, and happier,” she said.

Following the ceremony, the gym opened its doors for a series of free fitness classes. Trainers led a mix of high‑intensity interval training (HIIT), Pilates, and barre sessions, all designed to showcase PBF’s diverse program offerings. The highlight of the day was a “Family Fitness Fun Run,” a 1‑mile circuit that allowed families to compete in a lighthearted, timed challenge. Prizes included free months of membership, branded water bottles, and discounted personal training packages.

In addition to the classes, PBF offered a “Health & Wellness Expo” in the main lobby, where members could learn about the gym’s nutrition counseling services, physiotherapy options, and new wearable tech integration. “We’re really excited to show people how technology can help track progress and keep motivation high,” said Lisa Chang, the gym’s nutrition director. “We’re also offering a complimentary first assessment for anyone who signs up for the Wellness for All program at the expo.”

The event capped off with a community potluck in the gym’s outdoor patio. Attendees shared dishes, music, and stories about their personal fitness journeys. According to a survey conducted by the gym, 92 % of participants said they felt more connected to the local community after the open house, and 85 % indicated they would consider becoming members.

A Community‑Driven Vision for the Future

PBF’s anniversary event served as more than a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of the gym’s commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment. As the facility plans its next phase of expansion, Rossi stated, “We’re looking at adding a state‑of‑the‑art wellness center, complete with a spa, meditation rooms, and a community garden. We want to make Pittsfield the healthiest town in the state.”

To support this vision, the gym has announced a partnership with the Berkshire County Health Department. Together, they will host quarterly health fairs that offer free screenings, nutrition workshops, and mental health seminars. “Our partnership means that we’re not just investing in physical fitness, but also in the overall well‑being of our community,” Rossi noted.

The anniversary event also highlighted PBF’s dedication to giving back. The gym has pledged a portion of the proceeds from the anniversary’s merchandise sales to the local “Fit for Future” charity, which provides free sports equipment and training programs to under‑funded youth organizations in the region.

How to Stay Connected

Pittsfield Berkshire Fitness encourages those who were unable to attend the open house to explore their offerings through their website, www.pittsfieldberkshirefitness.com, where prospective members can view class schedules, trainer bios, and membership pricing. The gym also maintains an active presence on social media, sharing daily workout tips, member spotlights, and community events.

For anyone looking to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle or simply reconnect with a supportive fitness community, the anniversary open house served as a reminder that Pittsfield’s most beloved gym is both a place of personal transformation and a hub of communal pride. As the gym continues to grow, it remains firmly anchored to the values that have guided it since day one: accessibility, inclusivity, and a passion for wellness that touches every corner of the community.

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