Technology Replaces Personal Trainers at Koko FitClub

It is the only gym on the Cape that emails if you miss a week.

Although  takes the person out of personal training, it certainly delivers a personalized fitness program that rivals those of top trainers, at a fraction of the cost, according to its owner.

"It's fitness and technology married," said Centerville Koko Fitclub owner Tim Calise. Calise and his wife Ashley Cannings - both former Division I rowers - who live in Centerville, opened their KokoFitClub in October.

In 30 minutes or less, members can get in a great workout and track results with a system that "gives you guidance and motivation." All without the gym "scene."

"It's truly and in-out convenience," Calise said.

What do members think?  

"I'm just thrilled," said Marie Ann LaBrie from Cummaquid. "This [Koko] is absolutely fabulous. The technology is so great. I go home and I get on the computer and I can see the program and results."

The results for LaBrie: 25 percent reduction in body fat, 17 percent increase in strength, reduced cholesterol and arthritis relief. LaBrie started in October. 

Koko FitClub is not just for one type of person because each program is customized, Calise said. He and his wife have used Koko FitClub since 2008 where Calise said he started working out next to a grandma and the quarterback of a football team.

Calise said he sees member couples trade-off watching the kids so they can both pop in and get their workouts one after another, within an hour or so. 

That is what makes Koko FitClub a successful growing franchise. It is a fitness concept that works for people with busy schedules, tight purse strings and who want to track and see results - without stepping into a big intimidating gym with spectators.

Koko FitClub, founded by an Orleans couple, is a completely automated fitness program where technology and computers do all the thinking and planning of workouts. 

It is the only gym on the Cape open 20 hours a day from 4 a.m. to 12 a.m. While it only is staffed during peak hours, members have nearly around the clock access.

Every member gets a Koko key, a modified USB, that opens the door of any KokoFitClub in the United States. The Koko key is the personal trainer and it holds all the fitness program information.

"Technology allows us to have our members do the right things at the right times to get the most benefit," Calise said.

Members never ask, "What should I do today?," Calise said. Their virtual trainer tells them, plus members can preview workouts with video explanation before entering the gym. 

When asked if it is challenging, Calise said of course because every 12 sessions members are evaluated on their strength and new programs are configured based on the new test.

What's more, at the end of every workout users receive a score thus giving them motivation to improve, plus the club holds monthly contests.

Koko's consistent experience coupled to the calming and peaceful interior of the fit club make people want to come back. As of today, there are about 150 members.

The technology works hard at Koko, but so do its members.

"I'm really working hard, but enjoying it," LaBrie said.

Editor's Note: A change has been made. The workouts are updated every 12 sessions, not weeks.

Koko FitClub memberships are $69 a month.