Shaping Up: NJ Fitness Factory's Grand Opening

It may have first opened in June. But the real grand opening of the NJ Fitness Factory on Valley Road is scheduled for Saturday, an event full of music, hors d'oeuvres, prizes, as well as a wine tasting.

Co-owners Marc Ronches of Parsippany and Russ Teitsma of Little Falls have been personal trainers for more than 10 years and they are now providing one-on-one personal training to clients at their new studio.

Ronches said the pair—which previously trained people at a studio in Cedar Grove—decided to open a facility in Montclair because "over the years we have fallen in love with the people, the culture, and the sense of community Montclair has to offer."

When asked what makes NJ Fitness Factory different, Ronches points out that "we are solely a one-on-one personal training studio."

He said that when clients come in they are "not going to hear an instructor yelling at them in a class but rather they are going to feel comfortable and at peace."

The bottom line: Instead of being intimidating the atmosphere is fun.

"I always envisioned a place like in [TV show] Cheers where, you know, everybody knows your name," he said. "I know it sounds kind of corny. But our vision is crystal clear. We want to provide excellent service and get people results and make this an environment people want to come back to."

Ronches said that programs are tailored to get everybody the results they want in 12 months or less.

"Plus, we design the program so that everybody will eventually become 100 percent self-reliant," he said. "In other words, they will ultimately have the ability to take what we teach them and go out on their own."

Finally, the fitness center offers a 100 percent money back guarantee.

"There is not another facility in Montclair that offers that," Ronches said. 

The open house will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Stop by the facility at 130 Valley Road and check it out. For more information go