Gym is set to open in old A&P; it will be Iovino’s third gym in the area
By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
Retro Fitness, the new gym in town, is opening next week. Owner Bill Iovino said last-minute details have pushed the opening back to — hopefully — Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Retro Fitness is a state-of-the-art facility with fitness equipment and amenities covering more than 14,000 square feet in the space once occupied by an A&P supermarket.
Retro Fitness, in The Marketplace in Manville mall at 114 North Main St., is becoming a popular place to work out. With an affordable price of $19.99 per month, Retro Fitness sets itself apart from the competition and prides itself in having "more fitness, less money."
Bill Iovino is the owner of the new facility, as well as the Hillsborough and North Brunswick gyms.
"It is just a great location to be," he said. "Retro found the location and it made sense for me as an owner because I own the Hillsborough Retro Fitness and the North Brunswick area. It almost completes the territory for me."
Opening the facility was not a hard choice for him. After being in the United States Army for 22 years and retiring as a master sergeant, Mr. Iovino began looking for a fitness center where he could workout in a comfortable environment. He came across Retro Fitness and loved the concept.
He became reminded of his entrepreneurial desire to open a fitness center of his own. After research, Mr. Iovino realized Retro Fitness’ business model was the perfect fit.
All Retro Fitness fitness trainers are professionals. The staff will give tours of the facilities and explain the programs, pricing and sign up members. They also work the juice bar and child care center.
Mr. Iovino wants to become a big part of the community, and wants Retro Fitness to build relationships with area schools, sports organizations and businesses.
For Mr. Iovino opening another Retro Fitness is very exciting.
"I opened Retro Fitness to provide the community with a facility that will help them achieve their health and fitness goals at a fraction of the cost, but without skimping out on the necessities needed for a good workout," he said. "Retro Fitness offers a clean and welcoming environment for every member to achieve success without feeling intimidated or overwhelmed — no matter their fitness level. I look forward to helping the community stay on top of their goals."
The Retro Fitness amenities include more than 90 cardiovascular-challenging machines equipped with 17-inch personal viewing screens so members can watch cable TV. The facility has TRX suspension training, personal training, a dedicated spin class; a room for Pilates, Zumba and yoga, boot camp and other classes; tanning and massaging and free weight area. The Retro Room theater offers different movies daily so you can enjoy favorite films while working off the calories.
There will be a boxing area and the club offers kickboxing sessions as well as one-on-one personal training.
Retro Fitness also offers a Pro Shop (where you can buy Retro workout gear and supplements), toiletries and full locker facilities. The juice bar specializes in nutritious smoothies. The child care services allow parents to bring their children to play while they focus on their workout. Child care hours are from 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 8 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to noon on weekends.
Mr. Iovino said members come from all over to work out. There is a morning crowd at the 5 a.m. opening before heading off to work. Some come during lunch while others stop by on their way home.
Retro Fitness Manville also offers members a free mobile app, intended to be a workout companion, to keep them motivated and on track to reach their goals. The constantly evolving app features everything from tracking workouts and demonstrating proper fitness techniques to inspirational push notifications and monthly educational content.
"Members can change their lives for less than 75 cents a day—you can’t beat that price with our amenities," said Mr. Iovino.
On the website www.RetroFitness.net, potential members can take a virtual tour of the facility, check out the specials and watch for coupons that come via direct mail.
Retro Fitness can be reached at 908-526-9400 or found online at manvillenj.retrofitness.net. Hours are Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

