STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When Laura Carlucci-Watson opened Defiant Fitness Co. in August, her mission was to bring high quality, affordable fitness training to the residents of Staten Island.
“I have always been passionate about health and fitness, working as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer since 2019,” Carlucci-Watson said, detailing her time at the Broadway YMCA and Lyfe Boxing in Midland Beach. “After going through my own fitness journey, being fortunate to work with some amazing trainers, I decided to make it happen.”
“I have always been passionate about health and fitness,” noted Carlucci-Watson.(Courtesy of Laura Carlucci-Watson)
Located at 2228 Victory Blvd. in Westerleigh, Defiant Fitness offers a range of group fitness classes — kickboxing, functional strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and more. There are also classes for children and teens, plus nutritional coaching and one-on-one personal training. Open gym time is available to members when there are no scheduled classes.
Defiant Fitness Co. offers kickboxing classes, functional strength training, high-intensity interval training and more.(Courtesy of Laura Carlucci-Watson)
“I am committed to ensuring that my members receive professional and accurate information on their own fitness journey,” Carlucci-Watson said. “Our class sizes are small, which allow us to focus on the members and ensure proper form and technique. Our strength classes are programmed for progress, practicing the same exercises for several weeks to allow opportunity for strength building. Our kickboxing classes are structured to work with each participant on their level. Our members are more than just numbers, we get to know everyone, so we know how to work with them if they have any injuries, ailments, or have specific areas of concern.”
“Our members are more than just numbers, we get to know everyone, so we know how to work with them if they have any injuries, ailments, or have specific areas of concern,” said Carlucci-Watson.(Courtesy of Laura Carlucci-Watson)
Carlucci-Watson said that members follow a structured training program at her gym, rotating through different areas of concentration daily. Her kickboxing classes are heavily focused on self-defense, not just a cardio session geared toward calorie burn. She said that’s why she chose the name Defiant — because her concept goes against the norm.
“You won’t find big classes or unstructured training here,” she said. “We defy those norms and go against the grain of the traditional gym culture.”
In the future, Carlucci-Watson said she hopes to expand, possibly opening a second location.
“I love working with members and watching them evolve,” she concluded. “That is the most gratifying part of the fitness business.”
New Businesses in Focus is a column that tells the stories of new Staten Island business owners. If you run a new business on Staten Island and would like to be featured, e-mail jgorman@siadvance.com.
Defiant Fitness Co. at a Glance:
Address: 2228 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: 718-306-9677
Website: defiantfitness.co
Instagram: @defiantfitnessco