{"id":211884,"date":"2026-01-01T17:57:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-01T17:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/211884\/"},"modified":"2026-01-01T17:57:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-01T17:57:15","slug":"new-staten-island-gym-defies-traditional-fitness-norms-offering-personalized-approach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/211884\/","title":{"rendered":"New Staten Island gym defies traditional fitness norms, offering personalized approach"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 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. <\/p>\n

\u201cI have always been passionate about health and fitness, working as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer since 2019,\u201d Carlucci-Watson said, detailing her time at the Broadway YMCA and Lyfe Boxing in Midland Beach. \u201cAfter going through my own fitness journey, being fortunate to work with some amazing trainers, I decided to make it happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"New\u201cI have always been passionate about health and fitness,” noted Carlucci-Watson.(Courtesy of Laura Carlucci-Watson)<\/p>\n

Located at 2228 Victory Blvd. in Westerleigh, Defiant Fitness offers a range of group fitness classes \u2014 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. <\/p>\n

\"NewDefiant Fitness Co. offers kickboxing classes, functional strength training, high-intensity interval training and more.(Courtesy of Laura Carlucci-Watson)<\/p>\n

\u201cI am committed to ensuring that my members receive professional and accurate information on their own fitness journey,\u201d Carlucci-Watson said. \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"New“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,\u201d said Carlucci-Watson.(Courtesy of Laura Carlucci-Watson)<\/p>\n

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\u2019s why she chose the name Defiant — because her concept goes against the norm. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t find big classes or unstructured training here,\u201d she said. \u201cWe defy those norms and go against the grain of the traditional gym culture.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the future, Carlucci-Watson said she hopes to expand, possibly opening a second location. <\/p>\n

\u201cI love working with members and watching them evolve,\u201d she concluded. \u201cThat is the most gratifying part of the fitness business.\u201d<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Defiant Fitness Co. at a Glance:<\/p>\n

Address: 2228 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314<\/p>\n

Phone: 718-306-9677<\/p>\n

Website: defiantfitness.co<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram: @defiantfitnessco<\/a><\/p>\n