PORT ST. LUCIE — GL Homes, a privately owned Florida-based homebuilder, recently celebrated the grand opening of its highly anticipated Pulse Fit Studios in the Riverland community of southwest Port St. Lucie.
The 12,000-square-foot facility, located within Riverland’s Wellness & Fitness Center, is open exclusively to community residents.
Pulse Fit Studios offers yoga and dance fitness, reformer Pilates, spinning, cross-training, and bungee fitness. All classes are led by certified fitness professionals. The 12,000 square-foot facility is one of four buildings at the Fitness Center, which also features a state-of-the-art gym, personal and group fitness classes, indoor pool and sports courts, two six-lane lap pools, a resistance pool, workout recovery whirlpool spa, and the RiverFresh Café. A spa is planned as the next addition and once complete, the center will span over 51,000 square feet.
Athenia Williams, Fitness Director, was excited to have the new facility open.
“I love to see the growth of our residents,” she said. “We really push our people to do their best, even those with health challenges. Within a few months, we see the ultimate change of “I can’t do it” to seeing them do it. It’s extremely rewarding.” Williams showed off the center’s Full Body Analysis machine which takes measurements of each person’s height, weight, muscle, body fat, water percentages and BMI (body mass index) helping to define what areas of the body that person should focus on when exercising. It also helps individuals understand their body composition and track their progress. “We love seeing the success of their efforts.”
Ruth Hightower, a Riverland resident, is one of those success stories. “When I retired and moved here, I decided to focus on health and wellness,” Hightower said. “I started with SWT (a 6-week transformation class), step, Body Blast, dance and aqua fit classes. I can now hold a plank for 3 minutes! I’ve also learned the importance of nutrition.”
The 70-year-old former American Airlines employee says she moved to Port St. Lucie after retirement but never planned to stay there permanently. “Living here changed my opinion about Florida. My kids and grandkids visit me and they love it here. They don’t have to worry about me.”
“Pulse Fit Studios represents the next chapter in Riverland’s growth and the future of 55 living,” said Misha Ezratti, president of GL Homes. “Our residents have expressed strong demand for this level of studio fitness, and we’re excited to bring it to them. Each new Riverland addition not only strengthens our community but also contributes to Port St. Lucie’s momentum as a premier destination for active living.”
In addition to the Wellness and Fitness Center, the Riverland Sports & Racquet Club features more than 40 courts including tennis, pickleball, and bocci ball. The club has booked more than 197,000 reservations since it opened in 2020.
Riverland is a 4,000-acre master-planned 55 community that caters to active adults and retirees.