A New Type of Fitness Studio Comes to Ridgefield

Former professional ballet dancer and current ballet teacher in town, Jessica Boelts always loved Ridgefield but thought there was something missing in its fitness offerings. A longtime practitioner of the workout method Gyrotonics, Boelts  said she slowly saved up money with diligence and planning and finally opened up a small personal training Gyrotonicks studio in Ridgefield at the end of July.

“I thought it would be a perfect fit for the community,” said Boelts. “I decided, ‘Ok this is what I’m going to do with my life now, and hopefully be successful at it.’”

Boelts was born in Nebraska and found herself on the east coast when she travelled parts of the country as a professional dancer. She relocated to the Danbury area about nine years ago and has been teaching ballet at the for six years.

Gyrotonics is an exercise method that employs different types of machines consisting of weights, pulleys, and adjustable seating/standing/prone positions that allow for free-flowing exercise movements that highly reduce or eliminate joint compression. 

Often used by dancers because of the free-form exercises it allows, Gyrotonics is gaining popularity with mainstream audiences and making its way from urban areas to the suburbs, Boelt said. She said that Gyrokenesis can “increase functional capacity of the joints” and “increase spinal strength and flexibility” and general strength.  “The benefits from it are so great that the benefits have crossed over to the main stream so everyone can benefit from it,” she said.

Gyrotonics is similar to Pilates, but different.

“Pilates is a linear exercise. When you think of energy in a line, the line eventually gives out, the energy ends. Gyrotonics works in a circular motion, creating a continual energy that is self-renewing,” said Boelts.  “It gives you that cardio vascular stimulation without that compression. It supports coordination and overall sense of well-being, mentally or otherwise.”

 Boelts is both the founder and Motus Studio’s trainer. She offers private sessions by the hour. The Motus website is still under construction, so she said persons who wish to contact her would best do so by phone. She can be reached at 203- 947 –9433. The Motus Studio can be found right near Adam Broderick, next to the Allstate Building at 79 Danbury Road.