Newton’s Law of Fitness isn’t a gym. It’s a “fitness facility.”
The difference? There are no elliptical machines here, no weights to lift and no membership is required.
Instead, owner Chris Newton works on a whole different plane — literally. Using the laws of gravity and the science of movement, Newton promises unique workouts with classes offered a la carte for about $18 each.
“I understand how the body moves and how the body works,” he said.
At his recently opened facility, at 7150 SW 62nd Ave. in South Miami, a system of suspension belts hangs down from the ceiling. Clients balance their hands and feet in them. The extra elevation uses your own body weight for a more intense workout that requires more balance.
Also, “It is so much fun,” said trainer April Buchwald.
Kettlebells, black weights with a loop for a handle, provide more flexibility to be used on different planes than a regular dumbbell.
Thick weighted ropes, battle ropes, are tied to kettlebells. Clients wiggle them up and down, back and forth, so it looks like the rough sea or a pit of snakes. In a quick 30 seconds, it accelerates your heart rate and helps you lose weight.
“It’s almost like spinning, but with your arms,” Newton said.
Newton developed his techniques through 15 years of personal training experience, a scholarly approach to working out and focus on proper form and technique. His educational experience includes a master’s in exercise physiology from Florida International University and national certifications.
“Once you understand how the body works, it doesn’t matter what tools you use. That’s what makes us different,” he said.
But Newton doesn’t do it alone. The fitness facility employs eight trainers with varied experience.
Orestes Sampson, with experience in martial arts, specializes in tactical training which teaches self-defense with a fitness focus. Buchwald trains clients in the kettlebell and the suspension system. She used to be a client of Newton’s; now she holds several national certifications and is training others.
“All the trainers are very well educated in every class that we teach,” Buchwald said.