Studio Inna: A fitness place for everyone

A workout studio dedicated to the memory of a mother is serving a place for exercise and fun for moms, dads and children throughout the Five Towns. Studio Inna at 1040-42 Broadway in Woodmere opened this past winter and is moving full sweat ahead with its classes.

Inna Koppel, operates the studio that offers programs for women, children and men, and features a state-of-the-art “spin room” where clients can monitor themselves on the exercise bicycles, a main studio that creates an airy, family room atmosphere, along with being a place that patrons feel comfortable.

“I found my calling,” said Koppel, a North Woodmere resident, who previously worked as a social worker in public schools. “I am so lucky, I don’t know how this happened. They (the members) inspired me to be here.”

The Polar Cardio program in the spin room allows clients to monitor their fitness level and receive a full read out, including heart rate and pulse as the exercise to help ensure their workout is working for them and they don’t overwork and strain themselves. “They can see what their limit is, they can exercise safely and dictate their effort,” Koppel said.

Originally a trainer in a Cedarhurst gym, Koppel decided to open her own place and many clients followed her to Studio Inna. “They are really supportive, they drive this place forward; you feel it when you are here,” said Koppel, who also credits her manager, Oralee Sonnenblick, with allowing her to do what she does.

Client suggestions are taken seriously such as installing partitions for the Orthodox women or placing a plant in a room. And the one thing that Studio Inna doesn’t do is smell like a gym. A top notch ventilation system keeps carbon dioxin levels down and pumps oxygen into the spin room. The main studio is also well ventilated. “We had that in mind, a fresh air system,” Koppel said.

Her late mother, Sheila Roit, was a nutritionist and a heath and wellness expert who traveled and lectured. “She said, ‘fitness is for everyone’,” said Koppel bounds around her studio with a kinetic energy akin to an athlete preparing for a competition.

The main studio has plenty of space for clients to workout as they box, kick box, do Zumba dancing or the boot camp, which includes the water roller, another state-of-the-art exercise machine used by crew teams, kettle bell lifting, pull ups and the sledgehammer slam.

“We are really trying to have something for everyone,” Koppel said. She is also proud of raising $75,000 for charitable causes in Israel.

Working with clients and pushing them not only to succeed in their training, but in life is another reason why Koppel’s approach seems to resonant with her clients.

Pnina Klein took classes from Koppel and when she showed an interest in becoming a trainer, Koppel helped and supported her to achieve that goal. “She is excellent at what she does, she cares so much, cares about every single member,” said Klein, who is now a spin instructor. “You get the feeling she is doing it for everyone else, not just herself.”

Studio Inna’s opening has not only benefitted her clients, but overall business in Woodmere, according to Justin Fuchs, the general manager for the past 10 years for South Shore Bicycle and Fitness. Koppel set aside some space in her studio for South Shore to sell some gear, while South Shore repairs the studio’s equipment.

“She brings in a tremendous amount of business to Woodmere,” Fuchs said. “A lot of her customers have come in and we’re seeing a higher return on business.”