Aileen Febles

Nestled away in a shopping mall off the intercostal, there lies a boutique studio focused on offering a fusion of unique fitness and wellness classes to it’s tight knit community. We caught up with entrepreneur and Pulse163 owner Melissa Grosfeld at her studio to get an inside scoop of her concept and vision for the studio and its clientele.

1. Are you a Miami native?

No. I’m originally from Philadelphia. I moved to Miami 25 years ago. I met someone who was from Miami in Aspen, Colorado that I started to date and ultimately married him, and that’s what brought me here.

2. Do you have a fitness background?

I do hold several Barre certifications, but much prefer to be a client while at my Barre studio.

3. What was it that sparked the idea for you to open Pulse163 and at it’s current location?

I was showing this space as a realtor to a Barre franchise. At that time, I was working out regularly at Barre studios and loving it. After showing the property to the franchise, I went home to my husband and told him I wanted to open up a Barre studio. Pulse163 was created shortly after that at the space I was initially showing to potential clients.

4. Were you discouraged at all by your own fears or other people’s opinion about this business venture, especially considering you were not a fitness professional yourself?

The fear of failure was huge before I opened but I surrounded myself with such amazing talent and it diffused the emphasis on me. I truly believe when you do this kind of venture, you become successful with the team you co-create and collaborate with.

5. What type of space have you been working on creating at Pulse163? What is it you want your clientele to feel when they come into the studio?

It’s a concierge vibe, but not pretentious. The setting is comfortable and my staff is personable. There is a sense of community and it’s non competitive environment where everyone that walks in is supported and we support each other whether we work together or workout together.

6. How long have you been in business?

Pulse has been in business for three years which far exceeds the life expectancy of a private studio. In this oversaturated, highly competitive market, I anticipated the struggle of opening a specialty studio with a focus on Barre as at the time, it was a very misunderstood form of exercise. It took several years to convert some of my cross fit and orange theory clients to add Barre into their fitness schedule. When they saw the change in their bodies and felt the difference in their flexibility, I was able to gain a captive audience.

7. Where do you see the direction of Pulse163 brand in the next 5 years?

I would love to have more of a conscious living community layered into the fitness by adding more mindful components allowing us to elevate ourselves intellectually and spiritually.

8. How do you choose your talent? What are you looking for in an instructor that works or auditions for you?

The most important thing for me is an extensive background. You have to have warmth, sensitivity and a love for what you do.

9. You sell clothing and jewelry. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

We have a small retail boutique and like to support local designers, such as, Funky Yoga and Just Live Brand. We also carry Boho Chic jewelry from a local designer and Bettina’s Collection. We carry a line of handmade soy candles by One Soul. We love to showcase new lines as they are launched. We welcome local designers to work with us in trunk shows and pop up events. Anything to support small local businesses we are always in.

10. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability what would that be?

If I could wake up tomorrow permanently letting go of any quality it would be my fear of failure. I like to talk about not getting caught up in our Egos, but let’s be real, no studio owner likes to see an empty class. So, if I could let go of fear and allow myself to resonate with the success of building a tight fitness community focused on women supporting women, that would be beyond liberating.Check out this hidden jewel at www.pulse163fitness.com.

Tucked quietly away on the Miami River sits Ferrino Sports Fitness Club, the site of my latest assignment. Originally from Recife, Brazil, Eduardo Ferrino grew up an athlete in Track and Field, Olympic Weight Lifting, Muay Thai and was a World Champion Shot Putter.Ferrino chose the South River location in 2014, because he wanted a unique space that fit his vision away from the usual corporate gym concept. Mission accomplished.

This beautiful airy space enables clientele to connect with nature and get away from the city atmosphere. The striking river view provides a unique backdrop and continuous fresh breeze that is both uplifting and inspiring, keeping you moving during a workout. If the space looks familiar, it's because you may have spotted it during an episode of Ballers, with Miami's own, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.Driving to the facility was an adventure in itself. Passing the historic shipyards, buildings and cargo ships sailing through the river, I finally found Ferrino Sports Fitness Club, where I met Kate Hastings, trainer and group fitness class leader.Clients are offered comprehensive tests, advised to take blood tests and are trained carefully from the foundation up. Aside from the group fitness class, the facility boasts an Olympic Weightlifting area, 65-yard artificial turf, boxing and Muay-Thai area and a massage/chiropractic room.

But I was there for their daily bootcamp class, Ferrino’s Fit Camp. Kate’s coaching technique was encouraging and enthusiastic. She kept us moving the whole time putting us through various drills. Her focus for us in class was to set reachable goals, to stay inspired and develop strength & agility through functional movements. It’s important for her to encourage everyone participating in the class to act as a team and create a flowing energy.Ferrino Sports Fitness Club is open Mon thru Sat with Ferrino’s Fit Camp offered Monday - Thursday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 10:00am. For more information, visit http://www.ferrinosports.com/

Are you always on the lookout for new gyms, studios and trainers to workout with? Well, so are we. That’s the foundation of Stay Fit 305 after all – to be your guide to the best South Florida trainers, gyms, studios, health foods and fitness events. We love featuring new trainers. These are the individuals pushing you to your limits when you want to give up, and who you thank when you’ve reached your goal. This week, get to know fitness entrepreneur and professional MMA fighter, Asim Zaidi. Asim is a Miami native, with his hands in a pair of successful business ventures – Fast Twitch and Apple A Day.Can you tell me a little about your athletic career?I started amateur fighting in 2004 for the US team division and I now fight professionally. I have won three National and two World Champion fights.How long do you train?I train a mandatory five hours a day and an additional two hours of video study.Who is your role model and why?Georges St-Pierre from Montreal, Canada. I actually joined his team and have always admired how humble he is. George has always spoken about fear and how he uses that to train harder. Before each fight I’m scared to death, but I have now learned how to manage my fear.

How did you get involved with Fast Twitch?James Meder was my coach for seven years. After we met sparring, I told him I was interested in investing in the business. Now I am a part owner, but James is the mastermind behind it.What is your role in Fast Twitch? I’m an adviser and I just started teaching privates, teaching Jiu-Jitsu, MMA and Martial Arts.How do you feel about the direction Fast Twitch is going?It’s unbelievable the direction Fast Twitch is going. We have facilities in North Miami, South Miami, Miami Gardens and a fourth coming to Deerfield Beach. All facilities operate using our Fast Twitch training methodology.Can you tell us more about the new Deerfield Beach facility? It’s a 70,000 square foot space partnership with DS Sports Plex featuring six basketball courts and eight volleyball courts. Fast Twitch will be activating two unique spaces, with one area focusing on strength and power development, and the other area focusing on movement and speed development. The facility will be home to DVA Volleyball, one of the area’s top basketball organizations, an entertainment lounge, and many other amenities.

I know your dad has been a stalwart in Miami Beach owning Apple a Day. How long has Apple a Day been in business and how are you involved?Apple A Day has been in business for 26-27 years. It was a supermarket for most of it’s time but I decided to convince my father (Rizwan Zaidi) to turn it into a cafe. I do the marketing for the cafe and was involved in the remodeling.How has the family business (a health food café) helped you as a professional athlete?I eat 6,000-7,000 calories a day because of all the training. I follow a Vegan diet four days out of the week, and the others I’m Pescaterean. One day out of the month I eat animal protein. Since making these changes, my endurance has gone up and I never need to nap. It really helps to keep me moving throughout the day.How are you able to juggle business and training?I learned to have a strong work ethic from my father. You have to have drive, willpower and passion for what you do. I love it all and these are my passions.Fun question – what is your spirit animal? White Tiger - it’s a majestic and calm animal. When it’s ready to act or hunt, it stays calm and gets the job done.