The struggles of starting a new business in the United States are well-known. Eighty percent of new businesses will fail within the first 18 months after opening. Some might get scared off by these numbers. Others might take on the challenge, defy the odds and push on. This is exactly what happened in 2014 when Nick and Eileen Barone went “all-in” and invested their savings to open up in Lower Saucon Township.

The story began a few years ago when, like so many others, Nick was laid off from work. He and his wife have three daughters to take care of and needed to make a decision about their future. Opening a fitness business was always on their minds as something they would really enjoy doing. They have both lived active and healthy lifestyles and wanted to share their knowledge and passion with others. Nick, who was diagnosed with Celiac disease, wanted to share with others that it is possible to live relatively symptom-free when staying true to a healthy and nutritious diet. For Eileen, it was about getting back into shape after becoming a mother and being a positive role model for her three daughters. After much thought and deliberation, the Barones came to this conclusion: “If not now, then when?” This decision led to what we now know as N-Tensity Fitness.

The style of training at N-Tensity can be summed up in a few words: High Intensity Interval Training. Each training session is monitored by a certified trainer and their MyZone Heart Rate Technology. Each new member gets a new heart rate monitor that they are recommended to wear to their workout. During the training session, their heart rate is displayed on large monitors throughout the gym. This acts as a teaching tool for both trainer and trainee. The goal for each member is to keep their heart rate at around 85 percent of their Maximum Heart Rate. When the heart rate exceeds that, the trainer will ask the trainee to cool it down a bit and let their heart rate settle. For those who are working out at say, 60 percent of their Max Heart Rate, the trainer will ask more out of them. It is a nice checks and balances system that is very unique to N-Tensity. As the trainee gets more experienced, they will learn that performing an exercise that used to jack up their heart rate no longer

Chris Fluck is a 2004 graduate of Saucon Valley High School and former high school football and wrestling coach. Currently, Chris is the owner of . He is a Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and member of the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA).