Westport's First, Only Automated Personal Training Studio

Koko FitClub, the world’s first and only fully automated personal training studio, has opened in Westport's Fresh Market plaza. 

The fitness center’s patented Smartraining SystemTM technology analyzes each member’s fitness level, designs a program based on the member’s goals and guides the member through each customized workout using an interactive touch screen.

Owner Peter Buckley said he was excited about opening in southern Fairfield County, a place where he believes fitness is on top of people’s minds.

“You’re serving a well educated affluent population,” Buckley said of his clients. “Those are people that know there are long term benefits and long term dividends associated with being in shape.”

Buckley added that many people think having a personal trainer is too expensive and time consuming. At Koko FitClub you can work out whenever it is convenient for you, from 5 a.m. until 12 a.m. seven days a week. Members get a Koko key and door-access fob so they can workout whenever they’d like. Trainers are at the gym from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday - Thursday, until 5 p.m. on Friday and on weekends.

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“It is not perceived that you’re worse off coming in without an attendant because its very self-explanatory,” Buckley said, adding that everything a member does is recorded on a flash drive and uploaded to a website where you can track your status.

Members plug in their Koko key into every machine they use, which tracks their status and keeps their regiment in line.

“It’s really quite fascinating. It does all the thinking for you,” said Buckley. “All you have to do is show up with a good attitude and be committed to having an honest workout. You get out of it what you put into it.“

Buckley’s interest in the health and fitness industry was sparked by his son’s diagnosis of diabetes.

“When my son, Jaime, was diagnosed with type one diabetes, I became more aware of the benefits of and more dedicated to a healthy lifestyle. The Koko FitClub concept allows me to help others with the same goal,” he said.

Koko FitClub officially opened September 6, but a grand opening and ribbon cutting was held September 20.