James Balarezo, the current owner of the BodyTrac Health & Fitness located on Park Avenue, is expanding his business by acquiring the BodyTrac located in Killearn Lakes off of Deerlake Road at 8116 Killearn Plaza. He acquired the BodyTrac Park Avenue location in 2012.
Mr. Balarezo told TR that he is excited about the new location and hopes to capitalize on the buzz created by the new development in the area.
“It’s so busy with so many people and low options for quality products and services. As far as training goes the options are slim. I’m excited to see what retail options materialize with the construction on Bannerman as well as what the area will look like when completed. We have a great opportunity to help hundreds of families not only in Killearn Lakes, but Summer Brook, Ox Bottom and all the way down and around Meridian Rd,” said Balarezo.
James has been in the health and fitness industry since 2005 beginning with his education in massage therapy. Soon after that, he obtained multiple personal training and group fitness certifications. He recently became a Precision Nutrition certified Sports Nutrition Coach and is in the process of completing his 200 hr. Yoga certification.
Why the fitness business?
“Being healthy and fit in today’s world is harder than it looks. The influence of various life experiences helped me decide I would dedicate my career to helping people understand what’s going on with their bodies and how they can create positive lasting change,” said Balarezo.
After leaving Miami to come to Tallahassee for school in 2006, James met his wife Rebecca, a Tallahassee native, and they were married in 2013.
They decided to put roots down in Tallahassee.
“Tallahassee has such a distinct quality of living I find very attractive. After marrying a “local girl”, the thought of moving back down to Miami to open up my business never crossed my mind. The sense of community here is so strong and that is very appealing,” said Balarezo.
James is active in the Tallahassee philanthropic community. He is a volunteer for multiple non-profits, a member of the Keiser University advisory board for their Sports Medicine and Fitness Technology programs and a sitting member of the board of directors for the Big Bend chapter of Girls on the Run.
How is BodyTrac different from other fitness businesses?
First, at BodyTrac members always workout with a certified personal trainer. In fact, 5 out of the 7 Tallahassee trainers on staff have received a bachelors degree or higher in exercise science or are seniors in the program. Also, their trainers are ACSM or NSCA certified and CPR/AED certified. This means that members are working with highly educated and skilled professionals.
Second, BodyTrac offers small group settings which allow their experts to create specific workouts for every member.
“Our small group setting not only allows members to get what they need and access to our experts, but also to save on what a Personal Trainer would cost at gyms that sell low price memberships”, said Balazero.
And finally, accountability. If you are not meeting your goals, then BodyTrac will adjust our plan. If you’re not making more than 2 strength training sessions and 3-5 hrs a week of cardio you will get contacted by BodyTrac staff. Balarezo said, “We’ll be nice first with an email or a reminder, but we will pull out all the stops to get you back on track.”
Balarezo told TR that members will see an owner that has a passion for the business and is interested in providing stability and accountability to the BodyTrac Killearn membership.
“With so many new fitness places popping up in Tallahassee, having a passionate owner that is concerned about results speaks volumes over investors trying to capture the next trendy market fad. I live here and I am raising my family here. I’m in it for the long haul,” said Balazero.
About 25-30 people showed up to the official grand opening with a Tallahassee Chamber ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, November 20th, including his wife and their new son.
So not only is James expanding his business, his family is growing. And while the added responsibilities will require more attention and patience, James said he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for BodyTrac and his family.
Local Business Owner Expands with Killearn Lakes BodyTrac Location added by Staff on
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BodyTrac has been such a blessing to me! I feel honored to be a part of such a wonderful personal training establishment. I want to one day be the oldest member, of course I have a way to go, but just watch!!!
It is comforting to me as a 71 year old woman, to know my needs are going to be addressed in such a patient and friendly way! I feel better physically and mentally when I stay on track with Body Track!