The only Florida location of SETS Hybrid Training gyms is set to open and host fitness classes by the end of this month.
Located in the Pebble Creek Collection, less than two miles south of the Pasco/Hillsborough county line on Bruce B. Downs Blvd (BBD), SETS New Tampa brings a successful New Jersey-based fitness concept to New Tampa.
Owner and New Jersey native Phil Diaz has been with SETS for the past four years. Phil believes in the concept so much that he left everything in his home state to bring SETS to Florida.
SETS currently has 12 locations, including three corporate locations in Jersey. All other locations are franchises, including seven in the Garden State, one in Murfreesboro, TN, and the new one in New Tampa.
“It’s a growing company that’s only been around since about 2015,” says Diaz. “It’s super successful.”
However, he says it with a caveat. SETS isn’t growing as fast as some other franchises, and he says that’s because all franchise owners must also be on-site managers.
This means that the owners, including Phil, need to be at the gym to ensure that members are getting what they need, and the facility is more than just a money-making vehicle for some outside investor.
This fits the SETS philosophy, which emphasizes the relationships between those who work together.
“The biggest thing we do that’s different is we’re very big in the community,” says Phil.
That’s why SETS New Tampa will host a monthly happy hour for members, an annual Christmas party, and organize teams to participate in local events, such as Spartan races (obstacle course).
“It’s super competitive,” Phil says of SETS and its members, “but it’s also fun. It’s more than a workout.”
The community is also bigger than gym memberships. Phil says government employees, such as those who work for fire and police, health care, education and active duty, as well as military veterans receive membership discounts.
Of his decision to move to our area, Phil says, “It was the greatest decision of my life. I love this place. Incredible.”
In determining Florida locations for SETS expansion, he considered many options, including Clearwater and St. Petersburg.
“New Tampa was the choice because we fell in love,” he says. “Looking at the demographics, we’re seeing growth in that area and we like how everything in (nearby) Wesley Chapel is new.”
While he admits the New Tampa location isn’t convenient for many Wesley Chapel residents, he hopes to open a total of three locations in the first three years he’s here, so people in our reading area who don’t think live close enough to New Tampa SETS may find themselves with a location closer to them in the near future.
Fitness for everyone
SETS offers its group fitness classes several times a day. Each class is completely different, so you will never be bored. Free weights and machines are used in group fitness.
“A lot of people are intimidated because they think it’s only for a certain type of athlete or fitness guru,” explains Phil. “But we are literally for everyone. Some of our members are college athletes, others have just come out of surgery or are in their 60s and have never been in a gym before.”
To be able to accommodate people at any level, Phil and other trainers are always happy to demonstrate modifications for any exercise or movement. There’s always an advanced way for serious athletes to perform each exercise, Phil says, and a safer way for beginners and those recovering from injury.
“Some people always get nervous trying it,” Phil explains to SETS, “but I want them to feel relieved because we’re always happy to tone it down so they’re comfortable.”
Once you join SETS, classes are booked through the SETSBuilt app. Each class lasts 50-55 minutes and Phil promises that the sessions “sell themselves”.
“Every day is completely different,” he explains. “We’re changing the movement up so it’s never the same. It could be leg day, full body day or chest day, but it’s always a good combination of strength and cardio.”
Many membership options
SETS New Tampa offers a number of different membership types, but Phil says most members choose the unlimited class option. He says the majority of members will take three to five lessons each week, while some work out every day and others just one or two lessons a week.
“You come whenever you’re free,” says Phil. “All you have to do is log into the app and reserve your spot.”
Phil wants you to come in and try it out, so he’s offering specials for those who just want to give it a try. Call him or stop by to learn more about free trial classes.
One major advantage of SETS New Tampa is that there are no long-term contracts. Each membership is paid on a monthly basis and only 30 days notice is required if you decide you need to cancel.
The grand opening of SETS New Tampa will be held on Saturday, April 27, featuring a number of vendors, classes and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Since it was not yet open when this issue went to press, none of the New Tampa SETS members were ready to tell us about their experiences yet. However, there are SETS members in New Jersey who miss Phil and hope that people in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area will take the opportunity to join SETS and train with him.
Brianna Schoeneberg is a member of SETS in Barnegat, New Jersey. She says she first met Phil a few years ago when he started working at the SETS gym where she trains.
“I’ve been training for about 10 years now,” she says, “and he’s one of the best. The energy is always high and whatever kind of mod you have, he has it. And he’s literally one of the friendliest guys ever.”
Briana says that when she travels, she visits many different gyms, but she always prefers to return to her home gym.
“It’s more about the community and your personal goals,” Briana says. “Every coach is positive and full of energy, and the classes are never the same.”
Brianna says she likes the hybrid training format and that it works for all fitness levels. Club members are a strong community but include a wide variety of ages and abilities.
Briana believes that Phil will be able to bring the same positivity, energy and community focus to SETS New Tampa.
“Everyone here loved him, but we’re very happy for him on the journey he’s on,” says Brianna. “It’s a big thing to move from Jersey to Florida to start something new, but it’s great that he’s taking it to Tampa. I feel everyone there is lucky to have him because we miss him here in Jersey.”
Phil is excited to offer SETS New Tampa pre-opening members a “Founder’s Rate” of just $129 per month for unlimited classes, no enrollment fee, and free classes until the end of April.
He notes that the founder rate is for unlimited classes, although SETS New Tampa offers other membership levels for those who don’t necessarily want or need unlimited sessions.
SETS New Tampa Hybrid Training is located at 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite E-6, in the Pebble Creek Collection. For more information, visit SETSBuilt.com, @sets_newtampa on Instagram, “SETS NEW TAMPA” on Facebook.
