A Saturday afternoon celebration at 81 Union Street on June 7 marked two milestones: the fifth anniversary of BMBI Fitness and the first birthday of Winnie, the bulldog who has become a recognizable presence in the gym’s front window.
Todd Miskell opened the personal training studio, whose acronym stands for “bigger muscles, better intentions”, in 2020 after leaving his job as a kindergarten teacher in West Newton. “I was kindergarten teaching for four years,” Miskell said. “Just one of those things, I decided I wanted to have a little bit more of working in the Physical Education field.”
Miskell calls Winnie his “business associate.” The timing of her 1st birthday party, complete with party dress and hat, coinciding with the business anniversary was purely coincidental, Miskell noted.
The facility has established connections within the Newton community, partnering with organizations like the Center Street Food Pantry for fundraising events. Miskell describes the operation as “kind of a family-oriented community center” rather than a traditional gym. Miskell’s good-natured approach to business was evident in 2022 when vandals broke the gym’s front window. Rather than simply boarding it up, he posted a humorous note.
Newton Centre resident Melissa Lea agrees with that assessment. “Todd has created his own version of ‘Cheers,’ a place where everyone knows each other’s names and we’re all glad to be there,” Lea said. “Instead of sharing beers, we’re lifting, squatting, biking, raising a kettlebell or two, cheering each other on, and getting fit — physically and emotionally.”
BMBI Fitness has built its approach around addressing potential physical issues before they require rehabilitation. “The big thing we preach here is focusing ‘prehab’ over ‘rehab’ – don’t wait,” Miskell explained, comparing body maintenance to car maintenance. The Union Street location serves individual clients and small groups, with class sizes ranging from one-on-one sessions to boot camps of up to eight people.
Miskell had five clients travel to New York City to compete in HYROX, a fitness competition combining running and functional exercises. One participant, a local high school student, placed 14th out of approximately 15,000 competitors.
The gym’s client base includes cyclists, runners, and individuals focused on balance and functional movement. Miskell described his approach as complementary to clients’ existing activities rather than replacing them. “The bikers come in here, we work on strength. I don’t want to work on cardio – they’re biking on the weekends,” he said.
The philosophy has personal significance for Miskell. His father remained active well into his late 80s, staying healthier than many of his peers who were decades younger. However, balance became an issue as he approached 90, leading to a fall that ultimately required extended rehabilitation. “He never came out of rehab,” Miskell said, noting that his father had been the healthiest person in his age group until that point. The experience reinforced Miskell’s belief in addressing potential physical issues before they become serious problems.
Classes typically run about an hour, with clients attending anywhere from one to six times per week. New clients are offered a complimentary first session to evaluate fit.
After five years, BMBI Fitness has become part of the Union Street landscape, with Winnie’s window appearances drawing attention from passersby. Lea said Winnie adds something special to the experience: “Being greeted by her snaggle-toothed smile and wiggling bum is guaranteed to put a grin on your face. She’s also a great workout motivator – I never thought I’d be laughing while finishing up 1000 meters on a rower, but watching her frolic around the gym, well, you simply can’t help yourself.”
