DARIEN — A Wilton couple is seeking approval to open Connecticut’s first Body20 fitness studio in downtown Darien, bringing a South African-founded workout concept built around electro-muscle stimulation technology to the state.
The studio would occupy part of a currently vacant retail space at 873 Boston Post Road, near the Darien train station. The Darien Planning & Zoning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposal May 26.
Body20 is a 20-minute, low-impact workout that uses electrical impulses to trigger deep muscle contractions designed to mimic the body’s natural movements during exercise.
Wilton resident Kerry Baker would run the Darien studio’s day-to-day operations. Baker’s husband, JT Baker, would provide financial, strategic, and real estate oversight for the business.
Body20 was founded by South African entrepreneur Bertus Albertse, who opened his first EMS gym in 2012 before expanding the concept into a franchise network a year later. The company now has more than 60 locations across the United States, according to its website.
“Body20 has a very large contingent of the fitness industry across Europe and South Africa,” said Kerry Baker, who now works in the fashion industry.
The Darien studio would operate by appointment only, offering small-group classes and one-on-one personal training sessions.
Baker, a mother of three young children, said she’s in the best shape of her life due to the Body20 workouts. She said she first became familiar with Body20 while living in Texas, where she belonged to a studio for more than three years.
“When I had discovered Body20, I was three months postpartum, and the efficiency of this 20-minute workout is what really drew me in,” Baker said.
After deciding to move to Connecticut, Baker said, she realized how much she would miss the workouts and began considering opening her own location.
“I just saw how amazingly effective it is,” Baker said. “I’m thrilled to be bringing the concept to Darien.”
The closest Body20 franchise to Darien is in Miller Place, N.Y.
Body20 would be in part of the space previously occupied by Aquarius women’s boutique. The property is owned by Eld Street Properties LLC in Darien. Aquarius still has a location at 871 Boston Post Road.
The Bakers also have plans to open a second Body20 location in Greenwich, at a location that hasn’t yet been announced.