Ignite Studio Opens Larger Space In Howell To Welcome Community

HOWELL, NJ — Ignite is hot right now, as the dance fitness studio has moved into a space double its original size in Howell's Ideal Plaza.

And now Ignite hopes to bring in even more guests for community events.

"Ignite is not your everyday dance fitness studio," says owner Gina Velazquez. "It's community centered with fitness as its core."

The theme of the studio is the harmony of "Mind, Body and Soul," she says.

And the words "friendship and community," could be added to that.

Fitness is presented in group class formats, says Velazquez, who was raised in Howell and lives in Howell now.

"Class-based fitness gives Ignite a real community feel," she observes.

"Ignite is like home. We are your girls' night out, your daily stress reliever," she says, adding the goal is to "ignite all that sets your soul on fire."

The fitness business is her own - not part of a franchise, says Velazquez, 45.

She opened at Ideal Plaza, 2206 Route 9, just two months ago after starting her first location in Howell three and a half years ago.

This is her second location - on Route 9 near West Farms Road, offering a larger space, improved flooring and changing rooms, and what she calls "waiting rooms."

The waiting rooms are designed to be comfortable and friendly, to encourage clients to talk to each other and feel at home as they wait for their fitness class to begin.

The square footage at the new location has increased from 1,200 square feet to 2,450 square feet. You can check out Ignite on its Facebook site.

And that allows for more space for events when the studio is not offering classes.

For example, on weekends, after morning classes are over, the space can be rented for parties such as showers or birthday parties or other gatherings. Partiers can bring in catered food and have a comfortable party space in the living room-like waiting rooms.

But fitness is at the foundation of Ignite.

Velazquez is certified in Zumba and other forms of dance fitness. And she came to dance after having three children a few years ago.

"I sort of lost myself," she recalls. Dance became her pathway "in my search for meaning," she says of the past 10 years.

So now she shares her love of dance fitness with the larger community.

Guests don't exercise alone - they are in a class with an instructor to guide them at their appropriate level, Velazquez says.

She said her certifications not only provide training in dance but in how the body works.

And she keeps the classes varied and the guests engaged with special programs.

For example, for Mother's Day, a Zumba instructor from Argentina will be on hand to offer classes, Velazquez said.

And the overall feel of Ignite is relaxed.

People can bring their children to try out a dance class and "burn off some steam," she says, without having to sign up for an extended period.

Adult guests are also welcome as walk-ins, on a 10-day pass or as more committed members.

But the guiding principle is to meet others and enjoy fitness, Velazquez says.

"There's lots of ignition here," she laughs.