Underground Gym Helps NJ Build Healthy Bodies From The Inside Out

This Patch article is sponsored by Underground gym .

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Sergei Karaliou owner, of Underground gym.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business.
Sergei Karaliou: We are a small family business in operation for 18 years. We specialize in kettlebell training and working with people with preexisting orthopedic issues. Our unique, holistic approach to health and wellness focuses on mobility, strength, endurance, balance and body awareness. We offer small group classes as well as personal training to help people to achieve their fitness goals. Coach Eric Chasko has a lot of experience teaching Marshal Arts, Personal Training Program and Group Classes. My wife Lana Karaliou handling all the schedule and social events. I'm doing personal training and classes as well as all business operations. We have clients who working with us for 10+ years.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
Karaliou: 18 years in Red Bank. Recently moved to Middletown

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Karaliou: I always was passionate about fitness and helping people. I created my programs after working as a personal trainer for 10 years. I realized that often people with certain injuries or physical limitations can't do CrossFit style workouts, but at the same time they need physical activity the most. I set out to create a programs that provides high intensity but is safe and effective workouts. Now, with 18 years of experience teaching and with help of my team of coaches, we are able to help people to overcome their pain, limitations in range of motion and get stronger.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?
Karaliou: Get healthier with great community

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?
Karaliou: Movement is medicine, but most people do not know that yet. Pain and injury are a part of life, and so is the quest to fix them. Pharmaceutical products temporarily numb symptoms while they cause their own problems in other areas of life like bone strength, quality of sleep, and even depression. At Biggest Challenge, we train people to understand their body on a deeper level so they can execute movement with purpose, learn about themselves so they develop a better relationship with their body, and feel empowered by knowing what it means to have control over their health

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Karaliou: Our most satisfying moment is when we see our clients take their first steps forward in the gym. Having them gain flexibility, strength and mobility after years of pain or disability is an amazing feat. We love to see people get off medication and have a better quality of life. The very best part about our job is hearing from our customers that they feel stronger, happier and healthier than ever before!

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Karaliou: How you move is a fundamental part of how we evaluate and treat every client that walks into our studio. We get them moving in a way that’s effective, safe, and fun! In addition to developing skills needed for the physical training sessions at our studio, we also teach people to move better and find ways to incorporate this awareness into their daily life. Many fitness studios use a basic regimen of exercises for all participants, regardless of age or ability level. We engage participants with a range of movements that are age-appropriate and safe no matter what shape they are starting from. Our clients are not just a number, they are part of our family. When we work together, they realize that the root of their pain or injury is movement pattern, and once they understand this pattern most all of the time their symptoms are gone. There are no pills or shots needed. Many times our clients tell us that after going through our program they feel better than when they were younger. We believe this because we build healthy bodies from the inside out. We also have family like community of people who like to do a lot of things together. We often get together for happy hours, cooking classes, spa days, charity runs and more.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?
Karaliou: Work hard, love what you do and trust the process.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Karaliou: We have been in Red Bank for 12 years. For the past 5 months, we have been working on moving our studio to Middletown. We did major renovation and built beautiful brand new facility. It's right on route 35, have a lot of parking, bright and open. On March 3rd, 2023 we did Ribbon Cutting Ceremony where Ryan Clarke from Middletown Mayor office was attending and welcoming us to the new neighborhood. We had about 50 clients who were present while I was cutting the ribbon and opening our doors. On March 6th, we started all our operations at the new facility. Now we have more space and will be opening new programs. We want to open new mobility program where people be able to work on their mobility. We will still keep our group classes at 10 per class but we will be opening more times for group classes. Currently, we have 25 classes per week, but working on opening even more classes.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?
Karaliou: Coach Chasko is planning to host a self-defense seminar where he is teaching practical skills to help protect yourself. We are also working on hosting a Nutrition Seminar in the future. Also, we would like to engage in charity events to help the community.

Follow Underground gym on Facebook, and make sure to check out undergroundgym.com for more information!