Going Back in Time to a Younger, More Fit You at RetroActive Fitness

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. This series is as much about supporting companies as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

Our spotlight today is on Christina Cox of RetroActive Fitness.

Business: RetroActive Fitness Inc.
Owners: Christina Cox, MS, CSCS
Website: Www.retroactivefitnessinc.com
Address: 249 Ferris Ave., Westview side of building, White Plains, NY
Contact_Info: Christina, 9149490840, retroactivefitnessinc@gmail.com

How did you come up with the name?

The name has lots of fun meanings. Going back in time to a younger more fit you. We use functional equipment and calisthenics. No machines, so old school is the new school. Our design has a mid century modern vibe.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

White Plains is a Mecca for fitness right now. We are located 1 mile north of downtown off of exit 6 on 287. This makes us easy to get to and easy and free to park. We are close to Gardella park and the Bronx River trail for outdoor training.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Health and Fitness

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

This past winter was tough. The snowstorms kept everyone inside their homes.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, I ended up needing more money than expected. No one was coming to classes and the team of people I had hoped would work with me didn’t come together. I had to sell items on ebay to stay afloat.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

The flooring. My mom and I put in laminate floors over dance padding with help from one other person. We had never installed flooring and had to make difficult measurements and cuts. It turned out beautifully.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Renting out the studio for DJ’d parties. They are a lot of fun and bring great energy to the space!

How do you deal with difficult customers?

Luckily, I haven’t had to deal with too much of this in my first year, but a lot of patience and compromise.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We fostered dogs for Pets Alive Westchester when they had to evacuate their building. We had 7 different dogs, 1-2 at a time at the studio over three months or so. 6 of them were adopted. We are starting up a series of free health and fitness workshops in September.

The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.