Men At The Blitz Work The Room

TAMPA & VALRICO (Wednesday, September 17, 2003) - Leave the spandex in the closet and that powder blue sweatband in the drawer. There's a new fitness club in town, and it's for men only.

Even Tina Ocasio, who owns the club with her husband, Al, uses the equipment only after closing time.

The couple opened The Blitz, billed as the first 20-minute workout gym for men, in March. The compact exercise center sports a boxing ring motif and red and black decor. Al Ocasio said he strategically located his business at State Road 60 and Mount Carmel Road, across the street from male shopper magnet Home Depot.

In the ''ring'' is a series of punching bags and hydraulic lift and crunch apparatuses. A boom

box pulsates as customers work at 20 stations, spending 30 seconds at each before the boxing bell gongs and a voice drones, ''OK, time to change.''

Ocasio, 69, who retired from the U.S. Coast Guard, said he tried the workout in July 2002 on a visit to The Blitz company headquarters in Gardner , Kan. , and became one of the first to buy a franchise. The idea appealed to him because the workout can be tailored to provide quick, low-stress exercise for men of all ages and many health conditions.

Blitz founder Scott Smith said 40 franchises have been soldin the United States and Canada since they were put on the market in January. About a third have opened, he said. The Ocasios operate the only one running in Florida , although at least two more are planned. Franchise rights to The Blitz name, equipment and exclusive access to territory with 35,000 to 40,000 residents costs $26,000, he said.

Smith created The Blitz concept after observing the fitness market had several workout opportunities for women only.

''No one was catering to the men's market,'' Smith said. ''They need a private atmosphere, too. Some guys would be too embarrassed to go to a regular gym.''

Still, at The Blitz in Valrico, only one of four patrons interviewed said the men-only restriction was a selling point. Johnny Tollinchi, 55, of Brandon said he would like the gym to allow women so he and his wife could work out together. All the customers said they had more energy and better health since starting the program. Some hadlost weight or had lower blood pressure.

Gary Zimmerman, 46, of Valrico said he underwent triple bypass heart surgery in 1999. His doctor approved the low-stress exercises, and he has seen improvements in his heart rate. He usually reports to The Blitz in the morning.

''I don't feel right unless I have my workout every day,'' he said. ''You're only here 20 or 30 minutes a day. You just get in and get your exercise, and you're on your way.''

Tina Ocasio said some out- of-shape men may be intimidated in large, traditional fitness centers full of bewildering equipment and body-builder trainers. In the 1,700-square- foot former patio furniture shop occupied by The Blitz, the only muscle-bound mainstays are boxers such as Muhammad Ali on wall posters surrounding the ring.

Al Ocasio knows all 72 of the club's members by name. He figures they like the cozy atmosphere and a treat enjoyed by many: cappuccino.

''They say I make a great cup of coffee,'' he said.

Memberships normally cost $124, but the Ocasios are offering a 60 percent discount until the club roster reaches 100 to 150 members. Monthly dues are $30; the club's phone number is (813) 685-9194.

For franchise information, call (913) 856-2424 or check the web at www.timetoblitz.com

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