Fitness enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a workout in a relaxed setting overlooking Flatts Harbour following the launch of Bermuda’s newest private personal training and yoga studio.Flatts Fitness Studio was the brainchild of Tripp West, who with his father Stephen runs Westport Architecture, the company that designed and developed the Westcoast property which also houses its architectural and design team downstairs.The studio, which is based at 7 North Shore Road, offers a light and spacious environment complete with a bay window, a dock and a terrace balcony, and Mr West believes it will be a big hit in the village and the wider community.The building, which was completed in early 2010, was marketed for a few months before Westport decided to move their offices in there last Autumn and rent out their previous space to Rock Media and Oxford Communications.But it wasn’t until about six weeks ago during a yoga session that Mr West hit on the idea of opening up a fitness studio upstairs.“I was doing some yoga looking out on Flatts Harbour with the sun setting over the palm trees, fish jumping in the sea and boats coming in,” he said.“That is when a light bulb went off in my head that said ‘This has got to be a fitness studio’.”With the new studio he is aiming to achieve a boutique personal high end service to complement the main part of the business.Bringing in personal trainers Xande Frith, owner of Barefoot Fitness, and former University of Central Florida soccer scholar Leanne Oughton, he hopes to provide the full spectrum of fitness classes on a one-to-one and group basis, with the former focusing on the holistic side and the latter taking more of an athletic and nutritional approach.“I love the combination and it kind of mirrors our business model downstairs,” said Mr West.“We build traditional looking buildings, but sometimes they are maybe a little bit unconventional because they have got modern elements to them.“In the past, personal training was maybe considered to be a luxury, but today it is a way of life.“With our busy and hectic lifestyles, we want to promote a healthier approach to things.”He said the beauty of the studio was the fact that you could work out in the outdoor space during the summer and use the inside in the winter months, with the option for aqua fitness classes in the sea as the weather heats up.The new studio, which opened on Monday, will be offering everything from yoga to full body work outs, with full consultations for new clients and discounts for block bookings.“We want to customise our service to each individual client,” said Mr West.“A lot of people know me and my family and work and our quality of brand and the building has already had a lot of exposure and interest just from its unique colour and as a landmark in Flatts, so hopefully that will attract some clients.“After all, if you have to work out, why not do it in a great place with a beautiful view.”While, the studio will be kitted out with equipment such as weights and spinning bikes, the aim is to keep it minimalist and tastefully decorated, he said.Mr Frith said he had always strived to break the conventional mindset people have about fitness and he would be looking to provide a first class service covering the full range of health and wellness.Involved in fitness from the age of 15, he most recently worked freelance as a trainer and health consultant, and will be focusing on full body functional fitness, from climbing up bars to doing push-ups.“I want to get people outside and off the hamster wheel,” he said. “I want to get them using their bodies for what they were meant to be used for.“What we are offering here can apply to everyone from preparing to run a marathon to lifting weights or even looking after your kids.“Above all, it should be about coming in here and feeling good about what you are doing.”Meanwhile Ms Oughton will offer full body work outs, core body training, biometrics and muscle isolation.“It is all about being active and changing your lifestyle to become healthier,” she said.For more information contact 295-1093, e-mail flattsfitnessstudio[AT]gmail.com or visit the Flatts Fitness Studio Facebook page.