By Chiara Sebastiani
There are gyms that were created to train athletes and gyms that were created to welcome people. The Life Gym – with its two locations in Lucca and Borgo a Mozzano – belongs to both categories: a place where physical activity becomes a tool for well-being, socialization and personal growth, open both to those approaching movement for the first time and to those looking for a more targeted or high-performance workout.
Founded in 2008 by Dino and Emanuele, soon joined by Fabio, the Lucca office immediately represented a different point of reference compared to traditional fitness. The idea stems from the desire to create a pleasant environment, far from the logic of competition and close to people’s real needs. At the same time, Samuele had started a similar entrepreneurial experience, which led him to create the ‘Life’ of Borgo a Mozzano. Two parallel paths that today intertwine in a common vision, that of a ‘family of movement’ that puts the person at the center.
The heart of Life is enclosed in a simple but powerful belief: we must not only train the body, but improve people’s lives. This means personalized attention, care for the environment and authentic relationships.
“Our centers – says Emanuele – are ideal for those who have never been to the gym, but have always wanted to try”. A concept that overturns the classic perspective: no longer a place for the already experienced, but a safe space for those taking their first steps, for those looking for motivation, companionship and self-confidence.
Life’s choice is clear and radical: no turnstiles at the entrance, no driven cars. “Here,” say the owners, “we teach how to really move. It doesn’t matter where you start from: what matters is that you can train safely and feel like the protagonist of your own path».
The workouts are personalized and always varied, combining bodyweight, weights, functional circuits and outdoor activities. The groups are small, so as to guarantee attention and quality.
There is no shortage of specific courses dedicated to different targets: from pregnant and postpartum mothers, to children, up to programs aimed at overweight people, also followed by nutritionists and health professionals. It is no coincidence that among the visitors there are also the elderly, people who find here not only a targeted training, but also a response to loneliness.
“Making them move and socialize,” they explain, “means contributing to their longevity and quality of life.”
Life is also a social actor. For years it has been collaborating with associations such as Anteas and Allegra Brigata, organizing sports and solidarity events, participating in projects with schools and universities and hosting trainees. In partnership with Virtus, it also manages gymnastics courses for adults, thus expanding the range of movement in the area.
The commitment is constant: “Well-being,” Fabio points out, “comes from sport, but also from the community.” In this vision, the gym becomes a meeting place, a health center and a laboratory of social relations. If the Lucca headquarters can count on larger spaces and therefore on a slightly more developed fitness component, the one in Borgo a Mozzano – Samuele points out – retains a decidedly familiar and cozy character. The differences are minimal: in both the idea dominates that each person needs a unique path and that no one should feel excluded.
The schedules adapt to the particular needs of users, with openings from the early hours of the morning for those who want to train before going to work. A flexibility that confirms the desire to always be close to people.
Today Life looks ahead with an innovative project: the creation of the first fitness company network in Tuscany. “During Covid – says Dino – we compared ourselves with other gyms to face the difficulties together. From there the idea was born to formally unite, as a consortium, to be stronger.” The network will offer a greater capacity to promote the culture of movement.
A step that aims to transform the sector, creating synergies and opportunities for everyone.
The motto chosen by Life – “Move, do something” – encapsulates their mission.
It doesn’t matter where you start: what matters is to start. Because sport is not just training, but health, sociability and self-confidence.
The story of Life shows that a gym can be much more than a weight room: it can become a place where you find energy, motivation and, above all, the pleasure of living better.
Info: www.lifecentrifitness.it
Lucca: Via di San Filippo 504 (LU) Tel.0583 91811 – 339 2561549
Borgo a Mozzano: Via di Salita 11, Loc. Piano di Gioviano (LU) Tel. 0583 86009 – 392 9052660
