By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Business name: F3 Friends-Fitness-Fun
Address: 227 Turnpike Rd. (Rt. 9), Regal Cinema Plaza, Westborough
Owners: Bobbi and Jason Mard
Contact information: 508-898-3362
www.f3ma.com
How do you describe F3?
“F3 is a family fitness and enrichment center for ages 0 to 99. There’s something for every member of the family. Mom can engage in a kid’s class alongside her child, and then head into a cardio barre class while her child plays with our staff,” said Bobbi Mard, who started the Westborough business with her husband last January. F3 offers kids’ enrichment and fitness classes such acting, cheer, sensory skills, and tumbling, as well as fitness classes for teens and adults, open play time, a child watch program while adults take classes, and birthday parties and other events.
The facility includes a large play structure, infant and toddler play space, gym area, and fitness and party rooms.
How does the center operate?
“F3 is not a gym or a membership organization,” Mard said. “Kids’ classes are enrollment-based for a six-week commitment, and enrollment includes five complimentary open play sessions. Adults pay by the class, or can buy fitness flex passes for five or 10 classes. Our group fitness classes are unique, including Masala Bhangra and BYO Baby Barre.”
“There’s open play time week days. The cost is $10 per child, and you can stay as long as you want. Caregiver supervision is required, and our equipment is rated for adults as well as children, so caregivers can play with their children or have coffee in our snack area and supervise,” added Stephanie Byrnes, general manager.
“If parents or caregivers want to have their playgroup here, we offer 45 minutes of open play and 45 minutes of a private, organized activity of the playgroup’s choice, run by our instructors.”
And you have a special Halloween event?
“Yes, we’re co-hosting with SkyRise Theater,” said Mard. “The Monster Bash will be Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s geared toward children 2 to 10 years old, with a caregiver. Space is limited, and parents can register children through our website.” The party will feature a performance by SkyRise, face painting, a spooky obstacle course, arts and crafts, and refreshments. Costumes are suggested but optional.
Weekends are for birthday parties?
“Yes, we have three birthday party packages, and details are on our website,” said Byrnes. “We have awesome party add-ons, such as face-painting, yoga, Zumba, and Masala Bhangra, which is Bollywood-style dance fitness. There are lots of food choices, and we work with Yummy Mummy bakery in Westborough to provide nut-free cakes and other options.”
What are adult classes like?
“All of our fitness classes are for adults and teens, and children can stay in child watch. The exception is our new BYO Baby Barre class, where the adult takes a barre class while wearing baby in a carrier,” said Mard. Classes include POUND, Cardio Pilates, Hip Hop & Pop, Turbo Kick, Masala Bhangra, and more.
What makes F3 different from other fitness or children’s options?
“It’s a very different model. We’re focused on making F3 a place where any member of the family can have a healthy, enriching experience,” said Mard.
“And we insist on cleanliness,” Byrnes added. “We have had compliments about how clean we are. Everything is sanitized each day.”
Visit F3’s website: www.f3ma.com for open play hours and class hours and offerings. On weekends, the facility is open only for classes, parties, and private events.