On the second floor of a nondescript building on 72nd between Lexington and Park lives the transformer. Boaz is a man so great, with so much exuberance, passion and skill – he can physically reform and transform anybody’s body. Taking people from pudgy to perfect, Boaz Fitness Studio offers a no-nonsense and intense perspective to getting fit.

Boaz Fitness studio is a private training facility for those serious and committed to a healthy lifestyle. “I have kicked people out. I have fired clients.” Boaz says of those who don’t have the strength or dedication to endure his rigorous (but highly effective) training methods. Boaz himself is a specimen of great fitness- a robust chest with thick muscular arms, Boaz was a former martial arts and Krav Maga instructor. Honing his passion for fitness, Boaz was a personal trainer at Equinox before opening his own training studio in May 2006.

Unlike most other gyms, Boaz Fitness allows you to train one-on-one in a private, upscale environment without the distractions of fellow gym members prancing around or having to wait for a piece of equipment. Pure luxury, the gym features an outdoor space as well as bathrooms which are more likely seen at a luxury hotel than a gym. The modern studio is punctuated by the standard pieces of workout apparatus – a treadmill, free weights, medicine balls, but from the typical to the unheard of – samurai swords, Boaz has created exercise programs which incorporate unique elements to ensure a workout is never mundane. “Samurai sword fighting is an amazing way to get in shape. It combines elements of dance, ritual and balance and is great for the core,” says Boaz.

Boaz, or one of his four other trainers (including 2 Olympic athletes), works with clients individually. They first meet with each potential client and take a detailed look at their current fitness plan and goals and assess each individual. “We don’t have a scale here,” Boaz says, “We don’t need one, it’s not something which I believe in. You can tell by looking at someone what their BMI is.” No more than two clients train at one time in the gym, which allows for privacy and personalized attention, instruction and focus. “I personally develop a workout for each client. We never repeat an exercise from week to week. I always switch things up and come up with a new exercise to hit that muscle group,” Boaz explains of his approach. Using the fundamentals from many different disciplines such as Thai Boxing, Kung Fu and Krav Maga, Boaz has found a way to transform working out into something fun, invigorating and challenging.

He continues to make it very clear that his gym and training formula isn’t just about the outside. “If people come in and they JUST want cut abs but they go home and down an apple martini, those aren’t the people who I can help,” he says. It is about the larger picture, Boaz is quick to point out. His training style is self-admittedly severe, but infused with kindness; Boaz makes sure his clients get the most out of their time at the gym. During the training sessions, Boaz provides “Fuel” – usually a shake or protein mix to help his clients through the session. “It is important to remember: carbs before a workout and protein after,” Boaz points out as he shows me his full pantry stocked with healthy eats and plenty of bottled water.

There are many different kinds of people who flock to Boaz and for a variety of reasons. “We have a few people here who are training for a Triathlon,” Boaz boasts proudly. Some are toning up for their wedding day. But it’s not just the brides-to-be and the hard-core athletes (which do include a fair number of unnamed celebrities and professional athletes), Boaz works with anyone who has made the conscious and celebrated decision to take a proactive role in their commitment to physical fitness. He suggests starting with 2 times a week in the studio with private training, but emphasizes following a specific plan for days when you aren’t in the gym. “Just because you aren’t here doesn’t give you the excuse to have a bacon cheeseburger. You should be getting cardio by bike riding or running. There are no days off – even if you aren’t in the gym.”

So whether you are continuing a fitness routine or looking to start a healthy new one, put down that donut and pick up the phone to call Boaz. Your body will thank you.