F45 Gym Flexes with Planned Mosaic District Site

F45 Training is moving into the Mosaic District.

Construction is currently underway on the boutique, high-intensity gym franchise’s latest site at 2980 District Ave., which is currently home to the education center Kumon and expects to also add the Japanese barbeque restaurant Gyu-shige soon.

Husband-and-wife owners Kerri Palmer and Earl Pinto decided to bring F45 to the Mosaic District after trying out the franchise’s site at The Boro.

F45’s approach to workouts appealed to both of them, which Palmer says is a rarity, and they thought it would be a good fit for the Mosaic District based on the other businesses in the development and the number of residents and visitors it attracts.

“I think that the Mosaic District is magical, and I actually think it’s going to be one of the best territories that F45 will have,” Palmer said. “…Our business is one that has a great energy and a great vibe to it, and I think Mosaic District aligns with that as well.”

Palmer says F45’s functional training classes differ from other gyms because the workouts continually change, rather than relying on the same routines and equipment.

“It’s really engaging, and it challenges your body in different ways than the traditional gym would challenge your body,” she said.

Acknowledging that some people might be skeptical of a gym opening during a pandemic, Palmer expressed confidence in F45’s COVID-19 protocols. Studios across the franchise are placed at five tiers that range from all-virtual to fully open depending on the public health situation of their individual locations.

F45 Mosaic will determine what approach to take once it gets closer to opening.

While the process of establishing the business has taken longer than anticipated, Palmer says their landlord and contractor, as well as Fairfax County staff have been supportive as she and Pinto have navigated unfamiliar territory.

This is their first attempt at starting a business together. Palmer works in the banking industry, while Pinto has a government job.

Palmer and Pinto have been documenting the construction process with regular updates on the F45 Mosaic Facebook and Instagram pages.

The current plan is to hold a soft opening for F45 Mosaic in May and a grand opening in June, “as long as everything continues to meet the timelines we have, and we’re very optimistic that will happen,” Palmer said.

Photo courtesy F45