Fitness Stars in Our Backyard

These local fitness professionals call Boston home but have national followings.

BostonBoston photo via Shutterstock

Actors, models, and even techies all leave our great state to seek greater success. But some heavy hitters in the fitness industry are thriving locally with national recognition. Although, unless you’re in the industry, you most likely have no idea who these well respected industry experts and athletes are. Turns out they are living right in our backyard.

Mike Boyle GymMike Boyle’s facility, photo provided

Mike Boyle‘s gym in Woburn, Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, was named one of the best gyms in America by Men’s Health magazine. Known for training pro and elite athletes, he is regarded as one of the experts in the country for sports performance training. He is currently a strength and conditioning consultant for the Red Sox and trains the Women’s U.S. National Hockey Team in preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics. But you don’t have to be a pro athlete to access the knowledge Boyle has accumulated over the years. He offers group conditioning classes for adults and children. There are three locations including Haverhill, North Andover, and Woburn. 29 Draper Street, Woburn; 781-938-1330; bodybyboyle.com

Savage girlsSavage girls, photo provided

Cathy Savage has a cult following. If you go anywhere near a female bikini or figure competition in the U.S., you can guarantee seeing large groups of tan and toned girls wearing tank tops bedazzled with “Savage Girls” across the chest. Savage runs a full service competition preparation business out of her studio in Norwood and has set the industry standard for competition preparation. Joining team Savage guides you through a journey of structured training and nutrition plans, to walking in heels while flexing in a barely-there, shiny bikini. A former fitness competitor herself, Savage is now one of the most recognized names in the industry. Drop by a Sunday session at 9 a.m. for a signature hour workout, followed by a session that focuses on posing, presentation, nutrition, and competition. 103 Vanderbilt Ave, Norwood; 781-769-1258; CathySavage.com

Ironman Championships Kona HawaiiIronman Championships in Hawaii, photo by Sarah Dussault

In October, Brockton native Caitlin Snow came in 9th place in the women’s category in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii with a race time of 9:36:19. For those unfamiliar with the race, it is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride followed by a 26.2 mile run. As a professional triathlete, Snow trains full time and is working on her master’s degree.

Nate Buttrick South End AthleticNate Buttrick, photo provided

On the men’s side, South End resident and Boston College alum Nate Buttrick finished 52th overall, 50th among the men and 13th among the American’s at the Iron Man World Championships in Kona. Buttrick ran as an amateur which allowed him to earn a medal for 5th place in his age group, but his success in Hawaii allowed him to go pro. If you are looking for a gift for a triathlete, Nate is hosting a series of training rides with South End Athletic Company in January. 652 Tremont Street, Boston; 617-391-0897; seactri.eventbrite.com

Katie BoydKatie Boyd, photo provided

A studio called The Miss Fit Club, formally in Wellesley, had its own show on the Style Network in 2011 called Wicked Fit. Owner Katie Boyd specializes in pageant preparation and personal training. Sadly, the show only lasted one season. It focused on Boyd, a former pageant girl, and her professional and personal life. While much of the show focused on finding the right man, Boyd is now happily engaged proving even cancelled reality shows can have a happy ending. 1 Winn Ave. Hudson, NH; 617-750-0999; kbmfc.com

 

Be sure to check the January issue of Boston magazine to see Boston’s national DVD stars!