NEW CITY, N.Y. — For Jake of Breakthrough Fit Co., fitness is not only about strength, speed or appearance. It is about accessibility, confidence and meeting people exactly where they are in their fitness journey.
Breakthrough Fit Co., an appointment-based fitness company offering one-on-one and small group training, is preparing to open a new location in New City with a mission centered on accessibility for people with neurodivergent, physical, mental and emotional challenges. Jake described the company as a place where clients can “walk in, be themselves” and improve physically and mentally through movement, whether they are athletes, working professionals or individuals living with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury or other needs.
The New City facility will be Breakthrough’s second location, following its Westchester site, which opened after the pandemic. Jake said the company grew out of a garage gym he built during COVID, along with a partnership with Steve, whose finance background complemented Jake’s years of experience in the fitness industry. What began as a small idea soon developed into a broader mission after Jake saw how traditional fitness environments could be overwhelming or inaccessible for some clients.
Among the stories that shaped the company’s direction, Jake recalled working with a client with autism who struggled in a corporate gym setting but later thrived in less overstimulating environments and went on to run regularly with a track team. He also spoke about clients who reached personal milestones, including a wheelchair user who, after long-term training, was able to take steps on a treadmill.
The New City location has personal meaning for Jake, who grew up in the community. The company is taking over a building near Duke of Oil and in front of New City Bowling Alley, a structure Jake said had been vacant for about 17 years. The location also places Breakthrough near a familiar gathering spot for programs serving individuals with disabilities and community groups.
Inside, the gym is designed with an open-concept layout intended to be flexible and adaptable. Equipment will include treadmills, recumbent bikes, wheelchair-accessible arm bikes, rowers, dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, TRX equipment, therapy tables and adaptive grip tools for clients who need extra assistance holding equipment.
Jake said the intake process begins with listening. New clients may start with a phone screen or consultation involving the individual, family members, caregivers or support professionals. When appropriate, the team may also coordinate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, care managers or caseworkers to create a consistent and personalized fitness plan.
For families connected to OPWDD services, Jake said Breakthrough can work with self-direction funding and bill agencies directly when appropriate, helping reduce barriers for families and caregivers. He said the goal is to make the process easier for people already navigating complex support systems.
The company also operates a nonprofit arm, The Breakthrough Fund, which Jake said can help provide scholarships for individuals who do not have self-direction funding and meet income guidelines. The fund may also support access to related services such as adaptive swim, nutrition and adaptive yoga through partner organizations.
Breakthrough New City grand opening is planned for Saturday, June 6, from 5 to 7 p.m., with music, food, local business support and community celebration. Jake says the event is meant to reflect the company’s larger purpose: building a fitness community where people of all abilities feel welcome.
More information is available at breakthroughfitco.com and thebreakthroughfund.org. Their Rockland facility’s phone number is 845-925-1026.
