Nate Carpenter of Trumbull spends a lot of time at LA Fitness.
But now he's spending a lot more time there making smoothies with his new business.
Build Performance Smoothies opened three weeks ago and had its ribbon cutting Friday. Carpenter, 33, who is also a Long Hill volunteer firefighter, got the idea after he was laid off in September 2013. His associate, Amanda Gregory of Milford, is helping with his new venture.
"Exercise and nutrition are a team. They work together to help us achieve total fitness," Carpenter said. "The timing of the nutrients that you take in is just as important as the quality."
One of the offerings is a smoothie containing nine ingredients including kale, spinach, avocado and banana. Its other flavors include mint chocolate chip and coffee, all with fresh ingredients, Carpenter said. All smoothie ingredients are natural, he said.
According to Carpenter, a self-professed "gym rat," the shakes replace the calories you burned during the workout and prevent the body from breaking down muscle in the post-workout.
Carpenter said he's been an L.A. Fitness member for some time and noticed the empty space. When he was laid off, he seized upon the opportunity.
"I've always been passionate about the gym [and] nutrition. I'm a gym rat," he said. "I've always wanted to start my own business. I just never found an opportunity."
In addition to smoothies, Carpenter provides gym equipment such weight belts, goggles, towels, earphones, Gatorade and bottled vitamin drinks.
"I'm trying to provide everything you could possibly need," he said.
The business is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
First Selectman Tim Herbst cut the ribbon, surrounded by friends and relatives of Carpenter's.
"We're very excited," Herbst said. "This is going to be a tremendous addition to the gym. [Trumbull] is becoming quite a hotspot. Having tried those [smoothies], I will be back."
Herbst said when he's not doing P90X, a workout program, he goes to LA Fitness.
Carpenter thanked all of his supporters.
Smoothies are not the only thing Carpenter is dispensing.
"Build Performance Smoothies is training the LA Fitness staff to instruct their members on proper nutrition and the importance of recovering after exercise, as well as eating properly to achieve a better quality of life," he said.
LA Fitness is next to the Trumbull Mall.
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