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Westport Fitness Facility Expands At New Location

WESTPORT, Conn. – Jean Paul Desrosiers Jr. has been building a model fitness facility in his head for nearly 12 years. His model, Sherpa, has expanded to a new location in Westport and that space makes those dreams a reality.

Jean Paul Desrosiers, left, and Brett Jones help people reach their fitness goals at Sherpa in Westport.

Jean Paul Desrosiers, left, and Brett Jones help people reach their fitness goals at Sherpa in Westport.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Cyclists will enjoy the view of their course projected on a 100-inch HD television screen.

Cyclists will enjoy the view of their course projected on a 100-inch HD television screen.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Compression beds help athletes recover from strenuous workouts.

Compression beds help athletes recover from strenuous workouts.

Photo Credit: Contributed
A look inside the new fitness training facility at Sherpa.

A look inside the new fitness training facility at Sherpa.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Desrosiers, a former semiprofessional cyclist and U.S. Marine, unveiled the new studio at a grand opening last week at 1555 Post Road E. It features an indoor cycling center, professional level equipment for strength training, aerobic conditioning and flexibility, and a recovery lounge, which he says is the first of its kind in Fairfield County.

“This has been a 12-year project,’’ said Desrosiers, a Weston resident who was the original founder of Targetraining. “I was thinking of something unlike what we’re all used to seeing when I was creating my business plan back in college. It’s nice to see it all finally come together, the way I originally imagined it.”

Desrosiers had been working out of a much smaller facility in Westport that he shared with a friend for the past five years. The new facility is much more spacious. Triathletes and cyclists, in particular, will dig the new eight-bike riding studio. In it, they can experience virtual rides and race other clients, against themselves or choose a training cruise from an endless number of actual roads on a 100-inch HD screen.

The recovery room takes compression technology to a new level that, until now, has been a professional secret. Compression boots help clients return for tomorrow’s workout feeling fresher and rejuvenated by dramatically decreasing the recovery time between hard workouts.

Although Desrosiers’ background is more diverse than just cycling, the range of services for clients is limitless. Whether it’s training for your first 5K run or embarking on a weeklong hiking expedition in South America, he and his staff can provide expertise on how to do it safely and efficiently.

“Sherpas are explorers of the Himalayas who help people climb to the peak of extreme altitudes, like Mount Everest,’’ Desrosiers said. “We’re here to help on your journey, so that you can reach your peak, whatever that may be. We are the Sherpa for your goals.’’

His team includes Brett Jones, director of training and coaching. Dr. Beau Greer, an assistant professor at Sacred Heart University, has joined the Sherpa team as director of testing and nutrition. Several other coaches are also on hand. “We’ve got a very well-rounded and humble crew here."

Desrosiers also encourages his members to explore the outdoors for workouts. “The real gym,’’ he said, “is infinite.”

For people serious about reaching their fitness objectives, Desrosiers is happy to have them visit his new facility.

“This is the place I always dreamed of having, and now I’m here to stay,’’ he said. “I worked to make sure what I put forth is genuine. Every facet that we have here is for people to reach their goals. My goal is to help them.”

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