A new fitness concept has arrived in Middletown, offering a unique blend of Pilates-inspired movements and strength training that has already proven popular across New England.
btone FITNESS officially opened its newest location at 288 E. Main Road in Middletown on Monday, marking the company’s 24th studio nationwide. The 2,700 square-foot facility is one of the largest in the growing franchise’s portfolio.
The Middletown studio is owned and operated by two former btone FITNESS instructors and University of Rhode Island graduates, Becky LeBlanc of Newport and Alaa O’Connell of Warren. Both women have been teaching btone classes for years and say they’ve had their sights set on bringing the concept to the area since their early days instructing in Providence and Kingston, Massachusetts.
“Newport and Middletown just feel like the perfect home for a new btone FITNESS studio, given there’s nothing else like it in the market,” LeBlanc and O’Connell said. “Our location, just minutes away from downtown Newport and next to Marshalls and HomeGoods, can’t be beat.”
The studio features 10 customized reformers exclusive to btone FITNESS, which the owners affectionately call “TONEy” machines. The equipment allows clients to participate in 45-minute total-body workouts that combine elements of Pilates with strength training and functional movement.
“The btone workout is an approachable and customizable hybrid of Pilates-inspired movements and strength training, delivered in a 45-minute, joyful flow that’s ideally suited for all levels and ages, for every body, every day,” the co-owners explained.
Unlike traditional group fitness classes, btone specializes in workouts where clients can tailor each movement with spring resistance and body placement, allowing them to modify their workout based on their current fitness level and wellness goals.
Grand Opening Festivities
The studio will celebrate its grand opening this weekend with special events benefiting local veterans. A ribbon cutting ceremony with Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce officials will take place Friday, July 11th at 4 p.m., followed by an open house until 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy light refreshments, fitness demonstrations, and enter to win prizes from btone FITNESS and neighboring businesses.
Over the weekend of July 12-13, the studio will offer donation-based classes with all proceeds going to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, an independent nonprofit organization that serves as Rhode Island’s primary resource for homeless and at-risk veterans.
Rapid Expansion
The Middletown opening reflects btone FITNESS’s aggressive growth trajectory. Founded by Jody Merrill, the company has expanded rapidly from seven studios in 2022 to 24 today, with plans to reach nearly 40 studios by the end of 2025.
“In 2022, we grew from seven studios to ten. In 2023, from ten to 15 studios. And by the end of 2024, we opened 22 studios in the US,” Merrill said. “Our goal to operate 40 studios nationwide by the end of 2025 marks a major milestone for btone and strategically lays the foundation for continued national growth.”
Additional studios are planned to open in the coming months in Dorchester, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; East Greenwich, Rhode Island; and Southborough, Massachusetts. The company is also eyeing expansion into Florida, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.
Providence already hosts a btone FITNESS studio, and another location is expected to open in East Greenwich shortly.
Pre-Opening Specials
The studio is currently offering pre-opening specials through July 13th, including eight classes for $99 and five classes for $89, with certain restrictions applying. More information about classes and pricing is available at btonefitness.com/locations/newport.
The Middletown studio will offer ample parking, and childcare services are planned for the future. Classes are designed to accommodate busy schedules, whether clients want to work out before heading to the beach, after work, or whenever their schedule permits.
