ALBANY, N.Y.… The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) was joined by Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and founder Brendon Parks on February 24 in celebrating the one year anniversary for personal training studio C-Suite Fitness, the first retailer to open in the renovated Argus Building located at 412 Broadway. Foregoing a grand opening ceremony in early 2016, Parks opted to focus on building his business with the longer term goal of hosting an anniversary celebration and client appreciation event.
 

“Entrepreneurs are a vital component of our Capital City,” said Mayor Sheehan. “Their investment and success help to unleash Albany’s potential by acting as a catalyst to draw visitors, residents, and new businesses.”
 

A widely-used term denoting senior executives, Parks chose the name C-Suite Fitness as part of his mission to communicate both a high-end experience and that clients are the CEO of their own experience. Offering a variety of services for those on the go, those who prefer one-on-one training, and everything in between, Parks’ current clients range in age from 12 to 78. Options, which begin with a free one-hour consultation, include mobile workouts, a body weight workout list to be completed at home, office, or hotel; fitness consulting, a remote approach to designing custom workout programs for clients unable to come into the studio; and small group and one-on-one training sessions.
 

Having undergone a $3 million renovated by Cass Hill Development, the Argus Building was transformed from a vacant property into 32 market-rate apartments and 6,500 SF of ground level retail space. Parks, a Center Square resident who was the first to sign a retail lease, chose the Argus Building for its location central to Downtown’s growing residential and commercial populations.
 

“As Downtown continues to develop as Albany’s newest neighborhood, it is high-level amenities like C-Suite Fitness that serve to activate our storefronts, and draw new people to live, work, and play,” said Georgette Steffens, Downtown Albany BID executive director.
 

More than just a career, fitness has been a personal endeavor for Parks, who overcame the weight and lower self-esteem he wrestled with as a teenager. Having worked in the fitness industry since high school, Parks received his first certification after graduating college and has since gained certifications in AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) CPT (Certified Personal Trainer), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) CPT (Certified Personal Trainer), and NASM CES (Corrective Exercise Specialist).
 

“I love what I do, and it is a thrill to celebrate a year of running my own business,” said Parks. “To be part of the transformation taking place in Downtown has been a wonderful experience. We cater to busy professionals in meeting their specific fitness goal, and I look forward to growing my clientele and continuing to witness the pride they experience as a result of their C-Suite experience.”   
 

C-Suite Fitness is located at 412 Broadway. Open by appointment. For more information, visit c-suitefitness.com or call 518.755.1896.