Plank Ridgefield is a spin-off of Plank Katonah and like the original location will be all about providing enjoyable exercise and shopping opportunities as well as a sense of community, says founder Linda Murphy.
The inspiration for the concept came in 2019 after Murphy and her husband realized that they were no longer tethered to a specific location by jobs. Her husband had retired, and Murphy, who was expecting the couple’s first child, was an entrepreneur and founder of Product Launchers and could work from anywhere.
“We moved five times in three years, which was pretty chaotic,” Murphy says. They settled in Katonah, New York, but she couldn’t find the fitness classes she wanted in the area. Murphy also was finding it hard to make friends with all the moving and wanted a place where she could gather with others. Plank Katonah was born of these desires and now has led to Plank Ridgefield, located at 389 Main Street. The new Ridgefield destination occupies a 2,000-foot square foot space broken up into
four sections: an exercise studio, cafe area, retail shopping portion, and children’s playspce. The cafe features a coffee and espresso bar, as well as chef-prepared grab-and-go meals. The front retail space features products from Lululemon, Free People, Beyond Yoga, and more. There’s also a children’s play area where kids can be dropped off under supervision while their parent takes a class or are in the cafe.
“We had moved around so often, it was really challenging to meet friends,” Murphy says. “That’s where a fitness studio really does come into play. Then having that coffee shop component to it and having a children’s drop-in service just maximizes the experience.”
Classes are open to everyone of all different fitness levels. Starting in January, Plank will offer tween and teen classes – those 16 and older can participate in the adult classes. “Men will come to our yoga classes, but a lot of football players do Pilates and Barre because of the benefits. It’s working different muscles,” says Murphy.
For newcomers, Murphy recommends purchasing a two-week unlimited pass for $49.99, so that you can get a feel for the studio and figure out what you like. “I sometimes will go to a studio and the vibe feels cold.” Murphy says. Plank Ridgefield offers the opposite of that experience. “We are welcoming to everyone – all different shapes and sizes, and ages,” Murphy adds. For more information, visit https://www.plankridgefield.com.•
