- By Caroline Callahan Janson

Chances are you might have heard of Justin Gelband, the trainer known as the “Model Whisperer” who is credited with shaping the physiques of Angela Lindvall, Kate Upton, Miranda Kerr and other models for the famed Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue and Victoria’s Secret Runways. In case you haven’t, you’ll be happy to learn that Gelband recently paired up with former stylist Vanessa Packer (a model-esque type herself) to open ModelFIT, their own fitness mecca on the Lower East Side. The two are a dynamic duo, creating a studio that feels like a one-on-one personal training studio, with classes that are equal parts inspire and perspire.  

Owners: Justin Gelband and Vanessa Packer  

Classes Offered:  ModelFIT foundation (intro class), trampoline cardio, sculpt, boxing and combo

Why You Should Check It Out: Because you’re tired of the high intensity craze but you want results: strength, definition, tone, stability, core strength,  and a sense of well-being.

What Makes It Such an Effective Workout? Geared to feel like a one-to-one personal training experience—at a group rate—ModelFIT classes are all about small movements at a slow pace. If this sounds easy, it isn’t. The key word here is burn and you can expect your muscles to tremble during class. The workouts vary quite a bit, incorporating moves from all disciplines to make sure you hit a wide range of muscles. While you’ll likely know you worked out the following day, you won’t be writhing in pain.

Know Before You Go: You won’t find heavy weights here. ModelFIT relies largely on resistance of your own body, as well as resistance bands of varying strengths, ankle weights, trampolines, and light weights—all to work on butt, abs, thighs, lower back and arms.

Advice For First­-Timers: Unless you are well familiar with the Lower East Side, leave a little extra time to get there. The unassuming door (on the West Side of the block) can be a little tricky to find but you’re in for a worthy discovery.

Don’t Miss: Vanessa Packer’s healthy lifestyle website, Bonberi. Dubbed a “Curated Guide to Food, Fitness and Well-being), the site is a feast for the fitness-conscious, bearing tips from detox baths to mix tapes by über chic DJs.

Amenities: Shower, changing room, Fiji water for sale, cubbies 

Notable Press Mentions: Vogue, New York Times’ T Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar