Supermarket in New Jersey now offering workout classes to shoppers

Michelle Charlesworth Image
Friday, July 15, 2016
NJ supermarket now offers workout classes to shoppers
Michelle Charlesworth has the latest details.

MORRISTOWN, New Jersey (WABC) -- Doctors tell us to move more and eat better, and as we change businesses are paying attention.



Ever heard of a supermarket with Zumba classes? You have now. They are happening at the Shop Rite in Greater Morristown, New Jersey.



Who the heck does their squats where they buy their squash?



"They're healthier, they feel better," said Perry Blatt, the owner.



Who does cardio where they get their seafood?



"We do 27 classes a week and they are generally all filled," Blatt said.



This is one new way we seem to be spending time and money, as we shop for groceries.



"They can sit down, they can enjoy a cup of coffee, they can take a culinary class, they can drop their kids off at Learning Center do shopping," Blatt said.



Blatt is a third generation owner who knows how times have changed.



This store in Greater Morristown is an interesting study in keeping pace, and people seem to love it.



"I just love concept, it's really something that is thinking outside the box," one customer said.



"I never heard of a supermarket that will watch your kids for 90 minutes," Eyewitness News said.



"That's a pretty good deal too," another customer said.



There is a gourmet pizza parlor right in the middle of the store, and then there is a full oyster bar next to the wine section.



In Jersey, alcohol in a supermarket is a big deal.



"Do people come here on a date?" Eyewitness News asked.



"Yes! I've seen that, I've seen that!" Blatt said. "At the oyster bar, we've seen dates."



There are also free dietitians who will shop with you and show you how to substitute zucchini noodles for pasta.



"So it could be an older person who just got diagnosed with diabetes or a mom," Eyewitness News said.



"Or a mom whose child has celiac disease, or it could be someone who wants to lose weight," said Monica Hansen, a dietitian.



Hansen says doctors now send patients to her.



"That's always great that the doctors trust us. I think they take their success stories back to their doctor and then their doctor is like 'great, this is a free service I can send them to,'" Hansen said.



The most surprising success is the fitness classes, so prepare to see more moving where you're shopping, soon.

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