A new fitness center has opened in Kimball Junction that promises a one-of-a-kind approach to wellness and health.
The Smart Fit Method, in Suite A at 6546 N. Landmark Drive, focuses on four pillars.
“Nutrition, exercise, recovery and sleep,” said Connor Darnbrough, the program’s co-founder.
Connor and his father, Rob, built The Smart Fit Method as a “diagnostics-driven training and recovery system for the public.”
Their shared mission was born not only from their father-son bond, but from personal pain and defiance.
At 16, Connor broke his back skiing. Two years later he suffered a severe neck injury that resulted in herniated discs, torn ligaments and nerve damage.
“I couldn’t feel the right side of my body for over two years,” said Connor. “This resulted in major muscle atrophy and weakness.”
Around this time, Rob discovered he had a life-threatening enlarged aortic valve — a condition so serious most never reverse it.
“His cardiologist told him he could never walk up a hill again and would never lift more than 30 pounds,” Connor said.
Despite their situations, father and son motivated each other to find a way to reverse their medical conditions. Each day, “in a garage lab of stiff workouts, uncommon equipment, and relentless trial and error,” they slowly discovered the tools, diagnostics and methods to restore their health.
By the end of their journey, Connor had full mobility on his right side and was stronger than ever. Ron ended up reversing his enlarged valve — something only 0.03% of the population is able to accomplish.
The success of their recovery program became the foundation for The Smart Fit Method. They opened their first locations in California and then expanded to Utah. Park City is their sixth fitness center and, so far, the response from the public has been encouraging.
“Word is starting to get out. Interest is growing, and each day we get busier,” Connor said.
The program includes a free one-on-one consultation that covers everything from fitness goals to eating habits to sleep patterns.
“We will look at your strength, mobility and balance and will use it to build a program that is personalized to you,” said Connor. “We have different trainers with different specialties, and they all get access to where you’re at. This way your workout is specific to you.”
The Smart Fit Method also provides access to a nutritionist, a full-body scan and red light therapy.
“Our red light machine has all the different frequencies from blue to infrared,” Connor said. “It’s good for the skin, anti-aging, fat burning, muscle recovery and cellular recovery.”
The center also has a micro impact vibration plate that helps with stem cell production, headphones that stimulate the vagus nerve to promote relaxation, cold plunge tubs and a dry sauna.
Connor has implemented training programs focused on specific demographics. For example there is a menopause workout for women over 50 to build strength, boost metabolism and improve bone and heart health; and a strength training after 65 program that slows age-related decline.
But perhaps what is most exciting is The Smart Fit Method’s ski program.
“We have a 12-week ski program to help you ramp up for the season,” said Connor. “It’s a very specific routine that focuses on foundation, stability, control and eccentric loading.”
The Smart Fit Method, being new, has all state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
“It’s all amazing! You will usually only find these machines in high-grade medical facilities or with professional sports teams,” Connor said. Pointing across the room, he continued, “That one over there is used at NFL training sites, and that other one is in Olympic facilities.”
NASA and top performance labs developed these high-end instruments and include the ARX-adaptive strength training, the VASPER-Cyro interval training and the CAROL-AI powered ride with Live O2. The Smart Fit trainers personalize each machine to patron’s individual specifications.
“All of our equipment is really efficient and effective, and we want it to be more available to everyone,” said Connor.
The help make the program more accessible, The Smart Fit Method has partnered with wellness insurance programs to subsidize or fully cover the cost of workout sessions.
“We have members that have been covered under Medicaid, Medicare, Select Health and Blue Cross,” said Connor. “We can provide our members with the information needed to check their insurance for coverage eligibility.”
Ultimately, Connor wants to “improve the health span of the population, not just put people through workouts.”
Those interested in meeting with Connor and his team for a free tour and consultation can visit thesmartfitmethod.com. The location in Kimball Junction is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.