Dan's Papers - July 13, 2007 - Get in the Zonehampton

Marion Roaman kicked her cycling studio, Zonehampton, up a notch last weekend with the grand opening of her new fitness studio.

This past Saturday, Roaman unveiled her new fitness studio. The blue and orange balloons could be easily sighted off Montauk Highway and the lot was so full, cars flooded into Bamboo's parking lot next door. A snack tent and a table with signature ZH apparel were situated outside the entrance, and someone was signing people into classes with towels and water in hand. I could sense people were eager to check out what Zonehampton will now offer for Summer 2007.

Fitness enthusiasts convened at Zonehampton to experiment with classes, check out the new space, do a little shopping or just munch on the yummy healthy treats while sipping on a smoothie outside. Roaman told me that every class was completely full. I even saw James Park, one of the veteran spin instructors, give up his bike for the 8:30 a.m. class so someone else could enjoy the ride.

Simultaneously, Patricia Moreno captured the attention of the people taking her signature Intensati class, a class combining martial arts, exercise, yoga and intentions. The positive vibe from the room was contagious and I wished I took a class that day (I returned on Sunday afternoon). Some of the other new classes being offered are: theBigGame, Power Vinyasa, ZH core, bodyBrasil and cardio sculpt.

Roaman is no newcomer to the fitness world. She started Zonehampton with another couple in 1998 when all three decided they wanted to open a cycling studio. The company was born on Newtown Lane above Calypso. She originally managed the studio, but eventually split from her partners and began to run Zonehampton on her own.

"I wasn't necessarily thinking East Hampton could use this," Roaman said, "it was more, I love spinning, where can I open a place?"

"I want everyone who teaches here to understand that it's not just about losing weight or getting stronger," she said, "it's about feeling good and being happy."

So after waiting it out, Roaman started the expansion of the studio this year and scouted the best instructors, whether from New York City or L.A., so that clients would leave feeling fit and fabulous.

"This place is all about feeling good, beautiful and at the top of your game," Roaman said.

Zonehampton's spin classes are already known around the Hamptons for being challenging and giving off positive energy. Roaman can always be seen in the studio, behind the counter or motivating people to push a little further during a cycling class.

With the success of Zonehampton's spinning taught by first class instructors, people can be optimistic that the new classes will be a great success.

On top of working out and feeling good, Roaman makes it part of Zonehampton's mission to build on the interaction between instructor and client. "It's been really fun to grow with the business, to get married and have kids," Roaman said, while holding her two-year-old son. "It's fun to let people see I'm normal too."

People share similar experiences and its motivational overtime to watch them overcome certain obstacles. Roaman built a strong foundation based on a high level of interaction that allowed the Zonehampton buzz to grow.

"I have done spinning all over the country and all over the world and she is still the best," National Marketing Director for the Hampton Classic and Zonehampton loyalist, Michael Howell said.

Howell isn't the only person who returns to Zonehampton weekend after weekend. Stop by yourself a couple times and you will easily be able to pick out the sizable group of regulars; they'll probably even be on the same spin bike each time.

So the word is out and summer is the perfect time to check out the hype, feel the burn and sweat it out with Zonehampton.

You can sign up for and learn more about classes online at or by calling (631) 329-8622.