A Bronx couple is on their own mission to get their borough moving.
Darrell and Mariel Barton opened the Ultimate 4th in The Hub back in October to bring a different workout and positivity with a Bronx vibe to the place they're from.
The gymnasium offers a high-energy workout, mixing some boxing, weight training and calisthenics for a total of 12 rounds in a one-hour class. To some it may sound intense, but Darrell Barton says it's all in the Ultimate 4th name.
“The fourth quarter, you gotta represent your fourth. You either go hard or go home and I feel like that’s a big part of life. Every day, you treat it like the fourth, you go through some tough times but you gotta go hard,” Barton says.
After Barton’s mother passed away several years ago from cancer, he says it's important to him to inspire residents to adopt a better lifestyle.
“Watching my mother and father deteriorate through health problems and what not, so I know that they're happy that I’m actually helping other people’s lives.” Darrell Barton says.
The Bartons met playing college basketball back in 2008. Staying active is part of their lives and they're trying to give back to their community that needs it, especially as the Bronx was ranked the unhealthiest county in the state.
“You're going to feel like, ‘Wow, where am I? I’m not used to seeing this,’ and I want to give to the community ‘cause they’re just not used to having it,” Darrell Barton says.
People still trickle in daily to take a peek at the huge space for the seven-class-per-day schedule and learn about what they offer for kids, too.
Darrell Barton says the point is to keep everyone smiling.
“The energy, I love it, I am just going to keep on doing it, and before you know it they'll be in better shape just by being consistent and loving what we're doing," he says.