![Gap years are an uncommon alternative for high school graduates, in which graduates take a year or more off from schooling and pursue something separate from college until they are ready to return to their education or something else. Wayland High School psychology teacher David Schmirer believes that college is a good route for many high school graduates, however, he also says that its best to keep an open mind when thinking about gap years. “I think the vast majority of our students are going to be fine with [going to college] and [are] ready to go, but for those students who are having [gap years] be a more visible choice I think [it] is a good thing both for physical and mental health,” Schmirer said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/xZ9lq7i7NbhVXpa2kT21s3Wz8PHl5Df0bATRSq6x-1200x800.png)
![After the Raider's first goal of the game, scored by senior captain Luke Galizio, the players pile onto the glass by the student section to celebrate, igniting the crowd into a roar. "The atmosphere was incredible, having two towns that both come to support us is amazing," Galizio said. "When [the crowd] started chanting 'Raider nation' it made [the game] feel like it wasn't just one team against another, we had a whole building of fans supporting us."](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/06FBB04E-4C03-408A-B554-FE6C06CE8C08_1_105_c.jpeg)
The Wayland Town Center is home to numerous different businesses to benefit the Wayland community. From restaurants to nail salons, while a visitor might not have time to explore it all in a day, a 45 minute trip to BTONE will provide a low cardio, high intensity workout.
A standard BTONE class includes a reformer machine for most of the workout that can work out any part of the body. Depending on what class is selected, a participant can practice cardio, work on certain parts of the body all while listening to music for motivation. Some classes available include Tone & Torch and Tone & Stretch. Torch class is similar to a normal TONE class, but with cardio bursts mixed in. Stretch class tends to be slower paced with more stretching incorporated. Each workout is also customizable with modifications that the instructors show, as well as springs which can be added or subtracted for resistance.
“Each 45 minute session builds long, lean muscle, toning and balancing your whole body,” BTONE owner Suzanne Thornfeldt said. “While the movements are slow, they are challenging and create the perfect atmosphere for heart-rate driving cardio. Through precision low-impact, high intensity moments, the workout is a muscle-shaking, engaging experience that is perfect for all levels, all ages, every body, every day.”
Thornfeldt decided to open a BTONE in Wayland after spending 10 years as a BTONE client and instructor in Waltham. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Thornfeldt thought residents in Wayland needed a muscle burning workout to help complete the community.
“[I] decided that the Wayland community was missing this unique workout,” Thornfeldt said. “COVID sort of put my life under a microscope and I knew I had to open my own studio.”
According to some participants and the staff, BTONE’s community is like no other gym community. Each class holds approximately 10 people and is designed to be fit for a range of clients irregardless of experience level. For some participants, BTONE brings a sense of belonging and reassurance that is not always provided while working out alone. The location of BTONE in the Wayland Town Center makes it a convenient location for those who attend.
“I like the format of the group classes, the music, the friendly instructors and the studio itself,” Wayland resident Luciana Norian said. “I love the fact that [BTONE] is in Wayland. It’s only three minutes away from my house and the town center location makes it convenient to run errands before or after class.”
BTONE has 18 instructors to choose from while scheduling the class. Participants can filter searches on the website based on who the instructor is, and choose based on that. Certain instructors may also specialize in different types of classes. All the instructors that work at BTONE are taught to give modifications before going into the next move and then go around helping anyone that is struggling with a move on or off the reformer – a machine commonly used in pilates classes.
“What I really enjoy about being an instructor is the opportunity to help clients grasp the workout and build their confidence,” instructor Mandy Cavanaugh said. “I love the dynamic nature of teaching, every class and every student brings something new. The relationships I build with my students are also a big part of what makes it so fulfilling.”
Over this winter season, BTONE has gained more clients and seems to be more popular for an evening activity. BTONE locations have also been opening up all over Massachusetts with the Wayland location being eleventh opened.
“We are growing rapidly as a franchise so I think there is a lot of excitement about seeing BTONE locations pop up all over Massachusetts and beyond,” Thornfeldt said. “Wayland was studio #11 when it opened and my next studio endeavor in Acton, MA will be studio #23. It’s exciting to be a part of a woman founded small business that is so hugely successful.”
