For the past nine weeks, a budding local tradition has been cultivated at the New Canaan High School track every Friday morning at 5:45 a.m.
In scorching heat or overcast gloom, longtime town resident and physical therapist Nick Rutigliano has shown up at the track to lead his free-for-all fitness class, “The New Canaan Fitness Boot Camp.”
What started as simply Rutigliano’s morning workout is now developing into a symbol of town unity as he leads a committed group of almost 10 people every week.
“My passion is to try to help people and motivate them to move safely and prevent injury,” Rutigliano said. “My passion and love as a physical therapist is to help people recover, move better, and reclaim their strength. I’ve always believed that prevention and community support are just as important as treatment.”
He continued: “I saw this as an opportunity not only for me to continue my workout journey, but also to bring people together through movement. I wanted to create something that blended fitness, connection, consistency, and a space where people of all ages and backgrounds could show up, feel welcome, and grow stronger together. That’s how the idea for the boot camp was born.”
A father of three and a resident of New Canaan for eight years, Rutigliano has been in the healthcare field for more than 25 years and currently works at Yale New Haven Health Greenwich Hospital. He uses his background in anatomy and physiology to design safe workouts for all people, he said.
“I combine what I’ve learned from my fitness journey and the experiences of my patients to design and modify workouts to improve the health and well-being of others,” Rutigliano said.
Exercises at the boot camp include dynamic stretching, lunges, squats, planks, resistance band work, and many other safe activities designed to improve one’s health.
Through a Google form he sent to attendees, asking what they enjoyed about the boot camp, Rutigliano found that an integral part was the welcoming and fun atmosphere.
“People enjoy the group and the community aspect of the boot camp,” he said. “They enjoy the music, the blend of exercises, and the personal touch of me having a background in physical therapy. Overall, it’s a fun and safe environment.”
The boot camp is currently held Fridays from 5:45 to 6:30 a.m., though Rutigliano said he hopes to expand this project and build a “wellness community.”
“My vision is to grow this into a larger community, offering multiple classes a week, supporting local causes, and maybe even hosting guest speakers or having events,” he said. “I would love to partner with local organizations, the school, or businesses to make fitness more accessible, consistent, and fun for everyone in New Canaan.”
He continued: “There’s no gym membership and no pressure. It’s not just about burpees and sweat. It’s about building something that people want to come back to and look forward to. It’s about building friendships and relationships through fitness.”
Those interested in additional information can contact Rutigliano at @nicholas_rutigliano_dpt on Instagram or via his email, n.a.rutigliano@gmail.com.