Ian Andracchio will be the first to admit he's not sure why he decided to move to Philly six years ago.

But coming north from his native Miami was probably one of the best decisions he could have made, since it's here that his professional life has flourished.

Andracchio is the owner of RowZone, a new fitness studio in Manayunk based on the philosophies of the sport of rowing.

While Andracchio might not have known of the prominence of the regatta scene in Philadelphia before moving here, he soon came to find out how integrated this city is with rowing.

However, for Andracchio, a self-professed fitness fanatic, it's not just about rowing. Rather, it's about providing people with the tools they need to lead healthier lifestyles. That was his goal when opening his first RowZone in Rittenhouse Square on Sept. 17, 2007.

"I really like helping people get fit, helping people change their lives," the 30-year-old Andracchio said during an interview at the new studio at 4401 Main St. "It's not about weight loss; it's about changing your life. A gym, a fitness program, is measured by its results."

Andracchio said he's been interested in physical fitness for years. His mother was a yoga instructor, so he has long been exposed to the tenets of taking care of one's body.

Andracchio majored in English at college, and has some writing experience under his belt. But it was in the gym where he always felt he belonged. He worked as a personal trainer at a few gyms both in Florida and Philadelphia, but wanted was a place of his own. After moving to Center City, Andracchio briefly ran a company that contracted out personal trainers to apartment complexes with fitness centers in the city. He got the idea for RowZone while working with clients who experienced a whole host of problems, from lower back pain to flexibility issues.

"This workout is sort of like in the middle of going to a gym and (employing) a (personal) trainer," he said.

His business comes complete with 11 rowing machines and a number of free weights. People can join RowZone as full-time members - the cost is $99 per month, plus a onetime enrollment fee of $49. Per class prices are also available, with costs running from $20 for an individual class to $280 for 20 classes.

Andracchio admits his prices are higher than that of average gym memberships, but insists they can be looked at as bargain rates, since personal trainers alone are often expensive. At RowZone, the fees reflect memberships and training sessions all wrapped into one.

If the numbers at the first location are any sign, Andracchio must be doing something right. Currently, he has around 200 members at the Rittenhouse Square RowZone, varying greatly in age and physical fitness experience.

"That's the beautiful thing; it's all around," he said about the diversity of his clientele.

The Manayunk location in particular has drawn a decent number of older folks so far.

Andracchio attributes his success thus far to the comfortable atmosphere he creates, where friendly staff mixed with a small setting helps to put folks otherwise averse to gyms at ease.

"You can go into a class and there will be a total cross-section of people," he said. "It creates a semi-private environment where you get attention, but you're not the center of attention."

The latter is important for a first-time gym-goer, or one who is returning after a long hiatus, he said, since the self-conscious are often hesitant when it comes to working out in front of others.

At RowZone, however, Andracchio said the focus is on overall well-being, and not who can lift the most weight or sweat the most.

"We make people feel better about themselves. That's the key," he said. "Getting in shape is a very emotional thing. What we want to do is create something where you don't have to think."

Because training in the movements of rowing is an integral part of the workouts offered at the fitness studio, the boss made sure to bring on coaches experienced in the sport. But it's also a gym, meaning certified trainers were a must.

"Rowers know how to row, but they really don't know about the fitness aspect of it," he said. "And trainers didn't really know about rowing."

There are seven trainers and instructors at the Rittenhouse Square location, and five at Manayunk, including Andracchio.

About 35 percent of the workouts at RowZone are rowing exercises, while the balance includes light weight and high repetition dumbbell training, and things like core training and posture exercises.

A RowZone workout is particularly good for couples, Andracchio said, since it offers the opportunity for shared, healthy activity.

"It's one of the rare exercises people can do simultaneously," he said.

One of the things Andracchio credits with helping to spread the word of RowZone is new social media, such as the Web sites Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

"Business owners I've talked to don't take advantage of it like they should," he said.

For this entrepreneur, however, the opportunity to increase his client base by using new technology is something he won't pass up.

"Everybody becomes friends with each other," he said, referencing Facebook in particular. "It helps create a stronger membership base."

Because of the Internet, people from all over have learned about RowZone. One guy even keeps in contact with Andracchio from Ireland.

"It's been cool like that," he said.

The social networking sites have even enabled members and prospective members to connect before stepping foot in the gym. This helps put people at ease when it actually comes time for their workout, Andracchio said.

While he recently opened his second location in just over two years, Andracchio is already discussing the concept of franchising. He has enlisted the services of two businessmen well versed in franchising - Rocco Fiorentino, (also the CEO of RowZone), and Kevin Pike - and is in talks with prospective franchisees.

As for his own locations, Andracchio said he has been pleased thus far with his decision to open up shop in Philadelphia.

"It's a very small-town vibe for a big city," he said.

What he really credits with his success, however, is his customer base.

"Our members are extremely loyal," he said. "The proof has been in our members. They love what we do. We try to get them in shape and keep them in shape."

For more information, visit www.RowZone.com.

Reporter Jon Campisi can be reached at 215-354-3038 or jcampisi@phillynews.com