Carl and Kristin Rispoli, longtime Brighton residents, saw a need for additional athletic training in the area — so they filled it.
D1 Training Brighton opened in December at 8707 W. Grand River Ave. The brand has several franchise locations across the country, including in Lake Orion, Novi, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.
“Our approach is rooted in sports-science, led by expert coaches and built around accountability, intensity and measurable progress,” the business’ website states. “Whether you’re a student-athlete trying to make a team or an adult rebuilding strength and confidence, we train with intention.”
Carl and Kristin have two sons, aged eight and thirteen, who play a variety of sports. Carl coaches a travel baseball team in Brighton.
“We’re very active in the community,” Carl told The Daily. “We have a similar challenge that a lot of other families have … there’s not much of an outlet for sports training and athletic training outside of what happens within the season.
“We identified that as an issue … and thought D1 would be a good fit for the community.”
D1 Training offers age-specific education for children as young as seven, all the way into adulthood. The center offers a punch card system, memberships, and personal and small group training.
Kristin said D1 uses a “science-focused (approach) that’s meant to be modeled after collegiate and professional athletes.” The gym is appropriate for anyone with a fitness goal, she said.
“It’s designed to focus on real results,” she added. “The workouts build on one another and the athletes develop strength over time.”
The center currently has a staff of nine.
“Everyone brings their own flavor, but (they’re all) highly experienced … most of them are former Division 1 athletes,” Carl said.
D1 also offers a homeschool program three days a week, led by coaches.
“It’s a bigger need in the (region) than we thought,” Carl said. “There are lots of homeschool families. They’re looking (for things) outside of the house to keep their children busy, engaged and active.”
Brighton also welcomed Inge Performance Lab in December, owned by former Detroit Tiger Brandon Inge and Michael Foguth. Michigan Elite Sports Academy opened in early 2025 at 10555 Grand River Ave. and focuses primarily on student-athletes.
D1 is open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturdays. Learn more at d1training.com/facility/brighton.
— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on X @SalsaEvan.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: D1 Training aims to develop student, adult athletes in Brighton
Reporting by Evan Sasiela, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
