Basking Ridge Couple Embraces Inner Freak With New Athletic Store Opening In Bridgewater

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Avid runner and Iron Man triathlete Mohnish "Mo" Wadhwani of Basking Ridge is used to rising before the sun and training for 8 hours a day in extreme temperatures.

His family and friends lovingly call him a "freak" for his dedication to fitness.

But to Wadhwani "adopting this lifestyle transformed me as a person and gave me healthier habits that have influenced my family and friends."

"I thought, if being a 'freak' can inspire and improve so many lives then - absolutely I am a freak!" said Wadhwani.

This revelation led Wadhwani to approach his fashion designer wife Noor about leaving his successful corporate career to open Athletifreak - a luxury activewear and apparel brand. She was totally on board.

Wadhwani had served as a corporate executive for places like Honeywell, Johnson and Johnson, and others for 12 years.

"My kids were 3 and 1 at the time. I was scared to give up my corporate career with little kids. I kept going back and forth," said Wadhwani.

Then in late 2019, he thought, "it's now or never."

The COVID pandemic delayed the opening of Athltifreak but the couple was able to finally launch in February 2021 at their home in Basking Ridge.

Wadhwani described the brand as the "perfect collision" of his corporate and athletic background and his wife's creative and fashion background.

They started with five products using custom-designed fabrics and have since grown to 120 products that are sold in 47 states and five continents.

Now they are ready to open their first retail location at the Bridgewater Commons mall, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater on the second floor near the Atrium.

The grand opening will be held on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. with Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench cutting the ribbon.

"We are super excited," said Wadhwani. "My wife and I put in love and energy. Our blood, sweat, and tears. That's what this is all about. With that, we are blessed."

Wadhwani said Athletifreak's entire premise is that greatness lies within.

"The athlete puts in endless hours to developing and training when no one is watching so that you can be successful when the lights are on. That's why we say greatness lies within," said Wadhwani. "It's about your freakish passion. The light pulse energy. All of us have that within us."

For more information on Athletifreak visit athletifreak.com or instagram.com/athletifreak.

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