Licensed byInstituto Biodelta
A smiling woman in a Studio Tekoá t-shirt sits on a strength machine in the studio, with a blue wall and training equipment behind her

Coming soon toBoca Raton & Delray Beach

Get stronger. Move with confidence. Stay independent.

One-on-one, supervised strength training designed for adults 55+. Gentle on your joints, built around your body and your goals.

The method behind Brazil's Studio Tekoá, licensed from Instituto Biodelta.

Supervised by a physical therapist

Free to join. No obligation. Founding members get first access.

  • Licensed unit of Instituto Biodelta
  • Method created by Dr. José Maria Santarem, physician and USP PhD
  • Since 1991: 5,000+ specialists trained, partnership with USP Geriatrics
  • Machines designed by the physician who created the method

The difference

Supervised by a physical therapist

At Tekoá, your training is supervised by a physical therapist — someone who understands joints, recovery and how bodies change after 55, and who knows when to push and when to hold back.

This is training, not treatment. It doesn't replace your doctor or physical therapy for an injury.

  • A real assessment first

    Your history, your surgeries, your aches, the way you move. Your program starts from that, not from a template.

  • Watched while you train

    A physical therapist supervises your sessions, ready to correct your form or swap an exercise the moment something doesn't feel right.

  • Steady, careful progress

    Loads go up slowly and on purpose, without the 'no pain, no gain' approach.

Is this for you?

  • You want to stay strong and independent as you age
  • You have occasional or chronic aches in your back, knees or shoulders
  • You're recovering from surgery or a period of inactivity
  • You're worried about balance and falls
  • You find regular gyms intimidating, crowded or not designed for you
  • Or you're looking for a safe, professional option for a parent.

How it works

Three simple steps

  1. 1

    Start with an assessment.

    Your history, your aches and how your body actually moves are assessed by qualified professionals.

  2. 2

    Train with a personalized program.

    Supervised sessions, small groups or one-on-one, with machines and loads adapted to you on lever-based machines designed for joint comfort.

  3. 3

    Keep progressing.

    We track your strength and mobility over time and adjust your program as you improve.

The method

A method with a track record

Portrait of Dr. José Maria Santarém

Dr. José Maria Santarém

Physician (physiatrist and rheumatologist) · PhD in Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP) · Founder and Director, Instituto Biodelta

Dr. Santarem began his clinical practice in 1976 in physiatry and rheumatology. Working alongside bodybuilding federations, he saw that strength-training equipment and methods could be used therapeutically, and became one of the pioneers of therapeutic resistance exercise in Brazil. He founded Instituto Biodelta in 1991, designed its line of strength machines, and is the author of the book "Musculação em Todas as Idades" ("Strength Training at Every Age").

Instituto Biodelta logo

About Instituto Biodelta

Instituto Biodelta has worked since 1991 in the application, teaching and research of resistance exercise, from athletes to frail older adults. Together with the Geriatrics Division of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, it studied strength training in older adults starting in 1995. Its specialization course, created in 1996 and recognized by Brazil's Ministry of Education (MEC), has trained more than 5,000 specialists. Since 2019, the Biodelta Method has been licensed to partner studios across Brazil, each following a physician-guided assessment, regular functional re-evaluation and individualized programs.

  • Operating since 1991 (clinical work by its founder since 1976)
  • Research partnership with the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Geriatrics Division, since 1995
  • Specialization course since 1996 with 5,000+ graduates, recognized by Brazil's Ministry of Education
  • Supported by the Geriatrics Service of Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo
  • Headquarters with 550 m² of training space and 100+ in-house designed machines, serving 1,000+ clients
  • Licensed method in 16 locations across 5 Brazilian states, including Studio Tekoá in São Paulo

How the method works in Brazil

Studio Tekoá in São Paulo offers supervised, individualized strength training: every member starts with an individualized assessment, trains under supervision, and has their progress monitored over time.

Instituto Biodelta (opens in new tab)See Studio Tekoá in Brazil (opens in new tab) Instagram(opens in new tab)

Machines designed for your body

Most gym machines use cables and pulleys. Tekoá uses lever-based machines from the Biodelta line, designed by Dr. José Maria Santarem, the physician who created the method.

Cable and pulley
Lever arm

  • Designed for

    Smooth and steady movement, with no jerks or sudden pulls

  • Designed for

    Joint-friendly, with a natural range of motion

  • Designed for

    Easy to adjust to your height and body

See it in action in Brazil

A smiling member on a chest press machine while a Studio Tekoá professional stands beside her with a hand on her shoulderA member using a calf machine at Studio Tekoá while a professional supports her from behindA member training on a weight machine while a Studio Tekoá professional reviews his training sheetA member having her blood pressure checked during an assessment with a Studio Tekoá professionalMembers training on strength machines on the Studio Tekoá floor while a professional guides a seated member

Reviews from members at Studio Tekoá in São Paulo.

“A welcoming, calm space, fully personalized for the client. From reception to the instructors, always incredible. Highly recommend!”
Nara A.
“A great place to take care of your health and self-esteem. Very attentive staff. Clean, comfortable and cozy.”
Luana A.
“A daily learning experience. Excellent, caring and respectful service. Competent physiotherapists who help us keep our autonomy. Excellent work!”
Shirley D.
A group of Studio Tekoá members and staff posing together in a bright room with large windows

What you can expect

  • Support for stronger muscles
  • Support for better balance and confidence
  • More energy for daily life
  • Calm, private environment
  • Qualified, attentive professionals
  • A plan that adapts to you

What makes Tekoá different

AttentionAt Tekoá: Supervised by a trained professionalIn many gyms: Often on your own
PaceAt Tekoá: Calm and unhurriedIn many gyms: Can be crowded and noisy
ProgramAt Tekoá: Individualized to your bodyIn many gyms: Often generic routines
TrackingAt Tekoá: Measured progress over timeIn many gyms: Not always tracked
EnvironmentAt Tekoá: Designed for adults 55+In many gyms: Designed for everyone
EquipmentAt Tekoá: Lever-based machines, smooth and stableIn many gyms: Often cable-and-pulley machines

Founding Members

Why join now

  • First access

    Be first to hear and first to book when we open in your area.

  • Founding Member pricing, locked in

    A founding rate reserved for early members. Your first month is free.

  • A complimentary first assessment

    Your first assessment at opening is on us.

Questions

Tap a question to see the answer.

Not yet. We're preparing to open in South Florida and we want to choose the first location with our future members. Founding Members are the first to hear news, get early access and founding pricing.

Become a Founding Member for Boca Raton & Delray Beach

Free, no obligation. It takes 30 seconds, and you'll be first to hear our news.

Step 1 of 2