Caledonia Argus

New business takes shape in Caledonia

Posted: 3/19/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

Bonnie Felten of Caledonia doesnít believe that getting in shape means long, boring workouts, and she is out to prove it with ìShapes,î a new women-only fitness center in Caledonia.

Bonnie, who spent 22 years as a tax preparer for Rippe, Hammell & Murphy, was inspired to open a fitness center after visiting one with her daughter last December.

ìI saw those neat little machines and I was sold,î explained Bonnie.

She began researching possibilities for opening her own fitness center, and decided on purchasing her own equipment rather than being part of a franchise. She bought the equipment, became trained in its use, chose the name ìShapesî and opened the doors at 214 East Main on March 4.

Bonnie describes the ìShapesî concept as a whole-body workout in 30 minutes. Exercise machines are in a circle on the floor, and in between each piece of equipment is a platform for aerobic exercise. Women feel comfortable because there are only women allowed.

ìWomen need their own place,î Bonnie believes.

A total of 16 people are able to use the equipment at once. Every 30 seconds, a musical cue prompts the clients to switch machines. If there are 10 people waiting, said Bonnie, they could all get on within five minutes.

The health benefits of exercise are well-documented. Exercise is important for bone density, cardiovascular health, toning, stress-relief and general well-being. But if itís not fun, thereís little motivation, said Bonnie,

ìIím a person that needs motivation and funî she said. One of the philosophies of Shapes is to make exercise fun. The arrangement of the equipment is conducive to conversation, and the machines work smoothly so muscles donít get sore.

ìItís like swimming on land,î said Bonnie. Each machine has two cylinders so that two opposing muscle groups can be exercised. Women of almost any age find the machines easy to use, said Bonnie, and there will always be someone available to help. In addition to Bonnie, Brenda Olinger, assistant manager, and Jessie LeJeune also work at Shapes and have been trained in the equipment.

The 30-minute workout is designed to be repeated about three times a week for optimum results, said Bonnie.

Each new client fills out a fitness profile and is instructed in the use of the equipment. Weigh-in is optional.

In addition to the workout area, there is also a shower, changing booths, a juice and snack bar, and an area with tables and chairs. Bonnie hopes someday to use the room for nutrition seminars, and perhaps even have weight-loss groups meet there. She is also considering starting a seniors-only session for older clients.

Those interested in the Shapes concept are welcome to stop by and try a circuit before signing up, said Bonnie. There will also be an opportunity to take a look around during her grand opening this weekend, Friday and Saturday, March 22-23, from 9 am-4 pm.

Shapes is open from 5:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday. Sunday hours will be offered November 1 through April 1.

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