Joanne Fitness—

Continuing A Healthy Tradition

By Laurie Borst

A year ago, Joanne Lockwood was working for Amica Insurance and working out at Karen’s Fitness at the corner of South Main Street and Meadowbrook Road. Then, she heard the owner, Karen Finlayson, was moving and selling the business.

Many of the people who exercised at Karen’s Fitness expressed concern about future workouts. Would they be able to stay together after Karen left?

Mrs Lockwood came to the rescue. After five years with Amica, she decided it was time for a new challenge. Mrs Lockwood purchased the business the end of August 2006 and opened the day after Labor Day, renaming it Joanne Fitness.

“I feel very fortunate to take over this business,” Mrs Lockwood said. “I love it. The people are great. I was familiar with the programs and knew many of the clients.”

“Not only do they exercise together, there is a sense of community,” she added. “The clients helped with a food basket for the Newtown Fund. We adopted a family and everyone brought things.”

Before working for Amica, Mrs Lockwood was a kindergarten aide at Middle Gate School for ten years. Now she sees many parents of students she had at the school coming to the facility.

“I’ve maintained Karen’s routines. We keep the gym clean. It works, people are happy,” she said.

Classes are offered during the week. Mrs Lockwood has continued the circuit/weight training program developed by Ms Finlayson. The gym opens at 5:30 am with classes beginning at 6 am. People can sign up for Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday classes.

On Monday/Thursdays, three morning classes and four afternoon classes are offered. On Tuesday/Thursdays, four morning and two afternoon classes are available. Coed classes are not offered.

The clientele generally ranges in age from mid-30s to 70 years old,although Mrs Lockwood, who is a certified as personal trainer through Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, does private training for an 80-year old woman.

“You come in to feel better about yourself, feel more fit, work on weight loss,” she explained. “Workouts can be modified for injuries or other problems a client might have.

“There’s the mental piece, too. Sometimes, they talk more than workout and vent a little. It’s great to see support and encouragement within each class,” she added.

New Program Offered

Mrs Lockwood made one addition to the established routines. Her daughter, Jaclyn, came on board with her. Jaclyn is also a certified personal fitness trainer. She has been a runner on and off for ten years, dedicated to the sport for the past four years.

Jaclyn developed a cardio-circuit program geared to girls ages 14–16. She enjoys working with high school age and young adult women. The cardio program involves strength exercises for upper and lower body as well as time on the treadmill, cross trainer, or bike.

Classes are currently offered on Wednesday/Friday after school from 2:15 to 3:30. Jaclyn would like to add a Tuesday/Thursday section in the near future.

The program works on core stability and building skills. Participants do not have to be athletic or in great shape to start, either, Jaclyn explained, although her current group consists of lacrosse and field hockey players.

“They are have fun and starting to see muscle development,” Jaclyn said. “The girls joke about their ‘guns.’”

Jaclyn, a psychology major at Southern Connecticut State University, enjoys the productive conversations she overhears while the young women workout. She said they talk about school and their goals for the future.

“They talk about the pressures they feel from school,” Jaclyn said. “I tell them ‘Move a muscle, change a thought.’”

The girls often have questions about nutrition. If Jaclyn doesn’t know the answer, she will research their questions and get back to them with an answer. Questions about anatomy and muscles also come up. For that, the Lockwoods keep a copy of the Big Book of Anatomy in the office as reference.

“After class, I always offer a healthy snack like trail mix, granola bar, pretzels,” Jaclyn said.

Both mother and daughter plan to continue with their training. Mrs Lockwood explained that there are lots of courses offered on the latest in exercise technology and practice. She wants to be innovative in the classes available to her clients.

Jaclyn recently earned certification in Mat Science which she describes as a good warm up and cool down for weight lifting. Mat Science involves a variety of exercises including Pilates, yoga, and core stability. She would also like to train to work with the elderly.

A Family Affair

“I love having my daughter being a part of this,” said Mrs Lockwood. “And, if it wasn’t for my husband’s support and encouragement, this wouldn’t have happened.”

When she was trying to decide about taking on this new venture, he said go for it. She said he did not want her wondering in the future, “no ‘shoulda, coulda’ questions.”

Her husband is the silent person in the business, often lending his handyman skills.

“He sneaks in in the middle of the night and fixes things,” Jaclyn joked.

Mrs Lockwood has another daughter, Amanda, who is 20 years old. She wants to get her involved in the business, also, citing her support and encouragement.