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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2016-02-10, Page 5Jennifer Fleming does some administrative work at the reception desk of her new training facility in Clinton. On the morning of January 26 she was showing her newly renovated space to those who dropped in to see the space and ask questions. Workhorse owner/operator Jennifer Fleming demonstrates how the rowing machines are brought down from their storage place against the wall to the padded floor area for use during a tour of the facility on January 26. Workhorse training facility opens in Clinton Valerie Gillies Clinton News Record Workhorse Strength and Conditioning is a new training facility that opened the begin- ning of January at 158 Beech Street, Clinton, beside County Club Squash and Fitness Cen- tre, across the road from the Casino and Racetrack Owner/operator Jennifer Fleming began teaching group fitness 18 years ago, helping with classes for Mary Garon at the County Club. Fleming earned her Can Fit Pro group fitness certificate in 2000. She taught classes for several years at Total Fitness in Goderich for Stu Steenstra. While working part-time reception at her sister's busy chiropractic office in Clinton, Fleming's passion for her Crossfit training won out. She took an early leave to pursue her passion and earned her Crossfit Level 1 certificate in May, 2014 and began coaching at The Tank CrossFit in Goder- ich for Dr. James Laithwaite. Fleming made the decision to open Workhorse Strength and Conditioning as she kept hearing that there should be a place in Clinton to give resi- dents better access to a training facility. She agreed that Clinton deserved to have its own train- ing facility and was encouraged that the building beside County Club Squash and Fitness Cen- tre became available, since she is still very connected with the Centre. She is thrilled to be offering her services in her home town. The renovations to the bare -bones space included adding a washroom and Submitted Photos Workhorse Strength and Conditioning sign is not finished and mounted as yet. This is a concept photo provided to the owner from the sign maker. shower. With the opening of Work- horse in Clinton, Fleming com- mends Laithwaite, a chiroprac- tor in Goderich, for being a great mentor. "Dr. J brought brought CrossFit to the area early in 2010 and now three dif- ferent gyms have opened from his students:' The original facil- ity is in Goderich and the two additional gyms being in Kin- cardine and now the Work- horse in Clinton. Both of the new ones are being run by instructors Laithwaite has trained. The Workhorse is not a CrossFit gym as it focuses on strength and conditioning training. Fleming relates that some people are nervous about the idea of strength and condition- ing training as they usually see accomplished athletes and are scared that they cannot do it. She states, "We have people coming in from ages 14 to 80 so people do not need to be scared. The hardest part is deciding to make a life change then coming through the door. We look after all the rest." One of the things empha- sized at Workhorse is the small class sizes. The classes are typically six to eight peo- ple, although one-on-one training sessions or working in twos or threes can be arranged. Fleming recom- mends having a buddy to workout with. "It really makes a big difference in staying motivated. You keep each other coming to class." The smaller sized classes are more personalized to make sure that each participant reaches their goal. It is like having a personal trainer, but in a small fun group, so the best of both settings, since one-on-one can be intimidating. Strength and conditioning training adapts itself well to improving health and fitness for everyday life or for specific training for specific sports and activities. The Legends Program offered at Workhorse is for people 50 years plus. It is a starter class incorporating strength, endurance, agility and balance. It is offered three times per week and is ideal for people recovering from possi- ble surgeries and when their doctor prescribes movement and strength exercises, or just a place to start from. Most current physical farm work is done by machines now and many jobs involve sitting for long periods of time. The Workhorse is a place where the body's normal strength and function can be restored. Sometimes the train- ing is done outdoors to help people adapt to real life situa- tions. Fleming asserts, "Most people don't want to go out- side because they never have before, but once they do they love it." Training workouts can be adapted to address specific sports or other physical activi- ties. Fleming coaches many young athletes from ages 12-17 years to supplement their conditioning for such activities as broomball, moto- cross, hockey, track and swimming. The majority of participants at Workhorse in Clinton are new to training, as the local training facility is just getting going. Fleming plans to keep the classes small. Fleming is holding an Open House at Workhorse Strength and Conditioning on Family Day, February 15 from 9-11 a.m. You can find information on the Workhorse Strength and Conditioning training facility, classes and pricing on the website www.workhors- esc.com or call 519-525-3732. Wednesday, February 10, 2016 • News Record 5 Workhorse Strength and Conditioning is open at 158 Beech Street in Clinton. The signage is not in place yet on January 26, but the building can be found beside County Club Squash and Fitness Centre and across the road from the Casino and racetrack. Workhorse training facility owner was taken by surprise when a participant presented her with a gift of a custom metalwork hanging rack for her ropes and bands. It is now proudly hung in the Clinton facility. There are free weights, balls, ropes, bands and other equipment available at Workhorse training facility for use in classes and training sessions. The walls of Workhorse in Clinton are lined with fitness equipment that can be moved out onto the padded workout floor for use in the varied classes and personal workouts. The wooden boxes can be used along with other pieces.