Canton Fitness Center Opens [Daily Review, The (PA)]

CANTON - A new year has brought a new fitness center to Canton.

In the downtown, people are working out at the Canton Fitness Center at 38 E. Main St., which opened on Jan. 2. They're lifting weights, getting in shape on exercise machines, grunting, and groaning.

The new fitness center is co-owned by Mary Ann Porter and Lindsay Rathbun of Canton, who are mother and daughter. The new gym is housed in the former Sculpture Body Building, which fitness center business manager Laura Brennan said had been closed for at least three years.

"People seem pretty excited to see the gym back and a gym back in the area," said Brennan. "A lot of people are driving 10 to 15 miles to go to a gym, and they're pretty anxious to see us opening up and to become involved with the gym."

She said people have been making positive comments about the gym. A comment on a customer's Facebook account stated that the gym was affordable and had a relaxed environment with great hours, she said.

Recently, Jason Crawford of Canton was at the fitness center working out. "It's not bad, I like it," he said. He thought it was convenient and close.

Another person who was getting in shape, Megan Dean of Canton, said, "I like it so far."

The cost of membership for an adult is $35 per month; for a full- time student, the cost is $30 per month; and for senior citizens aged 62 years old and above, the cost is $25 per month.

"I have heard a lot of exciting buzz around town about having a fitness facility once again" said Jodi Wesneski, president of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce. "It is great to have another vacant building occupied in Canton. Congratulations to Mary Ann and Lindsay on continuing to support Canton and the business community. The Chamber wishes them much success in their new and exciting endeavor."

In a previous news release, Brennan said that the fitness center already holds a large array of weight equipment, including both free weights and a full circuit of strength training machines.

"We've purchased some additional cardio equipment, which should be here shortly," Brennan added. "We also have a stand-up tanning bed that is going to be installed, and we are excited to offer group fitness classes." Full locker room services are available.

The fitness center is open 7 days a week, from 4 a.m. to midnight. Staff members are on hand from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. When no staff members are working, customers can enter the building with a key card, which is provided to them when they buy a membership. The key card keeps track of gym visits. This data can be used for health insurance reimbursements, Brennan said.

In a couple weeks, the second floor will be opened for group and kids' fitness classes, she noted.

For more information, call the fitness center at (570) 673-5813 or check out the gym's website at www.cantonfitnesscenter.com, which will be up and running in the near future.

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; e-mail: [email protected].