With more than 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry and a successful wellness studio in Tavistock, Marie Whitton has expanded into St. Clements with Fitness Edge.
![Marie Whitton brings a wealth of fitness and health experience to Fitness Edge in St. Clements. [Scott Barber / The Observer]](https://www.observerxtra.com/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/post_venture_fitness.jpg)
Open since July, the facility at the corner of Herrgott Road and Lobsinger Line is a 24-hour, co-ed gym with all the amenities of the large franchise clubs, with a warmer, more personal environment.
“I think we have a lot to offer,” Whitton explained. “It is open 24 hours a day and there are a variety of classes, but it’s also a fun place to be. I like to be involved and to create a warm atmosphere, and as more people join, the energy just keeps getting better and better.”
Originally from Woodstock, Whitton always appreciated the sense of community in rural Ontario. A “people-person,” Whitton is the kind of trainer you want in your corner: Soft, yet firm; knowledgeable and encouraging.
Clearly, she got into the business to share her passion and to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
“Growing up I was very active and involved in track and field,” she said. “Later, when I was getting married, I got involved with a personal trainer, and I just loved it. He was very inspiring, and I just built on from that. I loved how it made me feel and how it all came together and I wanted to learn more. And the more I learned, the more I wanted to share.”
A love of learning and appreciation for the ever-evolving nature of the industry has led Whitton to pursue a number of accreditations including the CanFitPro personal trainer and group fitness instructor certifications and the holistic nutritionist designation by the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. She also provides triathlon coaching, sports conditioning, strength training and body shaping as well as reflexology and ion-detox.
It’s all about helping people reach their goals, she said.
“I love the people. I love showing someone what they can do. Our mind stops our body a lot of the time, and I love watching someone realize what they are capable of; their face just lights up. Whether it is running a 5-km or walking up a flight of stairs that really is the drive behind me.”
And Wellesley Township is a great fit for her personality.
“I researched St. Clements and the area and I realized that it is a great community. It is close to everything, yet it has a small-town feel. I am not from a small town, but I love small towns. I like to get to know people and to know their names and what they are all about.”
So far, the reception has been fantastic, she said. With an enthusiastic staff that includes a couple of local women, Whitton has settled in nicely. She hopes her business can make a positive impact on the community.
“I try to offer the full package,” she said.” It’s not just about working out and making you sweat, it is the full package, including nutrition, overall well being and stress management to promote a balanced lifestyle.”
Working out and eating well are not just about looking great and staying fit she adds, they are critical to our emotional wellbeing.
“That’s how our body is meant to be: whole.”
