Fitness studio Maddog 5/1, in Benton Harbor, has been open less than a year but already it has outgrown its original space and has expanded into the location next door for an additional 2,500 square feet of space.
Owner Marydawn Taggart says that when she decided to open the fitness studio in 2011 people suggested the economy made her timing wrong. "I asked them when would be a good time," Taggert says. "Isn't that when people need to be working out as a group so they can get rid of their stress?" Since then, demand for classes has continued to grow.
The new addition, which brings the fitness center to 5,000 square feet, includes two new studios, a new lobby, additional private showers and restrooms, and a new locker area. Taggert hired two new trainers and a desk clerk as a result of the expansion, bringing her staff to 11.
The Yoga Studio is specifically designed for Maddog Hot Yoga, which Taggert says is not currently offered in the area.
The studio is heated with humidity to 100 to 105 degrees. It calls for static poses with several flows that get the heart pumping and energy flowing. "Hot Yoga is one of the biggest areas of growth in fitness right now and we thought it was a good match with our other programs," Taggart says.
Water Rowers from Indo-Row are another unique offering. A water tank creates resistance that provides the training on the machine, which is made in the United States. The Water Rowers from Indo-Row will be used in a circuit class that combines cardio and strength training, called ShockWave.
Four Maddog personal trainers also will conduct one-on-one sessions in a private setting.
Just added at the beginning of November is Club N.E.W., a smoothie bar that serves serves meal replacement protein shakes and energy tea. It also teaches people about nutrition needs as it relates to weight loss, increased energy, and general wellness. Kelly Gilligan-Latta and Terri Sluder, the two owners, say they love the atmosphere of the Arts District and are thrilled to be partnering with Maddog 5/1.
"What could be a better combination than good nutrition and the best workout in town?" says Gilligan-Latta.
Taggert brings 17 years experience to the business. She began her career training in small groups, much of that time teaching spinning classes. When her students complained that spinning was not providing the results they wanted she began a combined weight training and cardio class. "This was back when people typically did weight training or cardio. They weren't doing both."
As her clients began to see results, Taggert says she realized "this was really something no one else was doing." So she decided to take the plunge and open her own studio.
The building she located in Benton Harbor's Arts District was a good fit, she says. It was affordable and fit her vision of a place where the business could expand without moving. She also wanted to be part of turning around downtown Benton Harbor.
"My vision," Taggert says, "is this will attract other service oriented businesses, like a hair salon or massage therapist. The service we offer is one thing that makes us so unique. We know everyone who takes our classes."
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Marydawn Taggart, Maddog 5/1
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